NEWSROOM – Wes Gatchalian

2022

	GMA News: House ratifies bicam report on bill regulating vape products 26 January 2022 The House of Representatives on Wednesday ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the measure seeking to regulate vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products or vapes. No congressman objected to the ratification of the said measure which bans posts, messages, or images by manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers that encourage the purchase and use of vape products.The chairman of the House contingent in the bicameral panel was Deputy Speaker Weslie Gatchalian while Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto chaired that of the Senate.
	PTV News: Bill regulating e-cigarettes, heated tobacco hurdles bicam 20 January 2022 The congressional bicameral conference committee on Wednesday, Jan. 19, approved a measure that would regulate the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use, and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, as well as novel tobacco products. The panel, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate contingents led by Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian and Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Ralph Recto, respectively, approved the report reconciling the disagreeing provisions of House Bill 9007 and Senate Bill 2239.
	GMA News: Bicam panel finishes report on bill regulating vape products 19 January 2022 A bicameral conference committee has reconciled the disagreeing provisions of the Senate and House versions of the measure seeking to regulate vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products or vapes. The chairman of the House contingent in the bicameral panel was Deputy Speaker Weslie Gatchalian while Recto chaired that of the Senate.

2021

	Philippine Star: Getting vaxxed: A choice of life or death 14 December 2021 Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian and Representatives Victor Yap of Tarlac and Manny Lopez of Manila should be commended by the public for sponsoring a bill requiring all SIM card holders to be registered. The bill proposing the SIM Card Registration Act has passed the House of Representatives. All SIM card holders who scam or threaten other cellphone owners or use the SIM card to detonate remote-controlled bombs would be identified under the proposed law.
	Manila Standard: Fighting scammers 13 December 2021 According to the lawmaker, the country’s lack of a law requiring SIM registration creates opportunities for scammers to proliferate in the country – and his brother is only one of the millions of Filipinos who have fallen victim to these unscrupulous individuals. As the DICT reports, 1 out of 5 people in the country or about 20 percent of the Filipinos have already fallen victim to text scams.
	Business Mirror: Government lender approves ₧5.6-billion borrowing for MSMEs 4 October 2021 Deputy Speaker for Trade and Industry Rep. Weslie Gatchalian filed a resolution to hike the budget of the DTI by P1.6 billion to further assist MSMEs amid the closures due to mobility restrictions. The Trade department and its attached agencies have been allocated P23.7 billion for next year’s budget.
	Philippine News Agency: House resolution allots P1.6-B budget hike for DTI to revive MSMEs 28 September 2021 Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian, the principal author of the bill, said gradually shifting to renewable sources of energy to diversify the power mix can address the Philippines’ problem of energy supply. Gatchalian said renewables can enhance energy reliability and reduce emissions while supporting the target of the administration to reach 100 percent electrification by 2022. He said one of the current trends that promote renewable energy is electric vehicles. “This proposed measure, to begin with, stands on a constitutional provision that mandates the state to ‘protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature’,” he said.
	Business Mirror: House resolution allots P1.6-B budget hike for DTI to revive MSMEs 21 September 2021 Lawmakers have filed a resolution seeking a P1.6-billion increase in the budget of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to assist and develop more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Deputy Speaker for Trade and Industry Wes Gatchalian said they filed House Resolution 2228 to boost DTI’s capability to extend assistance to MSMEs, which play a crucial role in economic recovery.
	Inquirer: Lawmakers want P1.6-B increase in DTI budget to help MSMEs 21 September 2021 A P1.6-billion increase in next year’s P23.7-billion budget of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is being pushed in the House of Representatives in order to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Under House Resolution No. 2228, four House lawmakers said that with the “meager budget” of DTI for next year, “only a fraction of MSMEs will be served, contrary to the national government’s intention for inclusive recovery amidst the worst crisis to affect our generation.” The measure was filed by Deputy Speaker on Trade and Industry Wes Gatchalian, House committee on trade and industry chair John Reynald Tiangco, Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez.
	Business Mirror: House tells PSC to ensure grant of cash perks to sports winners 29 June 2021 Lawmakers asked the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Thursday to ensure that all Filipino podium finishers as well their coaches will receive their cash incentives as provided for by Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. Under RA 10699, Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela said gold, silver, and bronze individual medalists in the Olympic Games are entitled to receive P10 million, P5 million and P2 million, respectively.
	Philippine News Agency: Congress creates Medal of Excellence for Hidilyn 29 June 2021 Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian called on the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to ensure that all Filipino podium finishers will receive their cash incentives as provided for by Republic Act (RA) No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. “The accolade for the record-breaking medal of Diaz, the first gold for the Philippines in a century, is because of her hard work and dedication. Our athletes have made our country proud and incentives provided to them by law is a token of our gratitude for the honor they bring us, and the PSC should ensure that the incentives for our winning athletes are given in a timely manner,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
	Business Mirror: Measure to raise Neda to a Cabinet-level department up for plenary approval 20 June 2021 The House Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday endorsed for plenary approval a measure abolishing the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), and replaces the existing socioeconomic planning body with the proposed Department of Economics and Development Planning (DEDP). This after the committee, chaired by AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin, approved substitute bill to HB 79 of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, HB 1310 of Deputy Speaker Weslie Gatchalian and HB 4693 of Tarlac Rep. Victor Yap.
	Business Mirror: Wellness Arena in Valenzuela soon 20 June 2021 VALENZUELA City is trying to make a case as the country’s next sporting hub with the construction of a new multi-sports arena. The 1.2 hectare training facility, a project of Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian, houses a two-court basketball floor, volleyball court, badminton area, chess, table tennis, and billiards hall, main hall, dugouts, among others, and will be called Wellness Entertainment Sports (WES) Arena located in Barangay Punturin.
