By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed the “7” protocol plate used by an SUV that illegally entered the EDSA bus carousel lane as fake.
Escudero initially raised concerns about the legitimacy of the protocol plate seen in a viral video, noting that the “7” plates issued to senators do not have additional markings, such as years or dates, like the one displayed on the SUV.
“Napatunayan ng LTO na peke yung plaka na ginamit ng SUV sa video. Hindi dapat magtapos dito ang isyu na ito. Kailangan matukoy ng LTO kung sino ang may-ari ng sasakyan at siguraduhin na mananagot ito sa paglabag ng batas,” Escudero said.
The number “7” protocol plates are issued exclusively to vehicles of senators and, as Escudero explained, carry no special privileges, including the ability to enter lanes designated for public utility buses (PUBs).
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has filed a bill seeking to defer the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This proposal follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that excludes Sulu from the regional group.
BARMM’s first parliamentary election is scheduled for 2025; however, Escudero is advocating for a new date of May 11, 2026.
This extension would allow the region to reconfigure its jurisdictions and reallocate the seats of its 80-member parliament in light of the High Court’s decision.
“It’s important to do this to notify our constituents in BARMM regarding Congress’s plan to postpone the elections, primarily due to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Sulu,” Escudero stated.
Furthermore, the Senate chief emphasized in his proposed bill that the Supreme Court’s decision “provides a compelling reason to postpone the Bangsamoro regular elections, given its legal implications regarding Sulu’s exclusion from the autonomous region.”
Escudero is optimistic that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will certify his proposal—Senate Bill No. 2862—as urgent, considering the importance of the measure and the tight schedule facing both the Senate and the House of Representatives for the remainder of the 19th Congress.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has begun accepting certificates of candidacy for the 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections.
Comelec will continue this process until November 9, while awaiting Congress’s decision on the possible postponement of the polls.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to identify the owner of the vehicle with plate number 7 that was used in the EDSA busway.
“The actions of the driver or passenger are unacceptable,” Escudero stated in a release on Monday, November 4, 2024.
He emphasized, “I urge the LTO to identify the owner of the vehicle and to inform the Senate as soon as possible.”
Plate number 7 is designated for senators.
Escudero indicated that if the individual is a senator, they should face appropriate consequences.
“If the owner is indeed a member of the Senate, I expect them to come forward and ensure that those responsible for driving the vehicle acknowledge their actions and present themselves to the authorities,” the Senate chief concluded.
ia/mnm
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated on Sunday, November 3, 2024, that the annual general appropriations act, starting with the 2025 version, should be “climate adapted and climate resilient.”
This call comes in the wake of the severe tropical storm Kristine.
Escudero emphasized the importance of preparing for future weather disturbances of similar or even greater magnitude.
“While it’s easy to point fingers at agencies or individuals supposedly responsible for the massive destruction and loss of life caused by tropical storm Kristine, it would be more productive to focus on preparation for future weather events,” he said.
“Addressing this issue also includes studying climate change and climate adaptation. We can no longer take a one-size-fits-all approach with our flood control programs,” the Senate chief added.
He noted that the design of flood control infrastructure, such as seawalls and river control systems, has remained unchanged for decades and many of these structures are no longer suitable under current conditions.
“Hindi puwede na dahil ganito ang ginagawa natin noon, ganyan pa rin tayo ngayon. Dahil sa pagbabago ng panahon at climate change, kailangan mag-adapt at magbago tayo.”
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero said that the admission made by former President Rodrigo Duterte may be a step for him into taking full responsibility for the drug war.
On Monday (28 Oct 2024), Duterte attended the hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee on the war on drugs during his administration.
Escudero noted the difference between Duterte’s testimonies during the Senate committee hearing when he was still the president, saying that his recent testimonies were under oath.
“Ang pinagkaiba kahapon, lahat ng binitiwan niyang salita kahapon ay under oath. Pinanumpahan at sinabi niya na ‘yan ay totoo abot sa kanyang nalalaman na pwedeng magamit kung saka-sakali pabor o laban sa kanya,” Escudero said.
He said the statements of Duterte were recorded and transcripts of the public hearing will be released for the reference of whichever party is interested and for the general public to peruse.
