By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Chiz Escudero has lauded the creation of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination which would be tasked to sustain initiatives and accomplishments of the United Nations for the Joint Programme (UNJP).
This development came following the issuance of Administrative Order No. 22 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin last May 8.
“I commend the President (Marcos) for taking this step,” Escudero stated. “However, I sincerely hope that the intent and provisions of this issuance will be faithfully executed ‘down the line.’ It is crucial not only for addressing human rights issues related to the previous Marcos regime but also for addressing concerns from the previous administration and the entire country.”
The lawmaker from Bicol added that the “establishment of this special body signifies a commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability” in the country.
“We must ensure that this initiative translates into meaningful action, benefiting all Filipinos.”
The body is chaired by Bersamin and co-chaired by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. Other members of the committee are Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Senator Chiz Escudero expressed concern regarding the recent statement from the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicating their preparation of legal briefs outlining potential options for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in light of the International Criminal Court (ICC) probe.
Escudero questioned the necessity of a press conference to announce this, stating, “What I don’t understand is why a press conference had to be called to announce something that is in the normal course of things or as it should be.”
He emphasized that providing legal briefings to the President is standard procedure.
Earlier, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano announced the preparation of these briefs, citing the possibility of ICC warrants about former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Clavano remarked, “Aware naman tayo na ‘yung policy ngayon ng gobyerno na hindi papasukin ang ICC ay posible namang mag-iba.” He stressed the need for an objective briefing to inform the President about legalities, options, and remedies should ICC warrants be issued.
Escudero urged the Executive Branch to exercise caution, clarify the purpose of the press conference, and ensure that decisions are made objectively without political bias.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Chiz Escudero has called on the government to take proactive measures during the La Niña weather phenomenon to safeguard vulnerable communities and mitigate potential risks.
“The impending shift to La Niña demands comprehensive programs and early interventions to protect vulnerable sectors and ensure climate resilience,” Escudero stated.
“By acting now, we can better navigate the challenges posed by changing climate patterns and protect vulnerable communities and sectors, especially our farmers and fisherfolk.”
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has already announced an “increasing probability” of La Niña developing later this year.
Earlier, Senator Bong Revilla urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ensure that the country is ready for the impending La Niña season.
“The rainy season is fast approaching, and we are wary of the impending La Niña phenomenon that will bring heavier rains than usual,” Revilla remarked.
“Now is the best time to ensure that all waterways are clean and drainage systems are clear,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Chiz Escudero has apologized on Friday (April 12, 2024) for the unauthorized use of protocol plate no. 7 and for improper use of bus lane in EDSA.
“The use of the protocol plate was unauthorized, as the vehicle was being driven by the driver of a family member,” Escudero said, referring to the incident that happened on April 11.
“The No. 7 protocol plate was also abused because vehicles with these plates are not allowed to use bus lanes,” the senator added.
Following the incident, Escudero said he had directed the driver to appear before the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to comply with the show-cause order issued to him and to answer the charges he faces for the violation.
“I do not personally use the protocol license plates issued to me, and forthwith the protocol plates involved in the incident will be surrendered to the LTO,” he clarified.
Escudero then commend the authorities for their vigilance and reiterated his support for government efforts to ensure that traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila are observed by all.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Chiz Escudero praised the enactment of the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” citing its potential to alleviate the challenges faced by disadvantaged students.
Escudero emphasized that RA 11984 would stand as one of the significant legacies of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“The ‘No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act’ represents one of the most impactful changes we can make. Finally, we can put an end to this longstanding practice,” remarked the senator.
“By any moral standard, the undue delay of a student’s examination is one of the harshest punishments in life. It not only results in the loss of a diploma but also extinguishes dreams,” he added.
Escudero highlighted that underprivileged yet deserving students would now have the opportunity to complete their education and strive for a brighter future.
“We express our gratitude to President Marcos for signing this bill into law, ensuring its swift implementation for the benefit of our students,” the senator concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Chiz Escudero has welcomed the move of the House of Representatives to pass legislation that would increase the minimum daily wage of Filipino workers in the private sector.
“It is nice to see that things are moving forward not only for the Filipino workers but also for both houses of Congress,” Escudero said.
The Senate last week passed the third and final reading of Senate Bill 2534 which would grant a P100 increase in the daily minimum wage of employees in the private sector.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said over the weekend that the House leadership is studying proposals for P150 and P350 in daily minimum wage hikes.
