By: DANG SAMSON-GARCIA
SENATOR Grace Poe has called for a comprehensive review of Senate Bill 1979, or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancies Act, emphasizing the importance of clear guidelines and sensitivity in addressing reproductive health education.
In an interview on DWIZ’s Usapang Senado, Poe, both a mother and legislator, underscored the need for a balanced approach to teaching reproductive health while safeguarding children.
“Ako kaya nga dapat sa buo nito, dapat may mga magulang nakasama. Clinical dapat ang approach. It should not encourage nga premarital sex. I mean, di ba? Paano mo gagawin yan? So, syempre, kailangan mo ng mga eksperto dyan. As I said, clinical approach. Dapat very formal. It does not encourage anything beyond promoting safety,” Poe said.
She stressed the inclusion of values education to highlight the challenges of early parenthood and the importance of health and safety.
Acknowledging concerns from parents and groups that early sex education could lead to curiosity and experimentation, Poe insisted on a clinical and formal approach that prioritizes safety and responsibility without encouraging premarital sex.
She also emphasized the government’s role in addressing the rising rates of teenage pregnancies and preventing sexually transmitted diseases through proper education.
Although not a co-author of Senate Bill 1979, Poe signed the committee report to facilitate Senate debates. She said she would only support the bill if it undergoes revisions considering parents’ perspectives, cultural sensitivities, and other critical concerns.
As the bill advances to plenary discussions, Poe reiterated the importance of open dialogue to address the concerns of both supporters and critics.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has urged the swift passage of a bill to legalize and regulate motorcycles-for-hire, emphasizing their potential as a safe mode of transportation.
“The motorcycle-for-hire bill has been through the long and winding road to passage. Our tank is full,” Poe said during a Senate Committee on Public Services hearing.
“It is now time to start our engines and put our years of work into motion,” added Poe, who previously chaired the Committee on Public Services and now leads the Senate Finance Committee.
According to Poe, the Department of Transportation’s pilot study on the viability of motorcycle taxis provides a strong foundation for crafting legislation.
“The pilot study is the strength of this policy. May pagkakataon tayong matugunan ang implementation gaps to improve its regulation once legalized,” she explained.
Poe further noted that the study has provided sufficient data to create a regulatory framework that addresses the needs of both commuters and industry stakeholders.
“But I think we can all agree that we have gathered enough data to craft a regulatory framework that is dynamic and responsive,” Poe said.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is expected to sign the P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget on December 19, according to Senator Grace Poe.
This was disclosed on Friday (29 Nov 2024) by Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Poe before the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) was brought to the bicameral conference committee.
Poe assured that the schedule remains on track for Marcos to approve the budget before Christmas.
“Susunod pa rin tayo sa timeline na maipirmahan ni Pangulong Marcos ang budget bago mag-Pasko,” Poe said.
The senator expressed optimism that deliberations on the budget would avoid a deadlock now that the bicam has commenced discussions.
“Nakahanda kami sa Senado na pakinggan ang panig ng mga miyembro ng House tungkol sa mga pagkakaiba sa budget items,” she stated.
Poe emphasized the importance of compromise, noting that sacrifices might be necessary to ensure the budget’s passage before the year ends.
“May mga pagkakataon na kailangang magbigay-daan at maging bukas sa kompromiso para lamang maipasa ang budget bago matapos ang taon,” she added.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe said the Senate plenary debates on the proposed 2025 national budget are set to conclude on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
“Today is the last day of the budget debates, according to the agreed schedule,” Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said.
“But it won’t move to second reading immediately, as we need to give senators time to prepare their amendments based on the plenary debates,” she added.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Chiz Escudero, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. certified House Bill No. 10800 as an urgent measure for passage.
“[T]o ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical government functions, guarantee the allocation of fiscal resources for vital initiatives, and enable the government to adeptly respond to emerging challenges,” Marcos said.
The proposed budget for 2025 is P6.352 trillion.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The passage of the 2025 national budget will strengthen the calamity fund to provide “fast and timely” relief to communities hit by successive typhoons, Senator Grace Poe said.
The Senate finance committee’s report on the proposed P6.352 trillion budget for 2025 allocates P21 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.
Poe noted that this amount is P500 million higher than this year’s allocation.
As head of the finance panel, Poe is defending the 2025 budget in the plenary.
“The increase is meant to address our people’s urgent and essential needs during calamities,” Poe said.
“If communities have the resources, they can respond quickly, potentially saving lives,” she added.
Poe emphasized that the calamity fund should not only provide immediate relief but also support the repair and rehabilitation of affected areas.
“This budget should not just be for providing food to disaster victims for a few days,” the senator said.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe said that the government cash assistance programs should be widely disseminated to the Filipinos, stressing that they should have access to such.
“Any time that the government has extra cash or the capability to support social welfare programs, we will back them up as long as they are sustainable and accessible to the people,” said Poe, chairperson of the Senate finance committee.
“Hindi dapat sikreto o confidential ang programang pantulong ng gobyerno. Dapat alam ito ng ating mga kababayan, para sa kanila ito,” she added.