“I think he is proud of the things he did and said. Hindi niya ikinakahiya ang kaniyang ginawa at sinabi. Maliwanag ‘yun sa kanyang statement kahapon. Ang sinabi niya kahapon ay ‘I am willing to take full responsibility, me, just me.’ Paano mo i-ooperationalize ‘yun na ako lang? So siguro paraan ito ni Pangulong Duterte para i-operationalize ‘yun. Kaya siguro matapang niyang hinaharap, sinasagot at inaamin ang mga bagay na ‘yan,” Escudero said.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero expressed disappointment over Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statements against former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
“Unbecoming ang mga ganyang uri ng pahayag lalo na sa pangalawang pinakamataas na opisyal ng ating bansa,” Escudero said Sunday (20 Oct 2024).
The Senate chief added that the remarks had no significant impact on the economy or the country as a whole.
“Kung may epekto man ito, sa stabilidad ng opisina ng Vice President, pero hindi sa pamahalaan mismo.”
However, Escudero remains optimistic that the country’s two highest leaders will reconcile soon.
“Sa tagal ko sa pulitika, mas marami pa akong mas mahiwagang napanood. May posibilidad ‘yun at ito ay mas makakabuti sa ating bansa, sa aking paniniwala. Mabuti rin naman at hindi mapagpatol si number 1 sa mga patutsada ni number 2,” Escudero remarked.
He also emphasized that public officials, regardless of rank, should treat their office with utmost respect and avoid making statements that could harm the institutions they represent.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that the Blue Ribbon Committee may lead the investigation into the previous administration’s drug war.
Escudero explained that, under Senate rules, only the Blue Ribbon Committee can conduct an inquiry motu proprio even without a resolution.
Once the session resumes, the Committee on Justice might take charge of the investigation.
However, he clarified that this is not yet final, as discussions with Senator Ronald Dela Rosa are still pending on whether the inquiry will take place during the session break or once it resumes.
In the meantime, Escudero is also considering having the Senate Committee of the Whole lead the investigation.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero praised the signing of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act, calling it a vital step in tackling the country’s ongoing learning crisis.
“Malaki ang magiging tulong nitong ARAL Program para matugunan ang matagal na nating problema tungkol sa mga mag-aaral na hindi makapagbasa nang maayos at hirap sa matematika at agham. Ang layunin nitong batas ay mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang ating mga mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng magandang edukasyon,” Escudero said.
The law assigns teachers, para-teachers, and pre-service teachers to tutor targeted learners from kindergarten to Grade 10.
ARAL will focus on essential learning competencies within the K-to-12 curriculum, particularly in mathematics and science for Grades 1 to 10, and reading for Grades 3 to 10.
“Proficiency in these essential learning competencies will serve as the foundation for individuals to become productive members of society,” Escudero added.
He emphasized that completing basic education is crucial for opening up opportunities, whether learners pursue higher education or enter the workforce with the skills they’ve acquired.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa should not head the Senate’s investigation into the war on drugs.
This was Escudero’s response when asked about Senator Risa Hontiveros’ proposal that the Senate Committee of the Whole should conduct the investigation.
“Well, haharapin namin ‘yan sa susunod na mga araw. Kokonsultahin ko ang ibang mga miyembro, pero nakausap ko na si Senator Bato kaugnay niyan. Ang sinabi ko sa kanya, anumang imbestigasyon na nais niya’t patungkol sa kanya mismo at kay Senator Go, mas maganda siguro kung hindi sila manguna ng komiteng ‘yun para walang alegasyon na ito ay personal, hindi impartial, at hindi fair,” Escudero said.
Hontiveros emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth about the drug war and expressed that the Committee of the Whole should lead the inquiry.
“Dahil sa pamamagitan niyang Senate Committee of the Whole, umaasa ako na mas panatag at mas mae-engganyo rin na sumali at tumestigo ang mga victim-survivors ng war on drugs,” Hontiveros added.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has called on the House of Representatives to transmit the approved General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to the Senate before October 25 to allow sufficient time for review.
“Ayon sa Kamara, isa-submit nila ang GAB o General Appropriations Bill—ito ang bersyon ng Kamara ng budget para sa darating na taon—sa October 25. Sabi ko, baka pwedeng mas maaga kung kaya para mas ma-review na namin, pero ang timeline nila ay October 25,” Escudero said.
Escudero mentioned that if the GAB is transmitted early, the Senate may begin interpellations by November 5 or 6.
