Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today voted YES to House efforts to oust Chief Justice Renato Corona but warned against the possible creation of an “Aquino Court”.
“The blind support of Chief Justice Renato Corona to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and by extension to the crimes of the latter against the people warrants an impeachment case on the basis of betrayal of public trust. But I stress my vote for Corona’s impeachment with a caveat against Palace machinations to establish an Aquino court,” Palatino said.
“There is an urgent need to …

On the commemoration of International Human Rights Day, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today reminded President Benigno Aquino III that the government should provide adequate funds for social services like health, education, food and housing because these are integral to basic human rights.
“The apparent government neglect to social services such as health, education, food and housing, behooves us to remind the Aquino administration to prioritize the people’s access to these basic needs because they are integral to the fundamental rights of all humans,” Palatino said.
Palatino explained that in …

Seven progressive solons from the House of Representatives today condemned in the strongest possible terms the violent dispersal of hundreds of protesters attempting to reach Mendiola to hold a camp-out protest to call on the Aquino administration to address poverty, insufficient funds for basic services and and lack of substantial social change.
The solons are Reps. Raymond “Mong” Palatino (Kabataan), Teddy Casino and Neri Colmenares (Bayan Muna), Rafael Mariano (Anakpawis), Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Luz Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus (Gabriela).
“The state violence exercised by the Aquino administration against the …

Kabataan Party-list today reinforced calls for Congress to create laws advancing the right and welfare of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals and Transgenders (LGBTs) as the youth group joined the annual Pride March.
“While laws of the land trumpet gender equality between men and women, there are no specific laws that define or expressly protect sexual orientation and gender identity, and define what constitutes discrimination against LGBTs. As a result, educational institutions and workplaces have formulated and implemented policies that are discriminatory, while LGBTs have limited legal and administrative protection against various forms …

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today slammed the Congress ratified 2012 national budget of P1.816 trillion for being “unhealthy and ignorant” as each Filipino per day will get a mere P1.25 for health and P6.55 for education.
“The deficient funds for health and education provide an alarming picture of how this national budget treats the people. The budget is unhealthy and ignorant in its utter disregard of these two basic social needs,” Palatino said.
In the approved 2012 national budget now awaiting the President’s signature for final approval, the health sector …

Press Statement
Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino
Kabataan Party-list
I agree that Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo deserves ‘special treatment’ because she was former president of the Republic. As a concession to her camp, let’s give Rep. Arroyo the chance to choose her preferred detention facility in Metro Manila. After inquiring from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, we learned that there are 25 jails in Metro Manila, 19 of which can accommodate female prisoners.
Name of Jail Female Population
1. Caloocan City Jail                 108
2. Las Pinas     …

In time for the 148th anniversary of the birth of our national hero Andres Bonifacio, Kabataan Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today urged Congress to pass a bill which seeks to include in the college curricula a course on the life, works and ideals of Andres Bonifacio.
House Bill no. 4353 or the “Andres Bonifacio Act of 2011” is a novel measure that aims to “strengthen the values of nationalism and patriotism among the youth” through subjects on Bonifacio.
“Including a course on the life, works and ideals of Andres Bonifacio in …

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today reinforced calls for the prosecution and non-special treatment of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by initiating together with other lawmakers two draft House resolutions which among other things essentially assert that putting Arroyo behind bars in a regular jail is “just and humane.”
“Placing Arroyo under house arrest smacks of special treatment and would be another sign of a deeply entrenched climate of impunity in the current administration. She is a special criminal, yes, but that does not warrant her special …

As flares of elation greet the Supreme Court order to distribute to farmer beneficiaries the 4,915.7 hectares of Hacienda Luisita owned by the relatives of President Benigno Aquino III, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today welcomed the historic victory as he called for vigilance until the decision has been justly implemented.
“The Supreme Court order is definitely a historic victory especially for the farmer beneficiaries. However, given the political dominance of the Aquino-Cojuanco family in the country, it is crucial that we remain vigilant until the distribution of the bloodied …

In light of the prosecution of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino filed in Congress HB 5417 or the Good Governance Education Act of 2011 which aims to educate the youth “on the ideals of public service [that] will encourage them to get involved in bettering public and civic affairs”
“The passage of this bill into law is made more urgent by the political happenings in the country. How can top officials like former President Arroyo wield power to the detriment of the …