	Philippine News Agency: House panel OKs bill creating energy advocacy office 15 June 2021 Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian, the author of the measure, said the EACO would act as the independent end-user representative in all rate-setting, rule-making, as well as other energy-related cases and proceedings before government agencies, including judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.
	Manila Bulletin: Protect the delivery service riders from fake, fickle customers 14 June 2021 Very recently, the Lower House approved HB 7805 that consolidated HB 6958 filed by Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin with HB 6122 authored by Rep. Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela City. HB 7805 is entitled “An Act Providing Protection to Consumers and Merchants Engaged in Internet Transactions, creating for the purpose the Electronic Commerce Bureau or the Internet Transactions Act. It protects both the consumers and persons and merchants involved in internet transactions. The House version proposes consumers found guilty of breaking the law will be fined P50,000, while erring platform operators and online merchants, P500,000 to P5 million.
	Inquirer: Here’s what you need to know about the House – approved parking fee regulation bill 7 June 2021 Deputy Speaker and Valenzuela City Rep. Wes Gatchalian, one of the main proponents of the measure, said establishments shall be held accountable for loss of property or damage to a customer’s vehicle while in the parking space. “On top of providing minimum standards, the proposed law will also hold establishment owners accountable for loss of property or damage to a customer’s motor vehicle while the said vehicle is inside their parking spaces by prohibiting them from invoking a waiver of liability,” Gatchalian said.
	Philippine Star: House passes bill regulating parking fees 6 June 2021 Deputy Speaker for Trade Wes Gatchalian said the measure is necessary to protect consumers from unreasonable parking rates and fees while at the same time giving parking operators a fair return on their investments.
	Business Mirror: Bill sets fees, holds mall owners accountable for loss, damage to vehicles in car park 3 June 2021 “I am glad that the bill is one step closer to becoming a law despite some misgivings of the owners of retail and commercial establishments and independent parking operators,” Deputy Speaker for Trade and Industry Wes Gatchalian said.
	Manila Bulletin: After 21 years, car park regulations bill now in Lower House priority list 30 May 2021 The current House of Representatives leadership has placed among its priority legislative measures the bill seeking to regulate the operations and imposition of fees of vehicle parking facilities, making it the first to pursue the measure originally filed in 1997. HB 7225, or the Parking Operations and Fees Regulation Act, consolidated 21 similar measures filed by Deputy Speakers Michael “Mikee” Romero (1PACMAN) ; Rodante Marcoleta (1SAGIP); and Wes Gatchalian (1st District, Valenzuela City; and , together with Reps. Precious Hipolito Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City); Rowena Nina Taduran (ACT-CIS Partylist); Alfred de los Santos (Ang Probinsyano); Enrico Pineda (1PACMAN): Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (Tingog Sinirangan) and Romualdez, among other authors.
	Philippine Star: House passes bill limiting vapes, e-cigs to ages 18 up 28 May 2021 Deputy Speaker for trade and industry Wes Gatchalian, who earlier presided over the committee hearings on the bill, said the measure would help curb the proliferation of an illegal industry selling ENDS products to minors. “We would like to emphasize that this bill will serve to regulate, and not ban, the sale of these products,” the Valenzuela congressman stressed. He explained that since the products come in the form of electronic devices, they will be regulated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to protect consumers.
	Philippine News Agency: Bill on use of electric vehicles hurdles House panels 12 May 2021 Gatchalian said renewables can enhance energy reliability and reduce emissions while supporting the target of the administration to reach 100 percent electrification by 2022. He said one of the current trends that promote renewable energy is electric vehicles. “This proposed measure, to begin with, stands on a constitutional provision that mandates the state to ‘protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature’,” he said. The bill seeks to mandate all gasoline stations, as well as public and private establishments to have designated parking areas for electric vehicles.
	Business Mirror: Passage of mandatory SIM card registration bill pushed 10 May 2021 The House deputy speaker for Trade and Industry has joined the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in calling for the mandatory registration of prepaid SIM, or subscriber identity module, cards to stem online scam activities. Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela joined the call in light of the reported growing number of online scams and fraudulent transactions involving food delivery services, among others.
	Philippine Star: Mandatory prepaid SIM registration sought 09 May 2021 Deputy Speaker for Trade and Industry Wes Gatchalian called for the immediate passage of his House Bill No. 5793, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act, that would help authorities run after people behind fraudulent online activities. “We change SIM cards as fast as we change our soiled shirts. Alarmingly, this seeming boundless stream of supply has become a magnet for nefarious and illegal activities,” Gatchalian said. He cited for instance the recent spike in fraudulent bookings in food delivery services like GrabFood and Food Panda which rip off both merchants and riders.
	Inquirer: Lawmaker pushes registration of SIM cards anew 08 May 2021 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian made the call amid reports of scams and fake bookings involving food delivery services. Gatchalian stressed that “even text scams would virtually be eradicated” if a law mandating SIM card registration was enacted. “We would easily be able to ascertain the identity of these scammers as everyone purchasing a prepaid SIM card would now be required to provide a valid ID,” he said.
	GMA News: House bill seeks Bayanihan 2 law extension until March 2021 07 May 2021 Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian is pushing for the registration of prepaid SIM cards to help authorities in tracing scammers and those involved in fraudulent online activities. advertisement Gatchalian, one of the primary authors of the House Bill No. 5793 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act, made the call on Friday in light of the increasing number of online scams and fraudulent transactions involving food delivery services.