“Baka masimulan na rin namin ang interpellations sa general principles ng November 5 o 6, at magpapatuloy ang plenary debates the following week,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Senate chief noted that they aim to complete the budget deliberations by December.
“Inaasahan namin, maaprubahan ang budget at the latest the second week of December, at the earliest first week of December,” he said.
House members approved the GAB on third and final reading last September 25.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero acknowledged that his high approval rating is due to the collective efforts of his colleagues in the Senate, stating that they have all played a role in delivering results for the public.
“We thank the people for recognizing the work being done here in the Senate. My commitment as Senate President is to ensure the Senate continues to work for the people—passing legislation to make their lives easier, help us move faster, and lighten our people’s burdens,” Escudero said.
In the latest Pulse Asia Survey, Escudero received a majority approval rating of 60 percent, the highest mark recorded in the poll.
The Senate chief said the rating reflects the Senate’s dedication to passing meaningful legislation and addressing issues that affect good governance and the rule of law.
Escudero also noted his disapproval rating of just 8 percent, making him the only top government official with a single-digit disapproval score.
He further attributed the Senate’s strong performance to the improved relationship between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“Sisiguraduhin natin na walang masasayang na oras sa Senado pagdating sa pagsulong ng mga batas na makabuluhan, hindi lang para sa sambayanang Pilipino, kundi pati rin ‘yung mahahalaga sa mga pamahalaang lokal,” Escudero added.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that the 12 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on digital transactions will increase government revenue by at least ₱80 billion.
The VAT on Digital Transactions, a priority measure of the administration, is expected to be signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on September 30, Monday.
The measure aims to capture revenues lost due to the ambiguity of existing laws on the taxation of e-commerce transactions, particularly from foreign companies that are not based in the Philippines but provide services to local consumers.
“All businesses, big or small, pay taxes. It doesn’t seem fair that large foreign companies, which are not based in the Philippines but make significant profits from selling their services to Filipinos, are not subject to the same taxes. This new law simply ensures that everyone earning here in the country fulfills their tax obligations,” Escudero said.
The Senate President also noted that other nations, including the Philippines’ neighboring countries, have already imposed similar taxes on digital services and transactions as these have become almost universally consumed.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero said on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, that they are awaiting the approved General Appropriations Bill (GAB) from the House of Representatives to begin deliberations in the Senate plenary.
“As of now, the Senate committee hearings are on schedule, and we expect the bill to be approved with enough time for the President to review the line items before it is signed into law by the end of the year,” Escudero said during a Palace briefing.
The GAB outlines the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez confirmed that the House will pass the GAB on Wednesday night.
“Tonight, we will pass it on third and final reading and have it ready for transmission to the Senate,” Romualdez stated.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero commented on Wednesday (Sept 25, 2024) that the heated argument between Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Migz Zubiri is something that can happen, especially when lawmakers have differing “beliefs.”
“We’re only human. Sometimes emotions run high when it comes to what we believe in, fight for, or advocate,” Escudero told reporters.
He also noted that the two senators quickly resolved the issue just minutes after the argument.
“They made up, apologized to each other, and reached an understanding,” Escudero added, explaining that the incident was not officially recorded as it occurred during a suspension of the session.
Meanwhile, Zubiri described the incident as a result of “miscommunication” and “misunderstanding.”
“We’ve already made up, no hard feelings. But for me, they were passing something that we weren’t aware of, something not on the agenda. I realized it was important to him because it’s about Taguig,” Zubiri said.
The confrontation, which nearly escalated into a fistfight, occurred on Tuesday at the plenary hall over the Embo resolution involving territorial rights between Makati and Taguig City.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate has approved on the third and final reading the bill to institutionalize the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).
Senate President Chiz Escudero sponsored Senate Bill No. 2568.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, who also sponsored the measure, said that the intent of the bill is “to allow and empower individuals who had to start working immediately to have their work experiences and prior learning recognized and given equivalent credits for tertiary education.”
“The bill institutionalizes the ETEEAP, which assesses and assigns appropriate equivalency credits for learning and experience, leading to the grant of an academic degree,” Villanueva added.
Escudero, former chairperson of the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, noted: “By providing an alternative pathway to earn an academic degree, this program supports the career advancement of Filipino professionals.”
