By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Bong Go has introduced a bill aiming to provide hazard pay to personnel of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Committees, and all accredited community disaster volunteers.

“Many volunteers will benefit from this initiative. Your volunteering efforts will save numerous lives. You are the heroes during times of crises such as the pandemic,” remarked Go.

According to Senate Bill No. 1709, titled the Hazard Pay for All Disaster Personnel and Volunteers Act, throughout the state of calamity declared by the President in respective provinces, cities, and municipalities, the local government unit will allocate hazard pay of P3,000 per month to all personnel of the local disaster risk reduction and management office, regardless of their employment status.

Go emphasized that by collaborating with the government during disasters, countless lives can be spared.

“Through the collective efforts of the government and our fellow citizens, many lives will be saved,” the senator added.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla announced that a total of five senators have signed a manifestation objecting to the Senate’s arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

The senators who signed are Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, JV Ejercito, and Padilla himself.

Padilla also disclosed that he had conversations with Sens. Grace Poe and Raffy Tulfo, who provided explanations for their decision not to support his attempt to halt Quiboloy’s detention.

Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, and Mark Villar are among the other committee members who have not yet taken a position on the matter.

Earlier, Sen. Risa Hontiveros cited Quiboloy in contempt for failing to attend any of the Senate hearings on the alleged child abuse and human trafficking involving the pastor.

Villar expressed her familiarity with Quiboloy, describing him as a good person.

“Kaibigan ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Mabait siya sa aming pamilya…Matagal ko na siyang kilala. Parang ‘di naman siya ‘yung gagawa ng ganon. Kami ni Imee pareho naming siyang kilala. Pati ‘yung mga Mindanaoan. Maayos naman siya… nakakahiya naman na ako pahuhuli ko siya. Diyos ko. You don’t do that to a friend,” Villar said.

(el Amigo/MNM)