Moreover, the senator said that giving cash assistance should not be selective and should reach all intended beneficiaries like poor families.
Appropriations for cash aid and other social welfare programs are among the focus of discussions in the Senate plenary as it deliberates the proposed 2025 budget amounting to P6.352 trillion.
Although not included in the Senate version, Poe said the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) will still be discussed and reviewed.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe announced on Tuesday (November 5, 2024) that the Senate has decided to retain the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed budget of P733 million, the same amount approved by the House of Representatives under the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance explained that the decision to maintain the OVP’s budget was made after the office failed to submit the required additional documents.
“Yes, we reached out several times to the Office of the Vice President requesting them to submit documents that would clarify issues regarding their budget. However, they have yet to submit them as of today,” Poe said.
“So, we decided to retain the amount in the GAB, pending the submission and review of these documents,” she added.
Earlier, Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that the chamber will prioritize budget deliberations, pending bills, and local bills once the session resumes.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe called the baggage delays at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 “unacceptable” and stressed that affected passengers should be entitled to refunds.
“It’s unacceptable that hundreds of pieces of luggage are stuck at the airport due to a technical glitch. A delayed flight is bad enough, but mishandled or delayed luggage is equally disappointing,” Poe said.
“A week is too long for a problem with the baggage handling system to be fixed.”
Poe’s remarks came after hundreds of bags were stranded at the airport while their owners had already reached their destinations.
The senator emphasized that passengers deserve compensation for the inconvenience caused by the delay.
“Whoever is responsible must urgently address the issue, as valuable belongings are piling up at the airport. Passengers pay for their checked-in bags as required by the airlines. They deserve refunds and more for the trouble this has caused.”
“The airport management and airlines owe it to the affected passengers to be responsive and show that they are actively working on the problem,” Poe concluded.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Brian Poe, son of Senator Grace Poe, has been named the first nominee of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list, which is vying for a seat in the House of Representatives.
On Thursday, Brian led the group in filing its Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“FPJ Panday Bayanihan has been active since 2013, and it aims to continue its legacy of service in Congress,” the senator stated.
After the filing, Poe and Brian proceeded to the FPJ monument along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
The monument, unveiled in 2012, commemorates the 8th death anniversary of National Artist Fernando Poe Jr.
“Brian represents a party-list group that bears his grandfather’s name. FPJ’s values of generosity and compassion will guide him, along with Brian’s youthful creativity and innovation,” Poe added.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has expressed her support for incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in court-related work but cautioned against depending on it too heavily.
“We shouldn’t rely too much on AI, but we can utilize the technology as a tool to assist with tasks like data checking, transcripts, and research,” Poe said during the judiciary’s budget briefing.
She added, “When thoroughly vetted and regulated, AI can improve the efficiency of our court system.”
Court Administrator Raul Villanueva mentioned that the Supreme Court has begun exploring the use of AI and is developing tools to aid court personnel, such as real-time voice-to-text transcription and transcription in different dialects.
The Judiciary is requesting a budget of P63.57 billion for 2025.
Poe also commended the Judiciary for speeding up the resolution of cases nationwide.
“We hope to create a legal system that responsibly integrates technology, making justice more responsive and accessible to Filipinos,” she said.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe said she will continue pushing for the bill strengthening the animal welfare law.
“Ako naman sa Senado, patuloy nating pinaglalaban ang karapatan ng mga alaga nating aso at pusa kasama ng mga pet owners,” Poe said.
Poe also lauded the initiatives of private groups and individuals helping improve the situation of animals.
“Kapag sama-samang kumikilos ang mga pribadong grupo at indibidwal para sa isang adbokasiya, marami talagang matutulungan,” the senator added.
Poe is the author of Senate Bill No. 2458 seeking to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act.
The bill pushes to equip barangays with animal welfare programs to allow them to act effectively against cruelty indicents.
The measure aims also to establish standards geared towards engendering responsible pet ownership, as well as ethical behavior and accountability from all those who have control over or provide care to animals.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe on Friday, July 26, 2024, questioned the allocation of the budget for flood control following the recent flooding in several areas in Metro Manila caused by Typhoon Carina.
“The worsening flooding in Metro Manila does not seem to match the increasing budget we allocate for flood control projects every year,” Poe said in a statement.
“Inanod na rin ba ng baha ang bilyon-bilyong pondo para sa flood mitigation?” she asked.
The senator assured the public that during the upcoming budget deliberations, the agencies responsible for managing flood control will face thorough scrutiny.
“Sa darating na budget deliberation, dadaan sa butas ng karayom ang flood control budget ng DPWH, MMDA, at iba pang ahensya,” Poe said.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Poe urged concerned agencies and local government units to ensure that buildings and other infrastructure projects do not block waterways.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had earlier appealed to the public to dispose of their trash properly to keep the country’s drainage system free from clogging and prevent flooding.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe expressed her dismay over the ramp in Edsa Busway Philam station established by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“Sa halip na makatulong sa ating mga PWD na sumasakay sa bus, magiging buwis-buhay pa ang paggamit ng ramp na ito ng MMDA sa Edsa busway,” Poe said on Thursday (18 July 24).
