By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has urged the authorities to release a travel advisory for those who will be going to Israel and Iran amid escalating conflict between the two countries.
This is in the midst of Iran’s attacks using drones and missiles to Israel.
“After a meticulous assessment, we also urge concerned agencies to consider issuing an advisory against travelling to these two countries in the light of the ongoing tension,” Poe said.
The senator stressed that the safety of the Filipinos should be the “primodial concern” for the government.
“We call on our embassy officers in these countries to monitor the situation of our kababayans and ensure utmost precautions about their safety and if necessary, encourage them to restrict their movements to the minimum,” Poe said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has called on water concessionaires to guarantee continuous service amid intense heat.
“The heat is on, water is in high demand, and without it, our health is at risk,” Poe emphasized.
“Water providers must ensure an uninterrupted, 24/7 supply,” added the head of the Senate Committee on Public Services.
Poe expects water concessionaires to implement supply contingency and augmentation plans, particularly for the summer months.
“If there’s no water in the taps due to interruptions, some of us won’t have access to water even for drinking,” she noted.
The water firms should also closely coordinate with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and the National Water Resources Board to ensure customers experience continuous water supply even during peak demand periods.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has issued a reminder to local government units (LGUs) not to neglect their duties regarding animal shelters during the observance of Holy Week.
This statement comes following a viral video on social media depicting instances of cats consuming deceased cats within a city pound.
“Recently, news surfaced of cats feasting on their fellow deceased felines within a city pound. If they were properly cared for, such occurrences should not happen and should not recur,” Poe remarked.
“Even during the Holy Week break, it remains the obligation of city pounds to supervise, feed, and care for the animals under their custody,” the senator added.
Poe emphasized that households also bear similar responsibilities in ensuring that their pets are attended to if they are away for the Lenten season.
The lawmaker recommended that if pets are left alone, they should be provided with ample food, water, and space to roam freely until their owners return.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe expressed being “heartbroken” and “enraged” by the killing of a Golden Retriever named Killiua that went viral on social media.
“I am heartbroken and enraged to hear about the mauling of Killua, a Golden Retriever… It is, of course, up to our courts to decide on the matter. However, the public should be aware that there are laws which prohibit and punish the cruel treatment of animals,” Poe said in a statement.
“If we are to create a kinder society where animals and humans can co-exist in harmony, we must raise awareness on the proper, responsible, and humane treatment of animals,” the senator added.
Poe cited the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, amended by Republic Act 10631, which states that it shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, maltreat any animal, or subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horse fights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.
Senator JV Ejercito also condemned the act, stating it “clearly violates the law and goes against the principles of compassion and decency.”
“As a fellow dog lover, witnessing the disturbing video of Killua, a Golden Retriever, being brutally killed is truly heartbreaking. I vehemently condemn this act… Our beloved companions, often considered man’s best friend, should never be subjected to such cruelty,” he added.
Earlier, netizens used the hashtag #JusticeForKillua as CCTV footage was released on social media, showing that the pet dog allegedly attacked a resident, which prompted the man to beat Killua to death.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe emphasized the necessity of expanding opportunities for women across diverse fields and in leadership roles during her remarks on Saturday (March 16, 2024) at an art event for women.
“There is a pressing need to actively engage more women in the workforce, ensuring access to stable employment and income, nurturing their talents, and creating pathways for their professional advancement,” Poe articulated during the opening of the art exhibit “Women 2024: Empower her Palette,” organized by SPARK Philippines.
Highlighting the substantial societal benefits, Poe stated, “The potential dividends for our society are immense when we fully realize the capabilities of women.”
Poe commended women who have ventured into the realm of visual arts, acknowledging their unique resilience and determination. “Women artists are often characterized by an indomitable spirit—a spirit fueled by defiance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to expressing the rich tapestry of their creativity,” Poe remarked.
She underscored the importance of investing in women, stating, “By doing so, we embrace a diverse perspective enriched by the unique experiences that only women can offer.”
