By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada urged employers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Caraga region to comply with the wage hike order for kasambahay that takes effect this month.
“Kasambahay also have personal needs that must be addressed, which are affected by the rising cost of living and other expenses. Just like other workers with daily wages, they have the right to receive an increase in their monthly salary,” the senator said Friday (10 Jan 2025).
Estrada is the author of Republic Act No. 10361, or the “Batas Kasambahay” (Domestic Workers Act).
The lawmaker also emphasized the significant role kasambahay play in their employers’ lives.
“Aside from earning their monthly wage, kasambahay also care for their employers. Their contributions help improve the quality of life for the families they serve every day,” he said.
As of January 4, 2025, the minimum wage for kasambahay in Metro Manila has increased from P6,500 to P7,000 per month. Meanwhile, in the Caraga region, the wage increase of P1,000 raises the minimum monthly wage for domestic workers to P6,000, effective January 12, 2025.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) welcomed the decline in unemployment and underemployment rates, describing it as a positive development but underscoring the need to sustain efforts to address remaining challenges.
“The decrease in the number of jobless Filipinos to 1.66 million, along with a reduction in underemployment to 10.8 percent, highlights our collective efforts to create more job opportunities for our growing workforce,” Estrada said.
“While this is a positive development, our efforts must continue. It is essential to address the remaining challenges to ensure that a greater number of Filipino workers are afforded secure and dignified employment opportunities,” he added.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the number of unemployed individuals aged 15 and above dropped to 1.66 million in November 2024, down from 1.97 million in October 2024. The underemployment rate also fell to 10.8% in November, compared to 12.6% in October 2023.
Estrada expressed hope that more Filipinos will secure jobs this year, particularly with the allocation of over ₱1 trillion in the 2025 national budget for infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Umaasa ako na mas marami pa tayong kababayan ang mabibigyan ng trabaho ngayong taon lalo na’t may nakalaan na mahigit P1 trillion na pondo sa DPWH para sa mga proyekto ng gobyerno sa ilalim ng 2025 national budget,” Estrada said.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution commending Sofronio Vasquez III for becoming the first Filipino and the first Asian to win The Voice USA.
“Vasquez’s inspiring journey represents the aspirations and unwavering spirit of many of our kababayan and promising young artists. His triumph reminds us that dreams can be achieved through persistence, hard work, and continuous learning,” Estrada said.
In Senate Resolution No. 1262, Estrada noted that Vasquez demonstrated relentless perseverance, determination, and resilience in pursuing his dreams.
A dental hygienist and former contestant in various singing competitions in the Philippines, including the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” segment on the local variety show It’s Showtime, Vasquez moved to Utica, New York, as a dental assistant to provide for his family.
He also reportedly auditioned for the Philippine edition of The Voice but did not make it past the audition round.
During his performance on The Voice USA, four coaches — rapper and record producer Snoop Dogg, country singer and actress Reba McEntire, rock band vocalist Gwen Stefani, and jazz crooner Michael Bublé — turned their chairs. Vasquez chose Bublé to be his mentor.
“Vasquez embodied the incomparable Filipino vocal prowess and showcased the nation’s passion for music on the international stage, bringing prestige and honor to the entire country,” Estrada added.
IA/MNM
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said that the Sandiganbayan affirming the decision on his acquittal on direct and indirect bribery showed proof that the allegations against him had no basis.
“Bagama’t inaasahan ko na ang desisyong ito, umasa pa rin ako na papanig sa akin ang korte dahil sa naunang desisyon ay sinabi nila na walang merito o batayan ang kasong direct at indirect bribery,” Estrada said in a statement on Monday (02 Dec 2024).
“Patunay lamang ito ng matagal ko nang pinanghahawakan – ang kawalan ng basehan ng mga paratang laban sa akin; hindi ko ginamit ang pondo ng bayan para sa pansariling kapakinabangan o para pagtakpan ang anumang gawain na labag sa batas,” he added.
Sandiganbayan denied the appeal seeking to reinstate the conviction of Estrada.
“Besides, the instant motion seeks to revisit the factual findings of Estrada’s acquittal that would place the latter in double jeopardy,” the court said.
“His acquittal cannot be assailed under the guise of a motion for reconsideration as the first jeopardy has already attached which will be discussed hereunder.”
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada is eyeing for the creation of a nationwide network of food banks and stockpiles for immediate deployment during calamities to affected areas.