	Inquirer: Mandatory registration of prepaid SIM cards gets fresh push 07 May 2021 Deputy Speaker for Trade and Industry and Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian renewed his call Friday for the mandatory registration of prepaid SIM cards amid reports of fraudulent activities, including fake bookings on food delivery services. Gatchalian, who is one of the authors of the House Bill No. 5793 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act, said that since users of food delivery services can create fake names and hide behind the anonymity of their prepaid mobile number can give, “they become brazen in committing fraudulent act.”
	Philippine Star: Flexibility sought for private sector vaccine plan 24 April 2021 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian said many private companies want their employees inoculated at the soonest. “This would relieve the government of the additional burden of providing the vaccines to these sectors… The private sector has gone over and beyond corporate social responsibility when they donated half of their vaccine procurement to the government. In return, the guidelines that the private sector must follow in the conduct of the vaccination program should be clear and allow them the leeway and flexibility to inoculate their employees after the priorities set by the law,” Gatchalian stressed.
	Philippine News Agency: Lawmaker pushes for law protecting vaccinated individuals 22 April 2021 Meanwhile, Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian urged the national government to give the private sector the leeway and flexibility to roll out their Covid-19 vaccination programs without classification of their employees. Gatchalian reiterated that although the vaccines were procured by the private sector using their own funds with the facility of the government through a tripartite agreement, this private sector initiative would “redound to the benefit” of the Department of Health (DOH) as it would now be unburdened from the cost of having to vaccinate the millions of private sector workers. The rollout, he stressed, should be given to all its employees, fairly and without distinction or classification.
	The Manila Times: Lawmakers warn vs Covid ‘drugs’ 06 April 2021 Valenzuela City Rep. Weslie Gatchalian shared Biazon’s concern, stressing that Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, is not a cure for coronavirus.
	Inquirer: Lawmaker warns vs online sale of ivermectin 06 April 2021 Valenzuela City Rep. Wesley Gatchalian warned the public on Monday against “abusive” online merchants selling the animal drug ivermectin as treatment against COVID-19.
	Business Mirror: Govt urged to create ‘special team’ to assist firms in vaccine acquisition 26 March 2021 “At this time when we have to win against a pandemic that has caused numerous lives and continues to negatively impact the ability of the Filipino people to work, to go to school, to see their families, we need to unite and make sure no one is left behind and discriminated upon,” Gatchalian said. “It is premature at this point to assume that these companies may use the vaccines to promote their products. Let me call the attention of the WHO representative to Section 5 of Republic Act 11525 wherein it is clear that the vaccines to be procured are for the exclusive use of such companies,” he added.
	Business Mirror: Bill expands perks to private companies’ CSR campaigns 24 March 2021 “We cannot thank you enough for all that you have donated—from PPE for our frontliners to basic necessities and financial aid —for those affected by the prolonged lockdown. May we continue to count on all of you until this pandemic is over,” Gatchalian, sponsor of House Bill 6137, or the Corporate Social Responsibility Act, and former chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Industry, said.
	Manila Standard: Lawmakers ask gov’t to repeal ‘unlawful’ CSC circular against tobacco companies 23 March 2021 Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian said the DOH’s draft order was an overreach and beyond the authority of the department aside from being unconstitutional.
	Business Mirror: ‘Better to err on side of caution’: Solon backs pandemic curbs 24 February 2021 Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela said it is better to err on the side of caution in easing coronavirus quarantine restrictions rather than hastily ease coronavirus quarantine restrictions in the country. While the country is poised to receive its supply of Covid-19 vaccines in the coming days, he said, the inoculation of the public does not necessarily guarantee immunity from the virus.
	Philippine News Agency: Modernization of intellectual property law ‘closer to fruition’ 24 February 2021 The House Committee on Trade and Industry consolidated House Bill (HB) 8062, authored by Representatives Christopher De Venecia and Sharon Garin; HB 1597 by Deputy Speaker Michael Romero; and HB 8620 by Deputy Speaker Weslie Gatchalian. The Technical Working Group has agreed to use Gatchalian’s HB 8620 as its working draft for the new intellectual property law.
	The Manila Times: Govt to reopen more industries 24 February 2021 Deputy Speaker and Valenzuela First District Rep. Wes Gatchalian said he supports the gradual reopening of businesses to revive the economy but the safety of the people “must always come first… It is better to err on the side of caution because should another surge in cases occur, we might needlessly flood our almost full-capacity hospitals to the detriment of the whole health care system,” he pointed out.
	Inquirer: Be prudent in easing COVID-19 restrictions, House leader tells gov’t 23 February 2021 Gatchalian said that while he supports the gradual reopening of businesses in the country to help revive the economy, public’s safety must always come first.
	Inquirer: Not a trivial matter 19 February 2021 “Given how contagious and deadly the novel coronavirus is, it is only appropriate that stiffer punishments be imposed on anyone who knowingly fakes COVID-19 test results,” said Gatchalian. The faking of COVID-19 test results may seem like “a trivial procedural matter” to some, but allowing visitors to readily get away with it “recklessly endangers the lives of the people these offenders may interact or come into contact with,” he pointed out. “The desire of individuals to proceed with their lives in the new normal should not be at the expense of other people. Falsification per se is not the only issue here, but the corresponding risks it poses for public safety.”
	Manila Times: Stiffer penalties sought for falsifying Covid test results 16 February 2021 House Deputy Speaker and Valenzuela City Rep. Weslie Gatchalian has proposed stiffer penalties for falsifying coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test results. Last week, the lawmaker filed House Bill 8643, which amends Section 9 of Republic Act 11332 (“Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act”), to include falsification of Covid-19 test result as among the acts it prohibits.
