By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has expressed his support for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) plan to eliminate fees for personal transactions and payments made by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“I hope the thresholds will be higher and the coverage broader, to benefit more consumers and further expand the user base of digital payments,” Escudero said.

He noted that individual transaction fees charged by some companies can reach up to P75, with others imposing as much as P600 on senders.

“It’s like a piggy bank. The amounts may seem small, but over time, they accumulate significantly,” Escudero explained.

The Senate chief emphasized that the rationale for eliminating fees on person-to-person digital money transfers for personal, family, or household purposes is “solid and unassailable.”

“If the use of electronic money channels is reasonable in frequency and the amount being sent, then the fee should really be zero,” he said.

Escudero added, “The same principle should apply to digital payments made to small businesses.”

Ia/mnm

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has sent an explanation letter on Tuesday (23 July 2024) to Senate President Chiz Escudero regarding her absence from the chamber’s hearings on the investigation of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

“I would like to apologize for any misunderstandings caused by my statements,” Guo said in the letter.

“I had no intention of instructing or dictating to the Senate what should be prioritized. I understand that each legislator has their duties and responsibilities to the nation,” she added.

The suspended mayor asked for “help” and understanding.

“At present, I am unable to fulfill my duties and assist my constituents. Therefore, I am requesting your help and understanding.”

Guo further stated that she has been the target of negative posts on social media following the Senate hearings, adding that netizens have treated her as a “convicted criminal” rather than a resource person, despite the “presumption of innocence.”

“From my experience, after each Senate hearing, I become the center of negative posts on social media, as if I were already a convicted criminal and not a resource person, based on the tone and remarks of the Senators hearing my case and the POGO issue.”

It can be recalled that Guo did not attend the two latest Senate hearings and was nowhere to be found when the warrant of arrest was issued against her.

The Senate also churned out a warrant for her arrest to make sure she could attend hearings but she was nowhere to be found up until now.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated on Tuesday (July 9, 2024) that any person who has been subpoenaed must attend hearings, whether by Congress or the court, as it is a legal obligation.

Escudero made this remark in response to questions about suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo ignoring a subpoena.

On Tuesday, Guo’s camp issued an explanation letter stating why she will not attend the Senate hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Escudero affirmed his commitment to signing the warrant of arrest against Guo if a formal motion is filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

“If they do not attend, it is up to Senator Risa to request a warrant of arrest to compel them to attend the Senate hearing, and I will sign that warrant of arrest if requested by Senator Risa,” he said.

Hontiveros leads the investigation into illegal POGOs in the country.

(el Amigo/mnm)

MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara’s Senate seat will be vacant until the 2025 midterm elections, as confirmed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) following Malacañang’s announcement of Angara’s appointment as Education secretary.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that unless a special election is called by the Senate, the seat will remain empty.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero also expressed that there would be no need to fill the vacancy prematurely, suggesting it should be left to expire naturally at the end of Angara’s term.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s selection of Angara for the DepEd position, citing his significant legislative contributions to education reform during his tenure in the Senate.

This includes noteworthy acts such as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12).

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero announced on Monday (July 1, 2024) that he recommended Senator Sonny Angara to be the next Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

When asked about Angara’s openness to assume the role, Escudero said it was a positive development and revealed that he had recommended the senator for the position.

“I am one of the first, if not the first, to recommend him to become the DepEd Secretary, given his competence, track record, and experience in education,” Escudero said.

He added, however, that the final decision lies with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., as it is a “position of confidence.”

“That is a cabinet position, and it should be someone who enjoys the confidence and trust of the President,” the Senate President remarked.

Earlier, Angara expressed his willingness to take on the role if offered.

“I am open to the possibility if entrusted with the responsibility… It would be impossible to refuse such an opportunity,” Angara said.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has addressed the viral video showing First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos taking a sip from his wine glass.

The incident occurred during the Vin d’Honneur, which was part of the 126th Independence Day anniversary celebration held at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.

“I consider it gentlemanly to wait on a lady, whether she is the First Lady or not,” Escudero remarked.

“Some might say it’s old-fashioned or that it makes one appear subservient, but for me, being courteous and respectful towards others will never go out of style, no matter what anyone says,” he added.

After taking a sip, Araneta-Marcos returned the wine glass to Escudero.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has been lauded by United States Senator Chris Coons for becoming the new leader of the upper chamber.

US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, invited Escudero to a dinner at her residence in honor of the visiting American lawmaker.

Alongside Senate President Escudero, Senator Loren Legarda was also in attendance.

Their conversation revolved around shared values, strategic priorities, legislative leadership, and strengthening US-Philippines bilateral relations.