“Disaster preparedness should include maintaining readiness even during normal times, especially in a disaster-prone country like ours. Maraming beses nang nangyari na naantala ang pagpapadala ng relief goods dahil may problema sa accessibility ng mga apektadong lugar,” Estrada said.
“Kung may food banks nationwide, makakaasa tayo na may maipamamahagi sa ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng kalamidad,” he added.
Estrada’s Senate Bill No. 2860, the proposed Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile Act, seeks to establish a central repository and supply reserve for food, water, critical medical supplies, and other essential goods such as portable power and light sources, first aid kits, clothing, tents, and communication devices in every area nationwide.
“We also do not want a repeat of what happened during the raging health crisis when the country did not have enough domestic inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE) which could have halted the spread of the disease early on and saved lives,” he said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under SBN 2860, the shelf life of the supplies should at least be two years and sufficient for all constituents for at least three weeks following a calamity.
Priority for prepositioning of the food banks and stockpile are island municipalities, hard-to-reach areas and 4th to 5th class municipalities, according to the bill.
Ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Friday (15 Nov 2024) filed a resolution honoring Olympian Margielyn Didal for her recent victory at the Red Bull Buenos Aires Conquest, a major skateboarding competition in Argentina.
“Her recent success in Buenos Aires further solidifies her standing as an inspiration to young Filipino athletes, reinforcing the message that with dedication, resilience, and the support of our community, Filipino athletes can achieve great heights on the world stage,” Estrada said in Senate Resolution No. 1235.
“This latest achievement not only reflects her remarkable skill and resilience but also amplifies the presence of the Philippines on the global skateboarding stage, contributing to the increasing recognition of Filipino athletes in international sports,” he added.
Didal secured the championship title in the women’s division at the Red Bull Buenos Aires Conquest on November 9.
The victory marks a major milestone in Didal’s career, particularly after her recovery from a severe ankle injury in October 2022 that had sidelined her from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Didal previously qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where skateboarding made its Olympic debut, and advanced to the finals, finishing in 7th place.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said on Tuesday (12 Nov 2024) that government officials should focus on creating a comprehensive contingency plan to assist Filipinos should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his campaign promise to implement a large-scale immigration crackdown.
“Madaling sabihin, pero mahirap gawin. Madaling sabihin na sana piliin na lang na umuwi ng mga undocumented nating kababayan na sa US kesa antayin pa nilang mai-deport,” Estrada said.
He added that, in addition to the efforts of concerned government agencies to develop logistical support plans for eventual repatriation, authorities should also help returning Filipinos by providing jobs or other means of livelihood.
“Apektado rin ang mga pamilyang umaasa sa padala ng mga kababayan natin na walang legal na basehan ang paninirahan sa US sakali man na mapilitan silang umuwi ng bansa,” he noted.
“Our government should be prepared to offer financial assistance programs to help families affected by the loss of a financial lifeline.”
Earlier, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said that Trump would likely carry out his promise to deport undocumented Filipinos.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada emphasized on Wednesday (October 16, 2024) that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s attendance at the Senate’s planned investigation into the war on drugs is crucial to uncover the truth.
“The former president’s testimony is key to revealing the truth and ensuring justice for all affected parties,” Estrada said.
“Mahalaga na mabigyan ng boses ang lahat, lalo na kung ang layunin ng imbestigasyon ay linawin ang mga hakbang na ginawa ng nakaraang administrasyon,” he added.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa announced that he will launch a motu proprio investigation into the war on drugs, where Duterte will be invited as a resource person.
This investigation will run parallel to the House quad committee’s inquiry into the same issue.
Meanwhile, Senator Koko Pimentel stressed that the Senate must prioritize an investigation into the war on drugs.
“Dapat hanapan ng time sa dami ng namatay diyan sa war on drugs,” he said. “The victims, including grieving families, deserve serious time and attention from senators.”
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada stated on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024) that fake Filipinos do not have the right to run for public office.
This statement came in response to Alice Guo’s plan to file her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for mayor. In Bamban, Tarlac.
“Karapatan ng kahit na sinong Filipino ang iprisinta ang sarili sa taumbayan para manilbihan bilang isang lingkod bayan. Ang pribilehiyong ito na nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon ay para lamang sa ating mga kapwa at hindi kailanman maaaring ibigay sa mga pekeng Filipino,” the senator said.
Estrada also emphasized that political candidates have the responsibility to disclose accurate and truthful information about themselves in accordance with the law.
Moreover, he stated that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has the duty to ensure that every candidate complies with the requirements under the law before running for office.