	Inquirer: Stiffer penalties for faking COVID-19 test results sought 15 February 2021 Under House Bill No. 8643 filed by Deputy Speaker and Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian, any individual proven to have falsified any COVID test results — whether reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab, rapid antigen, or saliva test results — shall be imprisoned for a minimum of six years and one day to a maximum of 12 years.
	GMA News: House bill seeking to impose stricter penalties vs. those faking COVID test results filed 15 February 2021 Deputy Speaker Weslie Gatchalian is pushing for the imposition of stiffer penalties against individuals who falsify COVID-19 test results. In filing House Bill 8643, Gatchalian on Monday pointed out that faking a COVID-19 test result would pose risk to the safety of the public.
	Manila Bulletin: Consumer Act revisited 13 February 2021 The Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394 of 1992) is being revised to address the prevalence of prohibited activities affecting consumer protection and align it with developments in technology in electronic commerce.The House Committee on Trade and Industry led by Chairperson John Reynald Tiangco, Deputy Speakers Wes Gatchalian and Rufus Rodriguez approved last February 4, 2021 the substitute bill now called the Revised Consumer Act of the Philippines (RCAP).
	Philippine Star: PNP, NBI urged: Crack down on fake vaccines 12 February 2021 “With the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines in the country, we are anticipating unscrupulous individuals selling unregistered, or worse, fake vaccines,” Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian said. Gatchalian asked the cybercrime units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to pool their resources to apprehend opportunists who would prey on the public.
	Philippine Star: Implementation of 3-strike policy in RFID lanes eyed on February 22 10 February 2021 “If we are going to impose penalties on our motorists, there should be heavier penalties for toll operators,” Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian (Valenzuela City) said.
	Business Mirror: Solon to law enforcers: Hit hard on illegal vaccine traders 09 February 2021 With the expected delivery of the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines this month, the House deputy speaker for trade and industry on Monday urged law-enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown against unregistered Covid-19 vaccines proliferating in the online market. Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian the statement following the warning of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the public against buying and using unregistered Covid-19 vaccines being sold online.
	Inquirer: Avoid COVID-19 vaccines from black market, doctors warn 09 February 2021 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian said there could be “an influx of unscrupulous individuals selling unregistered or, worse, fake vaccines” with the expected arrival of COVID-19 vaccines this month. “We call on all cybercrime agencies of the government to be on the lookout for illegal and unregistered COVID-19 vaccines and pool their resources to apprehend opportunists who prey on the public,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
	Philippine Star: Defer 3-strike policy vs RFID users, TRB urged 09 February 2021 “Until such time that Easytrip and Autosweep are made compatible with each other’s tollway system, no fines should be imposed on motorists using the expressways,” House Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian said.
	Inquirer: Intensify crackdown on illegal Covid-19 vaccines sold online, solon urges 08 February 2021 Deputy Speaker for Trade and Industry and Valenzuela City Rep. Wes Gatchalian said there might be an influx of unscrupulous individuals selling unregistered or fake vaccines especially with the expected arrival of the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines in the country this month.
	Business Mirror: Bid to lower tariffs on pork, rice imports divides solons 03 February 2021 During the joint hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food and House Committee on Trade and Industry, Deputy Speaker Weslie Gatchalian said the Department of Agriculture should focus on how the agency will help and strengthen the local industry instead of reducing tariffs.
	Business Mirror: House bill assures preservation, roadworthiness of vintage cars 22 January 2021 House Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of a bill protecting and regulating the ownership and use of vintage vehicles, which, he said, could provide economic opportunities to Filipinos, while giving importance to the country’s history and heritage.

2020

	GMA News: House bill seeks Bayanihan 2 law extension until March 2021 10 December 2020 AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Representative Sharon Garin and Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian filed House Bill 8099 to ensure consistent and efficient delivery of assistance to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and also to aid economic recovery.
	Inquirer: Suspend cashless toll collection, Valenzuela lawmaker asks DOTr 06 December 2020 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian wants the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to stop the implementation of the cashless toll collection system until operators resolve the glitches in their radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, which have caused heavy traffic in the past few days. Gatchalian made the call after Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian threatened to suspend the NLEx Corp.’s business permit for its “RFID fiasco.”
	Business Mirror: Protecting our own construction industry 02 December 2020 The bill’s author, Valenzuela City Rep. Wes Gatchalian, said the measure would level the playing field in the construction industry to encourage competition, transfer of technology and sharing of knowledge between Filipino and foreign contractors.
	Philippine Star: House passes bill regulating e-commerce 28 November 2020 “The passage of this bill is very timely as we foresee that online transactions will be the new normal even after the coronavirus pandemic. Right now, a lot of platforms accept sellers without conducting background checks. Now, with a new regulation that covers transactions using the internet, online platforms must exercise due diligence in the onboarding of sellers or otherwise these platforms will be held liable with their merchants,” Gatchalian stressed.
	Manila Bulletin: House approves Internet Transactions bill 18 November 2020 Authored by Valenzuela City Rep. Wesley Gatchalian, House Bill 7805 or the proposed Internet Transactions Act was approved just an hour after the bill was sponsored on the floor. HB 7805 is among the legislative measures that Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Senate President Vicente Sotto III agreed to prioritize.
	ABS-CBN News: Lawmaker bats for ‘E-Commerce Bureau’ to deal with online selling fraud 13 November 2020 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian said that with e-commerce exploding in growth as consumers and businessmen move to online shopping and selling, fraud complaints have also risen from around 2,000 cases before the pandemic to over 14,000 currently.
	CNN: Solon flags low number of resolved online transaction cases 10 November 2020 The number of complaints grew by over 500 percent compared to 2019, wherein the DTI received more than 2,400 complaints from online shoppers, noted Gatchalian. Most grievances involve violations of the Price Act, defective products and deceptive, unfair selling practices, he added.