Escudero assumed his post days before the adjournment of the session on May 22, 2024.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Newly-appointed Senate President Chiz Escudero conducted an inspection of the Senate building facilities, three days after assuming his post.

Escudero toured the rooms on the second floor, including the press office and the committee hearing rooms.

He was accompanied by Senate Secretariat officials led by Sergeant-at-Arms Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan PA (Ret).

The Senate leader expressed a preference for uniformity in the committee rooms’ appearance. He also issued directives to enhance internet connectivity and install additional monitoring screens at the press office.

Prior to this, Escudero surveyed the parking spaces.

Escudero assumed the role of Senate President on Monday following a change in Senate leadership.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Dang Samson-Garcia

TULUYAN nang natuldukan ang uniteam.

Ito ang paniniwala ni Senador Chiz Escudero kaugnay sa relasyon ngayon nina Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. at Vice President Sara Duterte.

Sinabi ni Escudero na ito ay kahit pa dumalo ang Bise Presidente sa mga rally ng Bagong Pilipinas sa Maynila at sa Davao City na pinangunahan naman ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Ayon kay Escudero, 98 o 99 percent nang buwag ang uniteam at ang pagdalo rin ni VP Sara sa prayer rally sa Davao na pinangunahan ng kanyang pamilya ay maliwanag na nagwakas na ang pagkakaisa sa pagitan ng Pangulo at ng Bise Presidente.

Aniya, bagama’t nagsalita ang Vice President sa rally sa Davao kagabi, ang presensiya niya sa lugar ay patunay na nakikiisa siya sa mga maaanghang na salita na binitawan, lalo na ng kanyang ama na si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Sinabi ni Escudero na nagsimula ang lamat sa relasyon ng dalawang lider ng bansa nang magpanukala si Pangulong Marcos ng confidential funds para sa Office of the Vice President na kalaunan ay ikinasama pa ng Bise Presidente at hindi man lang pumalag o pumosisyon dito ang Pangulo.

Iginiit pa ni Escudero na dapat nang rendahan ni Pangulong Marcos ang kanyang pinsan na si House Speaker Martin Romualdez at huwag sanang ipagkibit-balikat lang ng Presidente ang nangyayari dahil tiyak na babalik sa kanya ito at aakalain ng marami na pumapayag siya sa isinusulong na pekeng People’s Initiative.

By Dang Samson Garcia

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero supported the partial reimbursement to state universities and colleges of the amount they spent in 2022 and 2023 in the implementation of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

At the same time, Escudero called on SUCs to work within their budget allocation as the reimbursable expenses would only cover up to 10% increase in enrollment based on the policy of the Commission on Higher Education.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher, Vocational and Technical Education said the government is finding ways to reimburse SUCs but it cannot pay them in full due to budgetary constraints.

“For 2022, the total so-called deficiency is P2.75 billion. Magkano sa 2023? Based on the report, it is P4.24 billion, giving a total of roughly P7 billion deficiency for 2022 and 2023,” Escudero told representatives of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges led by its president, Tirso Ronquillo of the Batangas State University.

“If we have an opportunity to address that in 2024, we will try to do that. As you heard DBM, they are looking at several formulas on how to pay you back. But they are not paying the entire amount, only a portion or a percentage of it,” he added.

Escudero has earlier supported the Department of Budget and Management’s position, admitting that paying these SUCs in full would be unfair to other government-owned universities and colleges that stuck to their allotted budget.

“Ang problema, alam naman nila ‘yung budget kung magkano ang kino-cover natin sa free tertiary education and yet, they opened their enrolment wide to exceed the budget. Tapos ngayon, maniningil sila,” he said.

He urged PASUC to reach a win-win solution with DBM so that a provision can be inserted in the proposed 2024 General Appropriations Act to finally get their claims.

The CHED reported that the basis of imposing a 10% reimbursement cap is its data that the average increase in enrolment is about 8% annually.

By Dang Samson Garcia

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday asked the Commission on Higher Education if there is a need to change the name of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines as it seeks autonomy from the Commission on Higher Education.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, the senator inquired on the necessity to change the name of PUP into National Polytechnic University.

The senator’s query was in line with the discussions on Senate Bill 2448 which seeks to amend the PUP charter.

“What’s in the name Chair Popoy De Vera? So, what if I call PUP as National Polytechnic University? That doesn’t automatically carry with it institutional autonomy, right?” the senator asked.

CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III had raised concerns on PUP’s move for autonomy.

He said that unless under the law they don’t have institutional autonomy, changing PUP’s name carries with it institutional autonomy.