Earlier, Comelec announced that COCs will be posted on their official website for the public to verify the candidates’ eligibility to run for office.
Ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution commending the country’s delegation in the recetly-concluded Paris Olympics, saying that the 22-athlete delegation accomplished the best and strongest showing yet in the Philippines’ 100 years of participation in the world’s biggest multi-sport event.
“This is a significant rise from the 50th ranking earned by the country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a record medal haul of one gold, two silver, and one bronze,” Estrada said in his Senate Resolution No. 1129.
“The Filipino athletes, together with their coaches, trainers and support teams, bearing the national colors superbly represented the country in the Olympics, showcased Filipinos’ athletic prowess and sportsmanship on the biggest sporting stage, and brought pride, honor, and inspiration to the entire nation,” the Senate leader added.
Philippines bagged four medals during the 2024 Paris Olympics, two golds and two bronze, the best in the Southeast Asian region.
Gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo made history for being the first male athlete to win the gold medal after topping the men’s floor exercise in artistic gymnastics on August 3 and bagging another gold the next day after ruling the men’s vault finals.
Boxer Aira Villegas marked an impressive Olympic debut by snagging the bronze medal in the women’s 50kg division.
2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Nesthy Petecio secured her status as one of the nation’s greatest fighters when she clinched bronze in the women’s 57kg division on August 8.
(ia/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators on Wednesday (June 12, 2024) joined the celebration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day.
Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada emphasized that Filipinos should demonstrate to the world “our unity and determination in defending our rights, natural resources, and our territory.”
“Ang pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa ay ang pinakamalakas nating sandata laban sa mga dayuhang pwersa na nagnanais baguhin ang ating teritoryo at pahinain ang ating soberanya,” he added.
Senator Grace Poe stressed the importance of protecting and defending the country’s independence.
“Let us never forget: The independence we enjoy now must always be protected and defended. There can be no true progress if we yield our rights and dignity as a nation.”
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros urged Filipinos to safeguard the country’s national interests.
“Kailangan natin ng pantay na pagkakataon para sa lahat, proteksyon para sa mga kababaihan at bata, pangmatagalang hanapbuhay para sa mga tumataguyod sa pamilya, at mas mababang presyo ng pangunahing pangangailangan,” she added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stressing that divorce is an accessible legal way to liberate from abusive marriages, House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas has assailed Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada for saying that the bill’s chances of passage in the Senate would be like “going through the eye of a needle.”
Estrada cited his Roman Catholic beliefs as grounds for his objection to the divorce bill which was passed by the House of Representatives before Congress adjourned “sine die” (indefinitely).
“We shouldn’t turn a blind eye to the alarming cases of domestic violence for the sake of religious dogma,” Brosas pointed out.
She also castigated Estrada’s remark that the divorce bill will not address hunger.
“The proposed bill was never intended to solve poverty; its goal is to provide an accessible and affordable legal avenue for individuals trapped in irreparable and abusive marriages to regain their freedom,” Brosas asserted.
She added that the senators should base their decisions on the needs of the majority of Filipinos.
“The role of the State is to uphold human rights and gender equality, not to entrench patriarchal norms that enable spousal abuse and marital imprisonment of women,” Brosas emphasized.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada reiterated on Tuesday that the divorce bill is not a priority bill in the Senate, saying that it will not help solve “hunger” in the country.
“That is not our priority bill,” Estrada said during Kapihan sa Senado.
“Ngayon, sa change of leadership, uunahin namin ‘yung mga priority bills. ‘Yung divorce bill naman kahit may divorce bill o walang divorce bill, hindi makakatulong sa kumakalam na tiyan ‘yan,” he added.
Meanwhile, Estrada said that he surveyed his colleagues about the divorce bill as he was curious about their position following the passage of the proposed Absolute Divorce Act in the House of Representatives.
For his part, the senator said that a divorce bill should not be passed as it is against the teachings of the Catholic church.
“I’m a devout Catholic. I was educated from a Jesuit educated school and I adhere to the teachings of our Catholic Church, period,” Estrada said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Friday (24 May 2024) said he has favored the release of retired former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales due to humanitarian considerations.
Morales was released on Thursday (23 May 2024) night.
“Despite the seriousness of the issues that former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales is facing before the Senate — particularly his lying under oath before the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs — I have decided to give my consent to releasing him from Senate detention because of humanitarian considerations,” Estrada said in a statement on Friday, May 24.
