MP Benito Participates in CENRE Committee Deliberations on Key Legislative Measures

MAKATI CITY, July 1, 2026 – Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito actively participated in the meeting of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (CENRE), chaired by Member of Parliament Tawakkal Midtimbang, held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

The Committee deliberated on several bills and resolutions referred to it, including Parliament Bill No. 453, "An Act Establishing the 'May Ayuda sa Basura' Program, Institutionalizing a Trash-to-Cash System by Providing Incentives for Sustainable Waste Management, and for Other Purposes."

During the deliberation, MP Benito proposed that incentives under the program be provided in kind, such as rice and other essential commodities, instead of cash. He explained that in-kind assistance would help minimize the risk of irregularities that may arise from the distribution of cash incentives.

The Committee likewise discussed Parliament Bill No. 126, "An Act Declaring the Dimapatoy Watershed in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, as a Protected Area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Defining Preservation Measures, Violations and Penalties, Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes."

MP Benito raised concerns regarding the proposed coverage of the protected area, the possible displacement of existing residents, and the legal status of Indigenous Peoples who may hold Certificates of Ancestral Domain Claims (CADCs).

Following the discussion, the Committee agreed to conduct an oversight meeting with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) in the coming days to further examine the issues raised.

The Committee also deliberated on Parliament Bill No. 623, "An Act to Recognize, Protect, Promote, and Strengthen the Bangsamoro Right to Rural Electrification, Creating the Bangsamoro Electrification Administration (BEA), Defining Its Powers and Functions, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes."

During the discussion, MP Benito sought clarification on the establishment of hydroelectric power projects, particularly on whether such projects could affect the utilization, development, and exploitation of natural resources in the Bangsamoro. He noted that these matters may involve provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), specifically those concerning the wealth-sharing and power-sharing arrangements between the Bangsamoro Government and the National Government.

Member of Parliament Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, the principal author of the proposed measure, clarified the concerns raised by MP Benito during the Committee deliberations.