By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero clarified on Monday (12 August 2024) that the chamber has no plans to reduce the number of holidays.
“Walang issue sa holidays. Ang polisiya ng Senado, huwag nang dagdagan ‘yung mga holiday natin ngayon dahil sobrang dami na, pero wala kaming balak bawasan,” Escudero said.
“Sinabi na namin, napakahabang kwento ‘yan at hindi aabot sa Kongresong ‘yan ito. Pero sa ngayon, mahigit 23 hanggang 25 ang local at national holidays natin. Huwag na nating dagdagan,” he added.
Escudero previously said that the upper chamber agreed to limit the number of holidays to make the country ‘more competitive.’
Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito defended Escudero and said that the latter’s statement was misunderstood.
“To clarify, there is no proposal to reduce the current special and non-working holidays in the country,” Ejercito said.
“The Senate, following the Senate President’s instructions, has agreed that if a province already has a special non-working holiday, only one can be granted. We can declare a special working holiday, which can be converted into a non-working holiday for that year if local governments request it and the President approves it.”
(ia/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Four years ahead of the presidential elections, the much-touted frontrunner Vice President Sara Duterte has seen her satisfaction rating drop to +44 as of June 2024, while Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has surged ahead with a +47 satisfaction rating.
This was revealed in the latest non-commissioned survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) from June 23 to July 1, 2024.
The survey showed VP Sara with a +44 net satisfaction rating (65% satisfied, 21% dissatisfied), marking a 19-point decline from her +63 rating in March 2024.
Meanwhile, Escudero, who was elected Senate President on May 20 and is considered a potential presidential candidate, received a +47 satisfaction rating.
Another potential “presidentiable,” Speaker Martin Romualdez, garnered only +29.
According to the SWS terminology for net satisfaction ratings: +70 and above is classified as “excellent”; +50 to +69, “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below, “execrable.”
The SWS Second Quarter 2024 survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults (18 years and older) nationwide: 600 in Balance Luzon (Luzon outside Metro Manila), and 300 each in Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
(ia/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero announced Friday(09 Aug 2024) that the Senate has agreed to limit the number of holidays in the country to enhance competitiveness.
“The Senate has agreed to reduce the number of holidays. We already have over a month’s worth of holidays nationwide, which makes Filipino companies and workers less competitive,” Escudero said in a press briefing on August 7.
“There are city holidays, municipal holidays, provincial holidays, national holidays, and religious holidays, which contribute to our lack of competitiveness,” he added.
The Senate President cited the United States as an example, where they commemorate all former presidents in a single day.
“They have Presidents’ Day, where they honor all their notable presidents in just one holiday. But here, it’s different. We have Araw ng Kagitingan, National Heroes’ Day, and whenever a hero is killed, another holiday is declared, right?” Escudero remarked.
Netizens have criticized Escudero’s statement about limiting holidays in the country.
(ia/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA – Senate President Chiz Escudero on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) called for a temporary suspension of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) to ensure all necessary preparations are completed before moving forward.
“The Senate is not withdrawing its support for the PUV Modernization Program, nor is it our intention to halt the initiative,” Escudero said. “What we are asking is simple: address the issues first before fully implementing the program.”
However, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. rejected the proposal to suspend the PUVMP.
“I disagree with them because they say it was rushed. The modernization has been postponed seven times already. Those asking for a suspension are in the minority. Eighty percent are already on board, so how can we let the 20 percent decide the fate of the whole program?” Marcos said.
Earlier, a group of senators called for the suspension of the PUVMP, which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with “safer, more efficient, and eco-friendly” public vehicles.
A resolution signed by 22 senators requested the government to suspend the program’s implementation.
(ia/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate will start its budget deliberations in August for the 2025 national budget.
Senate President Chiz Escudero announced that the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) will begin briefings and debates on the 2025 budget on August 13.
“Syempre, we will aim to complete this before the end of the year, including the bicameral conference committee report for the President’s signature. That’s the usual schedule,” the senator said.
He also assured that, as with previous budgets, only agencies with a genuine need for confidential and intelligence funds will receive them.
Given that next year is a midterm election year, Escudero said the Senate will ensure that the budget cannot be used for election campaigns.
The proposed budget for 2025 is PHP 6.352 trillion.
“The DBM proposed a total of PHP 11.39 billion in confidential and intelligence funds for 2025, with PHP 5.22 billion for confidential and PHP 6.17 billion for intelligence. However, we approved PHP 10.29 billion in total, with PHP 4.37 billion allocated for confidential expenses and PHP 5.92 billion for intelligence expenses,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero is seeking an investigation into the severe flooding despite the multibillion-peso allocations every year.