The said ramp went viral on social media for its steepness which would be difficult for PWDs to use.
Poe urged the MMDA to fix the said ramp before it could cause accidents.
MMDA earlier admitted that the ramp was not “perfect,” but, pointed out that it is still a big help for senior citizens and pregnant women.
“Hindi ito perpektong disenyo lalo na sa mga naka-wheelchair pero malaking tulong pa rin ito para sa mga senior citizens, buntis at ibang PWDs sa halip na umakyat gamit ang hagdan,” the MMDA said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the agency said it will deploy personnel in the ramp ro assist PWDs.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe criticized the air conditioning shutdown at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, stating that repairs should not disrupt airport operations.
“Repairs or upgrades of any facility should be done without causing interruption to the regular operations of the airport and inconvenience to travelers,” Poe said in a statement on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
The air conditioning at NAIA T3 was shut off from Tuesday night until Wednesday morning.
The senator added that a terminal without air conditioning is not the “warm welcome” travelers expect when using Philippine airports.
“It’s unfortunate passengers have to endure the intolerable heat at NAIA purportedly due to the needed replacement of the cooling tower.”
Passengers expressed their dismay over the extreme heat they experienced at NAIA.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) stated that the temporary shutdown was necessary for replacing the old cooling towers.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Office of Senator Grace Poe collaborated with various groups to provide free neutering and spaying services for approximately 300 dogs and cats on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
In partnership with the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Foundation and Biyaya Animal Care, Poe’s office initiated a project called “Isang Kapon Ka Lang.” This initiative offered hundreds of Quezon City residents free services for their pets, along with additional freebies.
Besides spaying and neutering, the event also provided free vaccinations for registered pets. Additionally, free microchipping for dogs was available, offering a permanent identification solution for pet owners who opted for it.
“Spaying and neutering can prevent potentially thousands of animals from being born only to face neglect, abuse, or euthanasia due to a lack of loving homes,” Poe stated.
“We should make these services accessible and affordable, if not free, for pet owners,” she added.
Senator Poe has been advocating for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2458, which aims to revise the Animal Welfare Act. This bill seeks to enhance animal welfare standards, policies, regulations, and enforcement while imposing stricter penalties on violators.
The bill also proposes the creation of a Barangay Animal Welfare Task Force to empower local officers to promptly address animal welfare issues.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has expressed disappointment over the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) failure to effectively implement the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
“Throughout the past seven years, this committee has continuously urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to revisit the program while pleading for cooperation from the drivers-operators and commuters,” Poe said, referring to the Senate committee on public services which she chaired.
“Even in our previous hearings on the issue and on the program’s budget, DOTr promised to review the program. Unfortunately, we have yet to see any progress. It seems like the slogan of PUV Modernization is ‘You’ve been promised, but they still need to fulfill it,'” she added during a public hearing on Friday (21 June 2024).
Poe had previously filed Senate Bill No. 105 which advocates for a “just and humane” PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), encompassing transitory assistance and services provided to operators, drivers, and other stakeholders.
The program mandates jeepney operators and drivers to form cooperatives or join existing ones that would operate fleets of modernized jeepneys purchased by these groups.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe emphasized that the current water shortage experienced in provinces could persist if the management of water resources remains unaddressed.
“The core issue of our water crisis lies in a failure of regulation. It’s not a lack of resources but rather ineffective resource management,” Poe asserted.
“With drought today and floods looming in the next months, it seems this has become an annual reality for our fellow citizens,” Poe remarked while presiding over the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services regarding her Senate Bill No. 102.
The proposed measure aims to establish a Department of Water tasked with leading and coordinating nationwide efforts to ensure comprehensive and integrated development and management of water resources.
Poe noted that, to date, at least 131 cities and municipalities from Ilocos Norte to Cotabato have been severely affected by water shortages, leading to the declaration of a state of calamity.
According to the National Economic Development Authority, out of 1,486 municipalities, approximately 332—mostly in urban poor areas or the poorest provinces—are considered waterless.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has urged employers to prioritize the protection of workers during this hot season by allowing them to take heat breaks and implementing alternative work arrangements.
“As we continue to endure the extreme heat, we urge offices to provide heat breaks, alternative work arrangements, and adhere to other measures to ensure a safe environment for their workers,” Poe said in a statement on Labor Day.
The senator also reiterated the call for capable employers, to provide supplementary allowances to their employees.
Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros also emphasized the importance of protecting delivery riders, construction workers, and workers in the agriculture sector, especially during the El Niño phenomenon.
“Their services are invaluable to our communities, but the conditions outside— their very workplaces— are becoming increasingly hazardous,” she said.
The lawmaker also urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to increase support for jeepney drivers.
“[T]here should be a well-thought-out plan for routes, a budget for service contracting, and assurance that banks will lend to jeepney cooperatives. Having an efficient transportation system makes a big difference for workers and the economy,” Hontiveros said.
“It is my firm belief that our laws and policies must encompass the diverse realities of workers today.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
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)