ANGELES CITY – At least two bills filed in the House of Representatives by Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. have received strong support from local government units outside of his home region of Central Luzon.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz during its 12th Regular Session on Dec. 2, 2025 passed Resolution No. 199, S-2025 expressing strong support for House Bill No. 2422 (An Act Establishing the Bale Pusu Home for te Elderly in All Cities and Municipalities).
The resolution urges national legislators to prioritize the passage of HB 2422 and for the LGUs within Capiz to participate in the establishment and operation of Bale Pusu Homes within their respective localities.
Lazatin filed HB 2422 on July 29, 2025 which mandates the establishment of at least one ‘Bale Pusu’ home for the elderly in all cities and municipalities in the country, prioritizing elderly citizens who have been abandoned, left on the streets, or have no families or kin to take care of them.
It is patterned after the Bale Pusu Home for Abandoned Female Elderly first established in Barangay Sta. Teresita here on Sept. 15, 2021, during Lazatin’s time as Angeles City mayor.
Under the proposed bill, a Special Committee on Bale Pusu Home for the Elderly shall be established to ensure that the elderly home has sufficient qualified staff to render appropriate services to elderly wards in the centers; facilities, rooms, and spaces that are suitable for eldercare; basic health and recreational facilities; basic utilities, such as electricity and water; and a database on elderly wards.
Autism Centers
Meanwhile, during its 13th Regular Session on Nov. 4, 2025, the Sangguniang Bayan of Daet, Camarines Norte passed SB Resolution No. 372-2025, expressing “strong support” for Lazatin’s proposed HB 5125 (Establishment of National and Provincial Centers for Autism Act).
On Nov. 11, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos passed Resolution No. 1249, Series of 2025, similarly expressing support for HB 5125. The resolution was introduced by councilor Michael Pacquiao.
HB 5125, filed by Lazatin on October 6, 2025, mandates the establishment of National and Provincial Centers for Autism.
Under HB 5125, national and provincial centers for autism will be established to formulate and implement an integrated and comprehensive plan for the diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation of individuals with autism.
The centers shall provide free diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation; vocational training for adults with autism; employment opportunities for individuals with autism; and counseling, orientation, and referral services.
“Through the establishment of these centers, we hope to provide individuals with autism and their families a place to seek assistance from, access education, and find a community,” Lazatin said.
Punto News Team/Team Lazatin Media