“With Metro Manila now under a state of calamity and the government working to address the damage wrought by Typhoon Carina, we should also determine why—over a decade after Typhoon Ondoy—chronic, severe flooding continues to afflict the nation’s capital,” Escudero pointed out.
Escudero emphasized that this repetitive cycle is a painful reality that cannot be accepted.
“Are we just going to accept this? Will we just accept that when it rains heavily, there will be flooding, and our lives will be paralyzed? What happened to ‘building back better’?” Escudero asked.
The Senate President also called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to put an end to chronic flooding in Metro Manila.
This call comes after Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or “habagat” submerged the nation’s capital region, bringing it to a halt.
Senator Imee Marcos expressed her frustration over the flooding in several areas in Metro Manila, noting that there are government funds allocated to address such problems.
“This flood control issue needs to be solved. We’re just at the beginning of the rainy season. It’s only July, and this is our situation,” Marcos said.
“What’s frustrating is that Congress and the Senate have not been lacking in providing funds for flood control. In fact, there’s a P450 billion budget, almost P1.4 billion a day, for flood control across all agencies from the DPWH down. Where did the money go? That’s the question,” she added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA – Senate President Chiz Escudero has stated that suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo must appear first at the Senate before he will consider her requests.
Guo has missed two Senate hearings regarding the investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga. The Senate has issued a warrant for her arrest.
“While I understand her plea for consideration, I cannot accept any requests from her until she appears and complies with the Senate,” Escudero said in an interview.
“In her letter, she not only asked for understanding but also sought help from her constituents. The vice mayor has taken over to continue the government’s work in Bamban,” he added.
Earlier, Guo submitted a letter to Escudero, asking for “help” and “understanding.”
“I apologize if there was any misunderstanding regarding my previous statements,” Guo wrote in her letter.
“I did not intend to instruct or dictate to the Senate on what should be prioritized. I understand that each legislator has their duties and responsibilities to the nation,” she added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero on Saturday (20 July 2024) said that suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s failure to attend the chamber’s hearings suggests she might be hiding something.
Guo did not attend the last two Senate hearings on the investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Porac, Pampanga, and Bamban, Tarlac.
“Ang kawalan ng kagustuhang sumuko at boluntaryong magpakita at sumagot sa mga simpleng katanungan, bagaman hindi siya pinepwersang umamin, ay pagpapakita na marahil ay may tinatago siya, may iniiwasan siya,” Escudero said.
The Senate has issued a warrant of arrest against Guo and seven others to ensure their attendance at the hearings.
“Hindi ito warrant of arrest para siya ay ikulong at parusahan kaugnay sa isang ginawang krimen. Ito’y warrant of arrest para tiyakin ang kanyang pagdalo sa pagdinig at sagutin ang mga katanungang ipupukol sa kanya ng mga miyembro ng Senado habang ginagalang ang kanyang mga karapatan,” he added.
The Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) has prepared the detention facility for Guo and the others.
Earlier, authorities went to Guo’s farm to arrest her; however, she was not there.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated on Tuesday (25 June 2024) that former Senator Leila De Lima deserves a place in the Senate.
“I hope so because she deserves to be in the Senate, but is she running?” Escudero replied when asked about De Lima’s chances in the 2025 midterm elections.
The Senate leader also congratulated De Lima for achieving justice after nearly seven years of detention on drug-related charges.
“I congratulate former Senator De Lima not only for finally receiving justice but also for confronting her accusers directly and upholding her belief in the rule of law, however unjust it may have seemed to her at the time,” he remarked.
On June 24, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court granted De Lima’s camp’s demurrer to evidence.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero believes that the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte from the cabinet of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was inevitable.
Escudero said he respects the decision made by Duterte and wishes her the best.
“I believe her resignation was inevitable from the time her father, FPRRD, and her siblings and allies started attacking PBBM and members of the First Family,” the senator said.
He said it cannot be denied since VP Duterte remained silent and did not express support for some government policy issues including the West Philippine Sea, Bagong Pilipinas Hymn, the case of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, and the attempted arrest.
“As the Vice President, she has every right to have policy differences with the President and I believe that people love and respect her precisely for that… for having and fighting for what she believes in and for her own beliefs,” he added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero is tackling the parking issues faced by Senate employees and visitors at their current location in Pasay City.