“Our workers are enduring tough times, and as their representatives, we must find substantial solutions to alleviate their financial burdens,” Dalipe said.
The House Committee on Labor and Employment is scheduled to convene on Wednesday to discuss the two measures seeking a legislated wage hike for private-sector workers.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Chiz Escudero disclosed that House Speaker Martin Romualdez is behind the drive to amend the 1987 Constitution, saying that the latter revealed such plan in December 2023.
“This is clearly a politiko’s (not a people’s) initiative,” Escudero reacted upon seeing the video of Romualdez.
On December 11, 2023 during the Philippine Economic Briefing in Iloilo province, Escudero said that Romualdez announced that the recommended means to change the 37-year-old Constitution was through the PI.
“We are thinking right now of addressing the procedural gap or question on as to how we amend the Constitution. We will highly recommend that we embark on a people’s initiative to cure this impasse, so to speak, on how we vote. And I hope we can undertake this as soon as possible, so we could have some clarity on the procedures,” Romualdez said.
“So, we would like to amend the Constitution vis-à-vis how we procedurally amend the same. And that’s either we vote jointly or separately, we would like to have the result by and through People’s Initiative,” the House Speaker continued.
Escudero questioned Romualdez’s statements denying that he is behind PI.
“How can Speaker Romualdez deny he is not behind this ‘pekeng initiative’ when he bragged about it last December and took credit for it?”
On January 23, the Senate issued a manifesto signed by all 24 senators, rejecting the House of Representatives’ bid for Cha-cha through the PI.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Chiz Escudero is seeking for the expansion of Tulong Panghanap-buhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to extend more assistance to victims of natural calamities.
TUPAD is a program of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“Your honor, may we suggest in the proper time that we carve out from the calamity fund of the President, an amount, as a QRF fund for the DOLE’s TUPAD to help areas affected by calamities to recover,” Escudero said during Wednesday’s plenary deliberation of the 2024 budget of the DOLE.
“May I suggest P500 million… I don’t think the President will complain nor object because the Labor Secretary, at the end of the day, is his alter-ego,” he added.
Escudero said he would like TUPAD to be expanded to cover calamity victims, similar to a local program he implemented while he was governor of Sorsogon wherein their affected constituents were employed until they recover from the effects of the typhoon.
“The deal was for them to not to clean or repair their own house but clean and repair the house of their neighbor and they can do it among themselves. This enabled our affected barangays at that time in Sorsogon to recover from calamity with their heads held up high and without really depending on dole outs and asking for help without giving anything in return,” Escudero recalled.
(AI/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Chiz Escudero said that he will focus on three sectors during the proposed ₱5.768 trillion 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) once it is taken up at the plenary.
Escudero said that he would ensure that the national budget truly supports the needs of the people, focusing on local government units (LGUs), education, and agriculture.
Escudero’s three-point priority will be to bring back the concept of “parametric insurance” to facilitate the payment and release of funds to affected local governments in times of disasters; make sure payments are made to the State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) for the extra amount they spent in 2022 and 2023 in the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA); and craft a budget for the Department of Agriculture (DA) that will support the priority programs of the new secretary.
“I would like to bring back the parametric insurance in so far as providing insurance coverage to often calamity-stricken areas, particularly the eastern seaboard of the country,” Escudero said.
“Parametric insurance is based on how strong the typhoon signal was. Kung signal number 1 iyan, ganito lang ang bayad, signal number 2 ganito naman, etc. Total payout na ‘yun. Hindi na kailangan ang inspection at madaling mare-release ang pera,” he added.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Escudero said he is bound to correct the deficiencies “not only in the basic education sector but in the higher education sector, too.”
“Given that we have unpaid fees in the Free Tertiary Education Act to about 80 SUCs, we would seek to correct that in the 2024 budget,” Escudero said
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
SENATOR Chiz Escudero said that current Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is qualified to lead the Department of Health (DOH), citing his experience and competence as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Escudero claims that although the Commission on Appointments was unable to take up Herbosa’s nomination owing to time constraints, he is anticipating the confirmation of the latter’s appointment when Congress reconvenes on November 6.
“The Department of Health needs someone like Secretary Herbosa to carry out its programs as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the senator, who is a member of the CA.
“I am confident that he will be confirmed when the hearing resumes soon,” he added.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Tuesday that Herbosa was “bypassed due to lack of material time.”
Congress is on a break from September 30 to November 5. (ai/mnm)