	Philippine Star: DTI: Online scams rose 500 percent this year 10 November 2020 Gatchalian said that with the onset of the digital age, it is incumbent upon the government to impose a law regulating internet transactions that would ultimately curb the prevalence of online scams and other fraudulent and deceptive practices. “We really need stricter rules to hold both e-commerce platforms and courier services accountable for damaged or lost goods purchased online. Doing so would drastically reduce the incidence of fraud and theft of goods while in transit to the consumer,” he said.
	Manila Bulletin: DTI gets 14, 869 consumer complaints vs. online selling platforms 09 November 2020 “A total of 14, 869, as of October 31, [were] received by the Department involving online transactions as compared to 2019 where we received only 2, 457 complaints,” she told the panel, chaired by Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Weslie Gatchalian during its probe on the reported increasing cases of online fraud and recent spate of internet scams and fake online bookings, including the online sale or distribution of illegal drugs
	Business Mirror: Online platforms told to keep track of merchants’ activities 09 November 2020 In a statement following his committee inquiry into the growing cases of online fraud, Internet scams, fake online bookings, and sale/distribution of illegal drugs online or via social media, Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian, the panel chairman, urged online platforms to exercise due diligence with regards to their merchants and not pass off the responsibility to law- enforcement agencies to run after people who are behind these online illegal activities.
	Manila Bulletin: DOTr: Cashless toll payments should not be delayed 06 November 2020 Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Weslie Gatchalian urged the DOTr on Wednesday to defer the implementation of the new payment scheme until next year or when the RFID systems of the two toll operators had become interoperable. Gatchalian noted that it would be “burdensome” and “confusing” for motorists, especially for those who rarely use the expressways, to get and use two different RFID tags — the Easytrip and Autosweep.
	Business World: ‘Pass bill mandating creation of national cashless toll system’ 05 November 2020 Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Wes Gatchalian, chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Industry, said his House Bill 6119 requires all toll collection facilities operating in Philippines expressways to implement technologies and business practices that provide for the interoperability of electronic toll collection programs.
	Inquirer: Don’t implement cashless toll payments until RFIDs are interoperable – solon tells DOTr 05 November 2020 The Department of Transportation (DOTr) should not implement cashless toll payments until radio-frequency identification (RFID) of the two toll operators had become interoperable, Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Wes Gatchalian said in a statement on Wednesday.
	ABS-CBN News: Here’s why PH auto industry has fallen behind 28 October 2020 Solons and stakeholders agree–the Philippine automotive industry has failed to prosper due to the country’s failure to expand the local sector for car parts.
	Business Mirror: Internet Transactions Act pushed as online scams thrive in pandemic 04 October 2020 Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Wes Gatchalian said the ITA is one of the priority measures cited by President Duterte in his last State of the Nation Address as he urged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to expedite the passage of the bill.
	Manila Bulletin: House panel pushes bill to regulate car parks, make operators liable for overcharging 26 September 2020 Gatchalian said HB 7225 proposes to promote public safety and the general welfare of consumers who avail of parking facilities offered by business operators.
	Manila Bulletin: DTI proposes special SRP during ‘seasons of buying’ 23 September 2020 During a recent virtual hearing of the House Committee on Trade and Industry, Valenzuela 2nd district Rep. Weslie Gatchalian said Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo presented DTI’s proposed amendments to Republic Act (RA) no.7581, the Price Act of 1992, in order to make the law more attuned to the times.
	Manila Bulletin: House panel OKs bill extending for another 20 years subsidized power rate for poor consumers 17 September 2020 “This bill will extend the lifeline rate for an additional 20 years or up to 2041. This will ensure continuity of the crucial assistance to low income electricity consumers enabling them to access electricity and improve their lives,” said Gatchalian.
	Business Mirror: House panel accepts Price Act amendments 10 September 2020 Gatchalian said these bills include HBs 1278 and 2662 providing protection to consumers by expanding the definition of basic necessities and prime commodities; HB 5176 imposing an automatic price control on prices of construction materials during certain situations; and HB 6658 declaring personal protective equipment (PPE), face masks, safety goggles and medical devices as prime commodities.
	Business Mirror: Solons back DTI’s call to restore P2.6-billion budget for MSMEs 01 September 2020 House Committee on Trade and Industry Chairman Weslie Gatchalian said DTI’s 2021 allocation is not enough to help the 1 million registered MSMEs, as well as the 4 million unregistered enterprises who have also been affected by the crisis.
	GMA News: House joint panel TWG approves bill regulating vapes, e-cigarettes 01 September 2020 “Manufacturers of electrical devices intended to be used in combination with ENDS/ENNDS shall ensure that the devices they produce will comply with the applicable electrical safety standards set by the Bureau of Product Standards of the DTI,” Gatchalian added.
	Business Mirror: House grants Dito franchise to operate 25 August 2020 The bill, which was authored by House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chairman Franz Alvarez and Valenzuela Rep. Weslie Gatchalian, grants the 25-year franchise application of DITO to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain wired and/or wireless telecommunications systems in the country.
	Manila Bulletin: Creation of eCommerce Bureau gets Appropriations committee approval 25 August 2020 “The bill seeks to protect the consumers. This bill also seeks to protect the merchants who are selling on Facebook, who are on transacting in Lazada, in Shopee, etc. The purpose of the bill is to have a one-stop wherein all the complaints can be addressed and this is what we call eCommerce Bureau,” Gatchalian said in his sponsorship speech.
	Manila Bulletin: Party leaders sign Manifesto of Unity to ensure swift passage of Bayanihan II 6 August 2020 The Manifesto of Unity contained a declaration of commitment of the various political parties and partylist organizations in the Lower House to pass the proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan) II at the soonest time possible. Aside from the House leader, other signatories of the manifesto included: … Weslie Gatchalian, Nationalist People’s Coalition.