“Here, what are we doing? We are striving to improve parking for Senate employees and visitors to create a more orderly environment. We have secured, requested, and borrowed land from the DPWH to my left to provide approximately 300 parking spaces,” he said.
Escudero also mentioned ongoing negotiations with the Social Security System (SSS) to acquire additional land at the back of the GSIS Building.
“In total, we aim to provide around 1,400 slots for both motorcycles and cars,” he said.
“Orderliness stems from the simple belief and principle that our workplace should be clean and organized. When our environment is tidy and orderly, it often or always influences how we treat our surroundings, which, in turn, impacts our work,” the Senate chief added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has called for the suspension of the construction of the new Senate building in Taguig City due to escalating costs and the need for a comprehensive review.
Escudero announced this during the flag ceremony on Monday, June 10, 2024.
The Senate chief expressed shock and disbelief at the high projected costs needed to complete the new Senate building.
“Nung nakita ko ito, medyo nagulantang ako at hindi ko inasahan na ganun kalaki aabutin ang gagastusin para sa ating magiging bagong tahanan,” Escudero said.
“Sa aking pananaw, masama ito sa panlasa ng karamihan, lalong masama sa panlasa ng nakararami nating mga kababayan, lalo na sa gitna ng krisis ng ekonomiya at sa kahirapan na nakikita ng marami sa ating kababayan,” he added.
Escudero debunked the rumors that the Senate will be transferred in September.
“Hindi totoo na makakalipat tayo sa bagong gusali, lupa, at building ng Setyembre. Hindi rin totoo na aabot tayo makalipat bago matapos ang taon. Kahit hanggang 2025, sa palagay ko ay hindi pa rin dahil marami pang bagay na kailangang ihanda at maraming bagay din na aming nakita at nagisnan na kailangan pang suriin at pag-aralan,” Escudero said.
Initially budgeted at P8.9 billion, Escudero revealed that the cost of the project has now ballooned to P13 billion, with an additional P10 billion required for completion, bringing the total to P23 billion.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated on Monday (10 June 2024) that there is no issue with reciting and singing the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge during the flag ceremony.
Escudero made these remarks following the memorandum mandating the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge in schools and government offices following a flag-raising ceremony.
“If you ask me, there’s nothing wrong with words that promote hope, cooperation, and the aspiration for our country to progress,” Escudero told reporters.
“I don’t oppose it because it doesn’t favor any specific personality or name,” he added.
However, the Senate head clarified that the memorandum only applies to the executive branch, emphasizing that the legislative branch and the Supreme Court are not obliged to follow the directive.
Escudero also noted that this is the first instance of such a recital during the flag ceremony.
“This seems to be the first occurrence of this nature,” he said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Newly installed Senate President Chiz Escudero disclosed on Wednesday (05 June 2024) that he initiated a lunch meeting with former Senate president Tito Sotto and former Senator Panfilo Lacson for advice being the Senate head.
“Nagkita kami. Nag-lunch kami kahapon…Bilang paghingi ng payo… sa nauna sa akin bilang pagtanggap na hindi ko naman pwedeng hawak lahat ng kaalaman kaugnay ng pwestong hinahawakan ko ngayon,” Escudero said.
The Senate chief said that the former senator advised him on his administrative functions, adding that Sotto quoted former Senator Neptali Gonzales.
Escudero also shared that they reminisced about the times when they were working together in the upper chamber.
“Naging maganda ‘yung pag-uusap namin… Maganda ring ma-reminisce ‘yung pagsasama namin noon na sana mangyari din uli sa hinaharap dahil sa napipinto nilang pagtakbo kung matutuloy,” he added.
Sotto and Lacson have not yet disclosed whether they will run in the 2025 elections.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero believes that the anti-discrimination bill stands a better chance of passing the Senate compared to the proposed SOGIESC Equality Act.
“Sa pagkakaalam ko may mga panukalang amendment dito sa bill na ito bago ito tuluyang maipasa,” Escudero said.
“Pero sa kuwentuhan din bago pa man ako naging tagapangulo ng Senado, mas malaki ang tyansa na pumasa ang anti-discrimination kumpara sa SOGIESC bill unless nga ang mga amendments ay mapagbibigyan,” he added.
Escudero pointed out that the SOGIESC bill differs from another anti-discrimination measure being pushed in Congress.