Reflecting on the progress made by Filipino women across business, politics, science, arts, and other domains, Poe noted their contributions to advancing gender equality and enhancing their rights and welfare.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has urged authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to conduct a thorough deep cleaning of the facility in response to recent reports of rats and bed bugs.
“NAIA should undergo a comprehensive deep cleaning to ensure that all areas, including hidden nooks and crannies, are free of pests,” Poe emphasized.
“While the incidents of bed bug infestation and rat sightings may be isolated, they have the potential to deter travelers and negatively impact our tourism industry,” she added.
Last Friday, a traveler bound for Singapore captured a video showing a rat scurrying across the ceiling light fixtures at Gate 102 of NAIA Terminal 3.
Poe expressed her hope that the planned rehabilitation project for NAIA would proceed without any hitches, aiming to eliminate all pest-related issues and provide passengers with a consistently positive experience.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe said on Thursday (22 Feb 2024) that tighter measures are needed to curb financial fraud and protect the Filipinos’ hard-earned money as the country shifts to online banking and digital payments.
“They say that there are only two certain things in life: death and taxes. Ngayon, mukhang kinakailangan na nito ng amendment: death, taxes, and scams,” Poe said.
“These fraudulent schemes and rackets have become the bane of our financial consumers,” she added.
Poe is one of the sponsors of Senate Bill No. 2560 or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
Last week, Poe said news reports revealed at least 120 e-wallet account holders losing money from a phishing scam as reported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
“These stories and other countless reports of scams, shams, and other deceits only cement our status as a scamming hotbed in Asia,” Poe said.
In 2022, the Philippines ranked 5th among Southeast Asian countries in terms of phishing attacks and incidents, according to Poe.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe questions the necessity of Charter Change to demonstrate that the Philippines is open for business, highlighting the country’s existing openness to foreign investors.
“We have made significant progress in recent years in liberalizing our economy without compromising our national security or neglecting Filipino businesses,” Poe stated in her opening remarks during the public hearing on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 held on Monday (Feb 12, 2024).
“Would amending the public utilities provisions in our Constitution truly open up the economy, or would it open a Pandora’s box? It’s important to bring into the discussion the debates and deliberations surrounding the Amended Public Service Act (PSA) in sectors open to foreign control,” the senator added.
Currently, the Senate is deliberating on the proposal to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
Poe, the principal author of the Public Service Act (PSA), emphasized that those advocating for Constitutional amendments should first examine the PSA, noting that the law has already opened the economy to foreign investors to the benefit of Filipinos.
“So if we hadn’t allowed the Public Service Act, there would be no Starlink in areas with no signal. So when they say we need to open up our economy, I hope they first study this law that we have already passed,” Poe remarked.
“In addition, we have also opened up our airlines and shipping lines to significant investments, networks, and innovation.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has filed a resolution praising the 10 winners of the 2023 Galing Pook Award and urging them to serve as genuine examples for other local government units (LGUs) in improving lives within communities.
“The Philippine Senate proudly joins the Galing Pook Foundation and its partners in congratulating and commending the awardees of the 2023 Galing Pook Awards for their outstanding local governance programs that are truly inspiring and remarkable, and worth emulating in the rest of the country,” Senate Resolution No. 926 reads.
“Each year, we spotlight programs of our LGUs that reignite our people’s hope in the goodness of their public servants,” Poe added.
The awardees now join the pool of 230 LGUs and 357 programs that Poe highlighted as “worthy models for replication by other LGUs and national government agencies.”
The 10 awardees are:
- 1Bataan Seal of Healthy Barangay (Bataan)
- Fish From The Mountains: Bayawan Inland Aquaculture (Bayawan City, Negros Oriental)
- Happy Home: Integrated and Holistic Rebel Reintegration Program (Davao Oriental)
- Seal of Health Governance: Local Health Leadership Approach as Response from Pandemic to Super Typhoon (Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte)
- Shari’a Atas Bitiara: The Comprehensive and Balanced Conflict Resolution Mechanism for Muslims (General Santos City)
- Zero to Limpyo Iloilo: Movement for a Province-wide Zero Open Defecation (Iloilo)
- Virtual Queuing Management System for Health Centers (Makati City)
- Prehospital Care and Emergency Medical Services Medical Control Program (Pasig City)
- iRISE UP (Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population) (Quezon City)
- Barangay Taloot Community-Based Integrated Approach (Barangay Taloot, Argao, Cebu)
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe on Sunday (04 Feb 2024) said that the fresh attempt to hack a government website was “alarming and outraging.”