	ABS-CBN News: Creation of eCommerce Bureau gets Appropriations committee approval 05 August 2020 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian of the Nationalist Peoples’ Coalition … spoke in behalf of their parties to express support for the measure.
	Manila Bulletin: PH going cashless 12 July 2020 To strengthen e-commerce in the country, the DTI is supporting the various bills related to ecommerce, particularly House Bill (HB) No. 6122 or the “Internet Transactions Act” authored by Trade Committee Chair Representative Wes Gatchalian.
	GMA News: House panel tackles bill prohibiting expiration of prepaid load 3 July 2020 Valenzuela City First District Representative Wes Gatchalian said the bill he filed seeks to prohibit the imposition of an expiration period on the validity of prepaid load credits and their eventual forfeiture, saying this should give consumers their money’s worth.
	Business Mirror: Cashless collection system for expressways use pushed 29 June 2020 At the moment, customers who purchase from online platforms are limited to courier services they have selected, said Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Wes Gatchalian
	CNN: eCommerce platforms, sellers should be liable for damaged, lost goods bought online, says solon 26 June 2020 At the moment, customers who purchase from online platforms are limited to courier services they have selected, said Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Wes Gatchalian
	Manila Bulletin: Gatchalian bats for cashless toll payments in expressways 26 June 2020 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian on Friday urged colleagues in Congress to pass a bill that would allow the country’s expressways to transition to a unified cashless collection system now being practiced in many developed countries.
	Manila Bulletin: Loan applications of MSMEs hit P2 B 25 June 2020 Cong. Wes Gatchalian, also a panelist at the “Kapihan sa Manila Bay” said that registering the online sellers is also one way of levelling the playing field because those being sold online are the same items sold in malls by vendors, who closed their stores during the lockdowns and are therefore unable to sell their products.
	Philippine Star: Regulation of e-commerce industry pushed 25 June 2020 Gatchalian, chair of the House trade and industry committee, said a law is needed to ensure protection of the e-commerce industry, which is expected to further boom as Filipinos brace for the “new normal” of buying things through the internet while facing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
	Philippine News Agency: Nearly 10K complaints filed due to bogus online transactions 24 June 2020 In the same online forum, Valenzuela City 1st District Rep. Weslie Gatchalian said registration and regulation do not mean automatic taxation.
	ABS-CBN News: Lockdown profiteers used e-commerce to hoard face masks, supplies: police 18 June 2020 “It is inevitable whether we like it or not. This is the internet age and this economy will grow. At the end of the day we have to put order in the internet world,” said Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Wes Gatchalian, who is pushing for the measure.
	ABS-CBN News: E-commerce complaints surge during lockdown: DTI 18 June 2020 Gatchalian said the bill was timely as it sought the creation of an E-Commerce Bureau under the DTI to ensure liability of sellers and platforms in case of wrongdoing.
	Business Mirror: DTI registration of online sellers is for regulation: solon 16 June 2020 Meanwhile, Gatchalian clarified that the registration of an online business is for regulation purposes and does not mean it will automatically be taxed. Gatchalian added the DTI encourages registration of online businesses to ensure consumer protection and to build trust and confidence in the use of these online platforms.
	Philippine News Agency: DTI registration of online sellers is for regulation: solon 15 June 2020 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian, chairman of the House trade and industry committee, said the regulatory action should not be taken as a barrier to business, but an opportunity for growth in terms of access to government programs and incentives.
	Philippine News Agency: DTI supports legislation to boost e-commerce law in PH 14 June 2020 “To strengthen e-commerce in the country, DTI is supporting the various bills related to e-commerce, particularly House Bill 6122 or the ‘Internet Transactions Act’ authored by Trade Committee Chair Representative Wes Gatchalian,” he said.
	Manila Bulletin: IPOPHL raises concern over growing trade in fake products 13 June 2020 Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Director General Rowel Barba raised this issue as he expressed support for House Bill No. 6122 … as introduced by Representative Wes Gatchalian.
	Manila Bulletin: Big jump in complaints vs. online sellers during ECQ — DTI 11 June 2020 Asked by Gatchalian if the DTI has been able to file actual charges against these sellers–be it those with overpricing complaints or on account of other alleged offenses—Castelo answered in the negative.
	Philippine Information Agency: Law protecting online shoppers pushed 09 June 2020 House Committee on Trade and Industry chair and Valenzuela City Representative Wes Gatchalian on Tuesday announced his filing of a measure that would protect online shoppers from scammers and unscrupulous sellers similar to that of the Consumer Protection Act.
	Manila Bulletin: President empowered to reset school opening 04 June 2020 Gatchalian said the bill will give the Chief Executive the flexibility to adjust the opening date of a school year to address a state of emergency or calamity that has disrupted the school year.
	Manila Bulletin: DTI: eCommerce bill to help resolve online scams 03 June 2020 The Philippine Internet Economy – which covers eCommerce, online travel, online media, and ride hailing – is only bound to get bigger in the coming years, panel chairman Valenzuela City 2nd District Rep. Weslie Gatchalian said in his sponsorship speech for HB No.6122.
	Inquirer: McDonald’s shares enhanced safety protocols with DTI 01 June 2020 At a visit by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led by Secretary Ramon Lopez, National Task Force against Covid-19 Chief Implemente Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., and Chairman of House Committee on Trade and Industry Congressman Wes Gatchalian, McDonald’s showed that it is ready for dine-in with its safety protocols for employees and customers in place.