Senate Bill No. 1600, also known as the SOGIESC Equality Bill, has been refiled by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Newly installed Senate President Chiz Escudero said on Monday (27 May 2024) that he does not have a plan to run for a higher position in the government.
“I have no dreams or ambition of running for higher office as some would think. Sabi ng ibang kaibigan ko, ‘o game na!’ Game na saan?” Escudero said in an interview with ANC.
“Kayo naman. Tumakbo na nga tayong vice, talo pa. Tama na, hanggang dito na lang. Gawin na lang natin ang magagawa natin dito,” he added.
Escudero once ran for the vice presidency in the 2016 elections, his running mate was Sen. Grace Poe. Both of them lost.
The Senate President said that he would focus on what he can do in the Senate as the new head of the upper chamber.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero said that he is against divorce following the passage of the proposed Absolute Divorce Act in the House of Representatives.
“My position is the version of the House — no. I don’t like it and I’m against it. [But] if they will accept some amendments and change it…probably,” Escudero said in an interview with ANC on Monday, May 27.
The senator previously said that he wanted to strengthen the annulment in the country and make it more accessible and affordable.
“Ako personally, nasabi ko na, mas nais kong gawin affordable at accessible ang kasalukuyang mga batas natin sa annulment,” Escudero said.
“Kesa naman sumabay tayo sa agos, ika nga, ng mundo, na sinasabi nila na tayo na lang ang isa sa dalawang bansang walang divorce,” he added.
The Philippines and Vatican City are the only countries that do not have Divorce Law.
Before the adjournment of the session, the House of Representatives approved on the third and final reading the proposed measure in absolute divorce.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Newly installed Senate President Chiz Escudero stated on Wednesday (22 May 2024) that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was unaware of the leadership change in the upper chamber.
“He only mentioned that he was in Dumaguete and Bacolod, and by the time he landed… he discovered that there had already been a change [of leadership],” Escudero informed reporters during a press briefing.
The senator had previously indicated that he discussed his Senate Presidency plan with fellow senators on Thursday (16 May 2024).
Meanwhile, Escudero expressed uncertainty about how former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri learned of the plan to unseat him.
“It was only last Thursday when I consulted [my fellow senators] and we reached a decision… I don’t know how he became aware of it on Wednesday,” he remarked.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez congratulated Escudero on Wednesday (22 May 2024) as he assumed the Senate Presidency and expressed appreciation to Zubiri.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With Senator Chiz Escudero, a former Sorsogon representative, assuming the Senate presidency, House leaders on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, expressed hope that the administration’s priority legislative measures will be smoothly passed by the upper chamber of Congress.
House Assistant Majority Leaders Jay Khonghun (Zambales) and Francisco Paolo Ortega (La Union) said they hope that the Senate under the new leadership of Escudero will lead to a more harmonious relationship with the House of Representatives.
“Senate President Chiz Escudero brings invaluable experience and leadership to the Senate. We look forward to a strong partnership between the Senate and the House to advance legislation that benefits the Filipino people,” Khonghun noted.
He expressed hope that Escudero’s “pragmatic approach and dedication to public service will enhance our legislative efforts.”
For his part, Ortega described Escudero’s election as a positive development for both chambers of Congress.
“This marks a new chapter for the Senate, one where cooperation and effective governance can thrive,” Ortega said.
He added: “Senator Escudero’s election as Senate President is a milestone that resonates beyond the Senate chambers; it’s a pivotal moment for us in the House of Representatives too. It signals a new era of collaboration and synergy between our legislative bodies.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has congratulated the new Senate President, Chiz Escudero, and expressed confidence that Escudero shares the vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“I extend my support to the new Senate President, Chiz Escudero. His legislative record and commitment to public service have distinguished him as a dedicated leader,” Marcos said on Tuesday, May 21.
“Senator Chiz steps into this role following the commendable tenure of Senator Migz Zubiri, and I am confident that under his leadership, the Senate will continue to prioritize transformative laws to achieve our shared vision for a Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
Escudero took his oath on Monday, accompanied by his wife, Heart Evangelista, following the resignation of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano nominated Escudero for the position, and there were no objections.
Meanwhile, Zubiri became emotional as he delivered his privileged speech and thanked his colleagues during the plenary session. He also shared the achievements accomplished under his leadership.
“We have been fair-minded and truth-driven in the Senate despite the political noise that often surrounds us. We have been a compassionate Senate, listening to and acting on our people’s call for decent jobs, equitable wages, and accessible healthcare,” Zubiri said.
(el Amigo/MNM)