“While the DICT foiled the intrusion try, the recent incident was a stark reminder that cyber attacks have become bolder and more relentless,” Poe said.
Earlier, the Department of Information and Communications and Technology (DICT) disclosed the attempted attack on the website of several government agencies this past week.
Poe urged the concerned government agencies to take a cue from the findings of the DICT on the suspected source of threat actors on the privacy and security.
“Fortifying website firewall and systems should be the task of all agencies maintaining online presence,” the senator said.
“All means should be explored to keep the people’s data secure and uncompromised.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, asserted on Tuesday (January 9, 2024) that her committee is prepared to conduct a thorough review of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) franchise.
“We need to assess whether the NGCP is meeting its obligations under its franchise,” Poe stated, emphasizing that it falls within the jurisdiction of Congress to determine if the grantee needs to “shape up or ship out.”
“In managing the critical operation of power transmission lines, there is no room for inefficiency, mismanagement, or blunders,” Poe added.
Highlighting the recent blackout incidents in Panay Island, Poe emphasized the urgency of addressing issues to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of affordable, stable, and accessible electricity to the island’s residents.
Earlier, Senator Raffy Tulfo proposed revoking the NGCP franchise due to its “repeated failures” in stabilizing the power grid system.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has affirmed her commitment to advocating for the passage of the Department of Water amidst the challenges posed by El Niño.
“We will persist in our efforts to advance the enactment of our bill, which establishes a Department of Water Resources to spearhead and consolidate the collaborative endeavors of society for the comprehensive and integrated development and management of water resources,” Poe stated.
She emphasized the necessity of this new entity in response to the escalating demand for water, driven by population growth and expanding commercial activities. “We need to address these challenges proactively,” she added.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced his intention to establish a task force dedicated to preparedness against the effects of El Niño.
“This executive order is aimed at early preparedness and swift resolution of interventions, as well as continuous monitoring and readiness for potential impacts of El Niño,” Marcos explained.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has introduced a bill aimed at bolstering animal welfare standards, policies, rules, and regulations, along with stricter penalties for offenders.
The proposed legislation advocates for the establishment of an Animal Welfare Bureau (AWB) with offices at the city, municipal, provincial, and regional levels, all falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
“Essentially, a policy will be formulated, and in every local government, an animal rights council should be established,” Poe stated during a recent hearing with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. at the Commission on Appointments.
“Some local governments have dog pounds, but the dogs aren’t taken care of,” she added.
Poe explained that her bill assigns the DA, through the AWB, to oversee the adherence of local governments to animal welfare programs, standards, rules, and regulations.
The AWB will also be responsible for implementing an inspection system for animal facilities, ensuring compliance with established animal welfare standards and regulations.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe emphasizes the urgent need to establish a National Transportation Safety Board, dedicated to investigating incidents across all modes of transportation, encompassing air, land, and sea, as well as railways and pipeline systems.
This call comes in the wake of a tragic bus crash in Antique where at least 17 perished and scores suffered injuries.
“The proposed legislation aims to enforce rigorous inspections of public vehicles, enhance driver’s licensing standards, and implement safety measures aimed at preventing road accidents,” Poe stated.
Furthermore, she stressed that relevant agencies must ensure that funds collected from vehicle registration fees and related taxes are allocated to crucial road safety measures, such as street lights, railings, and signboards.
The impetus for this legislative push stems from a recent bus accident in Hamtic, Antique, where 17 passengers lost their lives after the vehicle plunged into a ravine. Vallacar Transit, the owner of the Ceres bus involved in the incident, initially reported 24 passengers on board.