Applicants must be Filipino citizens residing in the Philippines or abroad, at least 23 years old, and have at least five years of aggregate work experience.
They should also have completed secondary education, as evidenced by a high school diploma or a result from the Philippine Educational Placement Test or Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency Assessment and Certification, which indicates that the individual is qualified to enter college.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero announced Sunday (15 Sept 2024) that nine out of the 12 key bills are now ready for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signature.
Three of the priority measures are still under deliberation at the bicameral conference committee, while one awaits approval by the House of Representatives.
Escudero noted that in just 30 session days, since his election as Senate President on May 20, 2024, the Senate was able to act on 12 key measures.
“These priority measures will improve the country’s investment climate, strengthen our territorial and maritime claims, and boost the competitiveness of Filipinos,” he said.
“Despite work stoppages due to weather disturbances and national holidays, we ensured the timely disposal of the matters before us with the support of all Senate members,” Escudero added.
“We acted with urgency on the President’s priority measures, which were part of the common legislative agenda of both chambers of Congress. This is about the quality of laws, not just the quantity. These are high-impact laws that Malacañang and Congress agreed to prioritize,” the Senate President concluded.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to revisit the definition of ‘indigent’ for health-related cases.
“Any person suffering from a serious illness like cancer, heart disease, or kidney and lung conditions should be considered an indigent,” Escudero explained.
He emphasized that even individuals earning ₱28,000, ₱68,000, or even ₱100,000 per month could be financially burdened by the costs of food, housing, medications, and other expenses, making them “cancer indigent,” “heart disease indigent,” or “kidney failure indigent.”
Escudero argued that this perspective should shape the government’s approach to healthcare.
The senator also urged PhilHealth to review the contributions members make compared to the benefits they receive, similar to how private insurance operates.
“Why doesn’t the actuarial study match the benefits provided? After several questions, why is 30 percent the default? Why not 50 percent or 100 percent? Is this based on an actuarial study?” Escudero inquired.
PhilHealth implemented the All Case Rates policy in 2013, replacing the fee-for-service mechanism.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero praised President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for keeping his promise that “heads will roll” in connection with the escape of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
This follows the announcement by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Chief Cesar Chavez that Marcos approved the dismissal of Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
“I commend President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for acting decisively and swiftly in delivering on his promise to the nation that ‘heads will roll’ regarding the embarrassing escape of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo,” Escudero stated.
However, Escudero expressed skepticism that no other Filipino aided in Guo’s escape.
“I believe there were other individuals, possibly government officials beyond the Bureau of Immigration, who assisted her,” he added.
The Senate President also emphasized that non-Filipino individuals who helped facilitate Guo’s escape, particularly her financiers and associates, should be held accountable.
During a recent hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, senators once again cited Guo in contempt for repeatedly lying about her identity.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that any impeachment discussions, regardless of the individual involved, will not progress in the upper chamber.
“Anumang pag-uusap kaugnay ng impeachment ay kikitilin ko sa Senado dahil anumang impeachment ‘yan na makakarating sa Senado, uupo kami bilang jury at jurors, ika nga, para husgahan ‘yan,” Escudero said on Wednesday (21 Aug 2024).
Escudero also urged his fellow senators to refrain from engaging in any impeachment-related discussions.
“Kaya marapat sa kada senador na huwag manghimasok sa anumang usapin ng impeachment at huwag pakialaman ang anumang usapin ng impeachment,” Escudero emphasized.
Furthermore, Escudero mentioned that no discussions regarding the impeachment of any official have taken place in the Senate.
The topic of impeachment arose after Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that some members of the House of Representatives were planning to impeach her.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero clarified on Wednesday (14 Aug 2024) that the Senate is not against the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), but only seeking clearer plans.
“Our goal is to delay implementation in areas that are not yet prepared, where route plans are incomplete, or where the government has not yet convinced everyone. They should not be banned or declared irregular if they are not yet in compliance,” Escudero told reporters.
“The Senate’s position is clear: we are not opposed to modernization. It should be done correctly, properly, and with sufficient support for each group involved, including drivers and operators,” he added.
Escudero made these statements following a meeting with transport group leaders regarding the Senate’s stance on the PTMP.
Previously, the senators signed Senate Resolution No. 1096, which called for the suspension of the PTMP.
However, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. rejected this call, noting that the program had already been postponed several times.
ia/mnm