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)
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)