The bus, traveling from Iloilo to Culasi, Antique, met with the unfortunate accident at KM 174, Igbucay, Hamtic.
Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Senator Poe conveyed her frustration, stating, “We are enraged with the loss of lives that could have been prevented.”
She attributed recurring accidents to the operation of vehicles lacking roadworthiness and drivers taking the wheel without undergoing rigorous training.
In conclusion, Senator Grace Poe advocates for the establishment of a National Transportation Safety Board to address and mitigate transportation-related incidents, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures and proper allocation of resources.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has renewed the call for the creation of a Department of Water Resources in an effort for the country to immediately respond to the water issues being felt nationwide.
“The irony is that although there is a horde of offices involved in water, no one agency has overall responsibility,” Poe said.
“Simply put: Our tubig sector is too big. So before we all sink, we need nothing less than a Titanic reform to prevent a Titanic disaster,” she added.
The senator likewise urged the private sector to work with the government in ensuring sustainable water management and access of the people to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Poe has filed the National Water Resource Management Act which pitches for the creation of a Department of Water Resources.
The said bill is pending at the committee level.
This new agency will be the primary policy planning, coordinating, and implementing entity responsible for the comprehensive and integrated development and management of water resources in the Philippines.
“Undoubtedly, the impact of having access to clean water is life-changing. But who decides which communities will receive this blessing? Consequently, one area that needs to be immediately addressed is our fragmented institutional, regulatory, and management framework,” Poe stressed.
Poe said that the creation of the proposed department is “urgent and needed” as water has become a critical resource worldwide.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe urged government authorities and telecom firms to strengthen their connections to supply public schools in need with free wifi services.
According to Poe, to guarantee that pupils, even those attending the most remote schools, benefit from connectivity, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Education (DepEd) had to collaborate closely with the telecom companies.
At a time when the education of our children relies on connectivity, access to the free internet is a crucial need that telcos can help provide,” Poe said.
“What to telcos could be a drop in the bucket can go a long mile for the efficient learning of our students,” the chairperson of the Senate Public Services Committee added.
On Poe’s inquiry, it was learned that only around 69 percent of the close to 45,000 public schools have wifi access and at varying degrees.
“It’s unimaginable for a big population of students not to have wifi access especially now when we are saying that online education has become part of the new normal,” she said.
“Some may be able to spend a few pesos for wifi for their school works such as research, but how about the others who do not have the means?” Poe added.
Meanwhile, Poe expressed optimism the telcos will continue to be a willing partner of government in the latter’s digitalization program.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe on Friday (10 November 2023) told relevant agencies to safely handle the milk supply used in government feeding programs to prevent spoilage.
“Pag-ingatan natin ang handling at delivery dahil madaling mapanis ang gatas,” Poe said during the budget deliberation of the Department of Education (DepEd).
“Milk can fill up the stomachs of our children. If they regularly drink milk, they no longer need many supplements. We have to make sure they get only the fresh packs,” she added.
Poe is the primary author of Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, Republic Act 11037, which establishes the school-based feeding program (SBFP) for malnourished students in kindergarten through Grade 6.
Throughout the school year, the children receive micronutrient dosages in the form of pills, capsules, syrups, deworming tablets, and at least one fortified meal.
For 2024, a budget of P11 billion has been proposed for the continued rollout of the program.
Poe said that 87.4 percent of the milk needs of the kids for the SBFP were procured from local sources in 2023, while the rest were sourced commercially.
“I hope the local sourcing will increase, if possible, to 100 percent so our farmers will not have to worry about finding a source where they can sell their milk,” the senator said.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Senators have welcomed the appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel as the new Department of Agriculture Secretary.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Laurel has the management experience and the “common touch to lead what is perhaps the most important agency in the country today.”
“I am glad that the President personally headed the Department of Agriculture for a time… but it is also right that the DA now be helmed by a new Secretary who can be devoted to the agriculture sector,” Zubiri said in a statement.
Sen. Chiz Escudero lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for choosing a full-time DA Secretary.