	Philippine News Agency: DTI pushes for urgent passage of stimulus package vs. Covid-19 25 May 2020 The bill is aimed at restoring business confidence and operations, as well as preventing business closure prior to the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). It has also been the subject of many consultations and hearings under … Trade and Industry under Chairman Wes Gatchalian.
	Inquirer: House opts to proceed with deliberations on ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise 19 May 2020 Valenzuela City Rep. Weslie Gatchalian from the National People’s Coalition (NPC) Party, expressed their party’s support, saying there are still issues that need to be resolved regarding ABS-CBN’s franchise.
	Philippine News Agency: OCD sends Gatchalian-donated med supplies, PPE to Mindanao hubs 30 April 2020 The items, worth PHP30 million and acquired by the Gatchalian family from Fujian, China, arrived at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on Sunday and were immediately turned over to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and OCD Administrator Ricardo Jalad on the same day.
	CNN: Lawmakers back ‘conservative’ extension of Metro Manila lockdown to May 15 24 April 2020 House Trade Committee chair and Valenzuela Rep. Weslie Gatchalian flagged that government should already ease restrictions on sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and food security in order to “balance the priorities” between commerce and health.
	Philippine Star: Walang Shortage sa food supply 24 March 2020 House Trade Committee chair and Valenzuela Rep. Weslie Tiniyak kahapon ni Valenzuela City 1st District Rep. Wes Gatchalian, chairman ng House Committee on Trade and Industry na walang shortage sa supply ng pagkain sa gitna na rin ng idinulot na problema sa transportasyon kaugnay ng ipinatutupad ng Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) sa buong Luzon partikular na sa Metro Manila dulot ng matinding banta ng COVID 19.
	Business Mirror: Flour millers, food firms assure public of stable supply of commodities 22 March 2020 Gatchalian earlier launched an inquiry on the supply and availability of wheat flour during the quarantine period.
	Philippine News Agency: Corporate social responsibility sought amid Covid-19 crisis 17 March 2020 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian, chairman of House committee on trade and industry, said the health sector, particularly frontline health workers, need the help of big companies.
	Business Mirror: Run after hoarders, DTI urged 12 March 2020 The chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Industry on Thursday called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor and penalize hoarders of basic necessities and prime commodities amid the implementation of national health emergency due to Covid-19.
	Manila Bulletin: House panel finally okays parking regulation measure 11 March 2020 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian appeared satisfied with the bright prospect of having the bill passed into law.
	Manila Bulletin: House panel okays bill on Timbangan ng Bayan centers 01 March 2020 “The practice of vendors, manipulating the scales to cheat their customers is far too common in the markets of the country. It is not isolated and it happens everywhere, in Metro Manila, the Visayas and even in Mindanao,” Gatchalian said.
	PTV News: Solon urges proactive stance in mitigating COVID-19 impact on the country’s economy 26 February 2020 Gatchalian, who chairs the House Committee on Trade and Industry, warned of the dire consequences the COVID-19 would have on the Philippine economy should the disease become a pandemic.
	Business Mirror: Solons, DTI find price violations in Taal-hit sites 28 January 2020 House Committee on Trade and Industry Chairman Wes Gatchalian, together with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, inspected prices of basic and prime commodities in the calamity-stricken province of Batangas to check compliance with the Consumer Act and Price Act.
	Philippine Star: Creation of Taal Commission pushed 19 January 2020 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian pushed for amendments to the Consumer Act and the Price Act in order to impose harsher penalties on violators, especially during times of calamities.
	Business Mirror: WHO scientist admits e-cigs may be less harmful than cigarettes 16 January 2020 Rep. Weslie Gatchalian, chairman of the House Committee on Trade, said the hearing was called because “the use of ENDS [electronic nicotine delivery system] and heated tobacco products is now a national concern, so much that the President [Duterte] recently issued a directive banning the importation and use of ENDS and HTPs [heated tobacco products] in public spaces.”
	Manila Times: Lawmaker seeks probe of mall car break-in 12 January 2020 House of Representatives’ Committee on Trade and Industry Chairman Weslie Gatchalian had said based on PNP data, a total of 1,007 basag-kotse incidents had been reported from 2016 to October 2019. However, no mall owner or parking operator had ever been held liable for the damage and loss suffered by their patrons despite charging exorbitant fees, Gatchalian said.
	Manila Bulletin: After 2 decades, measures imposing car park regulations start moving 10 January 2020 Committee chairman and Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian has moved to fasttrack the consolidation of the bills as he presided over a hearing that tackled a congressional investigation into car park operations in the country.

2019

	Manila Standard: Congressional probe on effect of vaping opened 08 December 2019 Valenzuela City Rep. Weslie Gatchalian, Chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Industry, opened a congressional hearing on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) amid the vaping ban imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte and the “unmitigated misleading information” surrounding the new products.
	Philippine Star: House gives P10 million cash incentives for SEAG gold medalists 06 December 2019 Another lawmaker, Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian, supported the move and also called on the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to ensure that all Filipino podium finishers will receive their cash incentives as provided by the law.
	Philippine Star: 16 million Pinoys still smoke despite tobacco crackdown 05 December 2019 “This is where ENDS or HTPs (heated tobacco products) can play an important role. It allegedly provides a less harmful choice for those who wish to quit smoking regular tobacco. This is supported by data from the European Commission which found that 61 percent of those who start using e-cigarettes do it to stop smoking,” [Gatchalian] stressed.
	Manila Standard: Gatchalian pushes retail liberalization 01 December 2019 Gatchalian, the chairman of the House committee on trade and industry, said House Bill No. 59 aims to open up the Philippine retail industry and promote a greater variety of products, more choices of goods for consumers, the inflow of new technology and employment of more Filipinos.
