House body approves bill on cooperatives

A HOUSE committee yesterday approved a consolidated bill that seeks to make the position of a cooperative officer mandatory in municipal, city and provincial levels.

The panel consolidated six measures and adopted House Bill 287 authored by Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrellita B. Suansing and Sultan Kudarat Rep. Horacio P. Suansing Jr.

The House of Representatives approved a similar bill on third reading in the previous Congress, but the Senate failed to pass a counterpart version for lack of time, Sabiniano S. Canama, who heads the committee, said.

Under the bill, a cooperative officer must “formulate measures for the consideration of the Sanggunian; provide technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor; and assist in the organization of cooperatives.”

“To further assist our cooperatives and further their development, there is a need to make the position of a cooperatives officer in local government units mandatory,” Ms. Suansing said. — Genshen L. Espedido