Bataan First District Representative Geraldine B. Roman, has recently filed a bill that aims to provide relief and assistance to Filipino families affected by calamities and emergencies.

The bill, known as House Bill 7182 or the “Kaluwagan sa Kalamidad Act”, seeks to grant a one-time calamity assistance of P10,000 to every household in areas declared under a state of calamity by the President.

The bill also proposes to suspend the collection of payments for electricity, water, telephone, internet, cable television, and other utilities for three months in calamity-stricken areas.

Moreover, the bill mandates the suspension of interest charges, penalties, and other fees for loans, mortgages, and credit cards for six months in affected areas.

Roman said that her bill is intended to help Filipino families cope with the financial challenges brought about by natural disasters and other emergencies.

She said that many Filipinos are living in fear and anxiety every time there is a typhoon, flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption, or pandemic.

She said that her bill would give them a chance to recover and secure their daily needs after a calamity.

“Nangangamba tuwing may bagyo? Natatakot tuwing may pagbaha? Wag mabahala! May panukalang batas ako para diyan! Sa ilalim ng House Bill 7182 o ang ‘Kaluwagan sa Kalamidad Act’, sama-sama nating malalagpasan ang mga pinansyal na pagsubok sa oras ng kalamidad at iba pang mga emergency,” Roman said in her official Facebook Page post.

She added that she hopes that her bill would gain support from her fellow lawmakers and the public.

She said that she is committed to advancing the welfare of her constituents in Bataan and the Filipino people in general.

“Layunin nitong bigyan ng tulong at oportunidad ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino para makabangon at masiguro ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na buhay matapos ang sakuna. Sabay-sabay nating isulong ang panukalang batas na ito sa Kongreso!”, Roman reiterated. Roman is also known for being a champion of LGBT rights in the Philippines.

She was instrumental in pushing for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill, which seeks to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

She was named as one of the 100 Leading Global Thinkers of 2016 by US-based Foreign Policy magazine and one of “13 Inspiring Women of 2016” list by Time magazine.

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