Escudero said he has known Laurel to be a “sincere, no-nonsense, honest and hardworking patriot.”
“I congratulate Secretary Laurel on his appointment, wish him well, and look forward to working with him.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe said that the new DA chief must have the focus, fortitude to get things done, and genuine feeling for the sector.
“As the first order of the day, we hope the new DA chief would take to heart the President’s warning in his SONA against smugglers, hoarders and price fixers,” Poe said.
“Kailangan din ng pangmatagalang programang magpapapataas sa produksyon sa agrikultura at mangangalaga sa kapakanan ng ating magsasaka,” she added.
On Friday, Marcos announced that he administered the oath of Laurel as the new DA Secretary.
(ai/mnm)
By Dang Samson Garcia
SENATOR Grace Poe on Tuesday questioned the bigger allocation of government funds for the construction of multi-purpose halls despite the shortage in school buildings in the country.
During the Senate Finance Subcommittee A’s deliberations on the P822.2-billion proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Poe noted that P41.19 billion was set aside in next year’s budget for building multi-purpose halls, while there is a nationwide backlog of 159,000 classrooms.
“The budget allocated for multipurpose buildings is bigger than the allocation for building classrooms,” Poe said in Filipino.
She said the DPWH, as the implementer of government infrastructure projects, should have a say over which structures should be prioritized by local government units.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said that the allocation for the multipurpose projects is the consolidated priority projects of all legislative districts.
“This is part of their what we call local infrastructure project that are allocated for members of Congress to prioritize and this is what we have consolidated,” Bonoan said.
Poe answered “Hindi ba dapat may say din ang DPWH na sabihin na sa distrito ninyo parang mass kailangan ninyo ng classrooms kesa multi-purpose buildings. Don’t you have that discretion?”
“We can always suggest, but at the end of the day, to be candid about it, its actually the priorities for the district,” Bonoan replied.
By Dang Samson Garcia
SENATOR Grace Poe on Saturday stressed that technology-savvy Filipino youth is in the best position to spearhead the country’s digital transformation in order for no one to be left behind.
Poe said the government can make good use of the zeal and adroitness of the youth to bring digitalization to speed, fullness, and relevance.
“It’s well known that in matters of technology, government tends to fall behind the curve. So, we need brilliant guys like you to bring us up to speed,” Poe said.
The head of the Senate public services committee said the Covid19 pandemic ushered in a social disruption that put to fore the importance of the internet.
“The internet and its related technologies have remained a key part of our post-pandemic reality. Digital technology and the business models it enables now define our lives and the choices we make,” she said.
Citing data from a Temasek and Google study, Poe said the Philippine Digital Economy moved $20 billion worth of merchandise in 2022.
And the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas estimates monthly digital payments have grown fourfold, from P523 million in 2019 to P2.04 billion last year.
But Poe stressed technology should go beyond wallet applications.
The young generation can lead the role in the brave new digital world, according to the senator, adding that government must play supporting role.
“We will work to create an environment which will enable you to lead the mission of digital inclusion,” she said.
Poe said one area young techies and professionals can help is in modernizing legislation, and in building a legal firewall that she said will not strangle innovation.
She cited the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), which is leading the fight against cybercrime.
“The CICC is a small fish in a big pond. Their P320 million proposed budget, which has zero confidential funds, is a drop in the government coffers. They have a staff complement of only 53 individuals, one of whom is the only certified chief information security officer, she said.
“And yet this small agency is leading the fight against cybercriminals. Just last year, they helped arrest three members of a foreign terrorist group. They raided a cyberscam den, which netted 800 computers, 2,000 mobile phones, and thousands of pre-registered sim cards,” Poe added.
“Which goes to show, it really takes only a few good and competent people, to do a lot of good in this world. We will work on giving this agency what they need to succeed,” Poe said.
The senator also filed the Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 2022, which if passed, will provide a framework for ensuring the security and reliability of the country’s digital ecosystem.
The proposed law would create a legal and digital firewall against those who would abuse technology, Poe said.