	Business Mirror: House opens debates on bill on expanded retail trade liberalization 28 November 2019 For his part, House Committee on Trade and Industry Chairman Rep. Weslie Gatchalian, principal sponsor of the bill, said the Philippines’s wholesale and retail trade industry is one of the most important sectors of the Philippine economy.
	The Manila Times: House tackles bill on parking fees 26 November 2019 “Hindi lang pag-uusapan ‘yung standarzation ng parking fees, kung hindi ‘yung pagbibigay din ng responsibilidad sa mga establishment (We are not only going to talk about the standardization of parking fees, but also holding establishments responsible),” Gatchalian said.
	Business Mirror: Lawmaker seeks ‘win-win’ rate in regulating parking fees 26 November 2019 VALENZUELA City First District Rep. Weslie Gatchalian will meet on Tuesday the representatives of malls, hospitals, hotels, and even individual parking owners and operators to hear their opinions on his proposed standardization and regulation of parking fees in the country.
	Rappler: Lawmaker seeks ‘win-win’ rate in regulating parking fees 25 November 2019 In July, Gatchalian filed this bill aiming to regulate parking fees to prohibit extortionate parking rates, as well as to improve safety measures in parking facilities to protect consumers’ properties.
	Manila Standard: Gatchalian pushes retail trade lib revision 23 November 2019 Gatchalian, the chairman of the House committee on trade and industry, said House Bill No. 59 aims to open up the Philippine retail industry and promote a greater variety of products, more choices of goods for consumers, the inflow of new technology and employment of more Filipinos.
	Manila Standard: Solon files bill amending Foreign Investments Act 30 September 2019 Rep. Weslie Gatchalian, the chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Industry, has filed a bill that seeks to amend the Foreign Investments Act.
	Business World: House body eases foreign retailer rules 25 September 2019 “Very important ito sa ating mga foreign investors… para sa gayun ay di na nila kailangan pa makipag-partner with our local companies which are owned by monopolies, oligarchs. Maliit ka man na negosyante or medium-sized, you can set up shop in the Philippines,” Mr. Gatchalian explained.
	ABS-CBN News: House OKs changes to Foreign Investments Act 09 September 2019 “Ownership limitations as well as paid-up capital requirements effectively prevent smaller foreign entities with insufficiently large investments to open businesses in the Philippines,” Gatchalian said.
	Inquirer: Less restraints on foreign businesses sought 05 September 2019 Valenzuela City Rep. Weslie Gatchalian cited the need to ease ownership limitations and paid-up capital requirements that, he said, were blocking direct investments from smaller foreign entities.
	Business Mirror: House panel OKs bill allowing aliens ‘practice of professions’ 28 August 2019 In a joint hearing, Economic Affairs committee chief Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-OWA and the Trade and Industry Chairman Weslie Gatchalian invoked—in approving the bill —the House Rule 10, Section 48 or the one-day hearing only, which covers all bills that have been approved on third reading during the previous congress.
	Manila Bulletin: 40th Malasakit Center opens in Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital’s new floor 10 August 2019 The 40th Malasakit Center in the country was inaugurated at the newly-opened third floor of the Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital along G. Lazaro Street on Friday.
	Inquirer: Magna Carta of out-of-school youth gets House nod 27 May 2019 The House of Representatives unanimously approved Monday a bill establishing the Magna Carta of the out-of-school youth (OSY). Some 170 House members approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 9103; no one voted against or abstained.
	Inquirer: Valenzuela public school students to receive free ‘Balik Eskwela 2019’ packages 20 May 2019 Rep. Wes Gatchalian, and other city-elected officials who distributed a total of 8,358 school supplies to the kindergarten and elementary pupils from different barangays in the first district of Valenzuela last Saturday, May 18.

2018

	Business World: Bill to open gov’t procurement to foreign suppliers 9 September 2018 Mr. Gatchalian said the policy has “largely promoted limited choice, high prices… and has discouraged innovation and reduced competitive pressure among local industries.””
	Philippine Information Agency: Valenzuela City opens two more city hall annexes 27 July 2018 First District Representative Wes Gatchalian encouraged everyone to take good care of these facilities constructed through people’s taxes, “You don’t have to thank us. These projects are yours, the money used is yours.”
	Manila Standard: Gatchalian renews call: Abolish Road Board 25 July 2018 Valenzuela City First District Rep. Weslie Gatchalian has renewed his call for the abolition of the Road Board, after the Commission on Audit revealed that P3.9 billion of the board’s budget for the National Road Lighting Program was not efficiently and effectively implemented.
	Manila Standard: Valenzuela solon files measure to reduce cost of burial transfer 27 April 2018 In a move to ease the burden of family which is still grieving, Gatchalian filed House Bill No. 7420, seeking to regulate the fees and permits charged by local government units on the domestic transfer of human remains.
	Manila Bulletin: Gatchalian urges Senate to look into environment fees collected by Malay 18 April 2018 Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian is calling on his colleagues to look into whether or not the environmental and admission fees collected from the tourists are properly used for environmental protection of the country’s famous destination.

2017

	Business Mirror: House leaders call for Faeldon’s resignation 01 August 2017 Gatchalian said there was a second raid that happened four days after the discovery of P6.4 billion worth of shabu in two warehouses in Valenzuela City on May 26.
	Inquirer: Customs execs slammed for violations in House drug probe 01 August 2017 Weslie Gatchalian, for his part, said the BoC’s lapses opens the possibility that more drugs have been released into the streets.
	ABS-CBN News: BOC official to face House probe on Tuesday 01 August 2017 HR 01057 was filed by Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian for an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the illegal entry, through the BOC express lane of more than P5 billion worth of shabu.