The senator explained that his decision was influenced by Morales’ age and the need for him to be with his family.
“I considered his situation, given his age and the need for him to be with his family. Therefore, I decided to allow him to go home.”
Morales was earlier cited in contempt for allegedly lying during the hearing of the so-called “PDEA leaks.”
Estrada hopes that citing Morales in contempt will serve as a lesson to those who will testify in Senate hearings.
“Let this serve as a lesson to future witnesses: lying in Senate hearings is never acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Newly appointed Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada clarified that external forces did not play a role in the recent change of leadership within the Senate.
“There were no outside forces. It was a decision made among our colleagues here,” stated Estrada.
However, Estrada disclosed that he had a conversation with Senate President Chiz Escudero, who expressed interest in the Senate presidency.
“Three days ago, Senator Escudero called me, expressing his interest in the Senate presidency. We had a discussion, and after deliberation, I decided to support him,” Estrada revealed.
Acknowledging the weight of his decision, Estrada expressed mixed feelings. “It’s not easy to remove a friend from a position,” he added.
When asked about the reasons behind his support for Escudero, Estrada declined to provide specifics, citing confidentiality. “There are various factors and considerations involved, but I cannot disclose them publicly,” he stated.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada stated on Monday (May 6, 2024) that if the proposed bill for the new Salary Standardization Law VI fails to gain approval in Congress, it could still be implemented through an Executive Order.
“If enacting a new law for SSL V proves unattainable, an alternative avenue could be the issuance of an Executive Order, similar to the action taken by former President Benigno Aquino III on February 16, 2016. He issued EO No. 201 to effect an increase in the salaries of government employees when Congress failed to ratify a new SSL,” explained Estrada, chairman of the Senate Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development Committee.
While the Senate has passed the P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act, its counterpart in the House of Representatives has yet to be approved.
Estrada remains hopeful that his proposed legislation to increase salaries will be given due consideration, particularly in light of the rising cost of living.
“Umaasa tayo na mabibigyan ng konsiderasyon ang panukalang inihain ko, lalo na’t patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin na nakaaapekto sa mga manggagawa.”
Meanwhile, the senator emphasized that during budget deliberations, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is expected to be adequately prepared to present its comprehensive study on the feasibility of providing additional rounds of salary increments for government workers in the coming years.
“Irrespective of the President’s directives, our economic managers have already foreseen the necessity to allocate funds for salary restructuring in the 2025 national budget, given the escalating cost of living,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution honoring prosthetic artist Cecille Baun for her invaluable contributions to the country’s cinema industry.
“Her prodigious handiwork, innovative techniques, and boundless imagination were crucial elements in realizing filmmakers’ visions and portraying the stories of the Filipino people across generations,” remarked Estrada.
“Her passing is a tragic loss to the local industry as she leaves a significant void in the field of prosthetics and special makeup for the silver screen,” the senator added.
In his Senate Resolution No. 1005, Estrada extended the Senate’s profound sympathy and sincere condolences to Baun’s family.
Estrada highlighted that the creative workers behind the camera are the unsung heroes who pour their hearts and souls into their film projects, often without receiving the spotlight they truly deserve.
Baun, acclaimed as the “Queen of Prosthetics,” was a pioneer in the field, boasting a professional career spanning over 40 years, which began in the 1970s.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has introduced a bill mandating employers nationwide to offer a complimentary financial literacy program to all employees.
Under Senate Bill No. 2630, known as the Personal Finance Education in the Workplace Act, employers will be required to implement a personal finance education program covering topics such as behavioral finance, savings, emergency fund development, debt management, investment, insurance, retirement planning, and other relevant personal finance subjects.
“The pivotal role of employers in spearheading this initiative cannot be understated, as they provide the most accessible platforms and avenues for such programs. If employers are willing, they can find ways to elevate the financial literacy of our workers, teaching them how to save, invest, and more,” Estrada stated.
“This initiative will empower employees by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their finances, leading to greater financial stability,” added the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development.
He further noted that financially stable employees benefit companies by enhancing focus, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada refuted former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s assertion connecting an alleged agreement between the Philippines and China regarding the removal of BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal to his father, former president Joseph Estrada.
Estrada deemed Roque’s statement disappointing and deemed it unacceptable for him “to make such baseless claims when he’s not privy to such information.”
“I have previously affirmed in a privilege speech that there was no agreement or commitment made by my father, former president Joseph Estrada, to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. This was further corroborated by former defense and security officials such as former Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado,” he stated in a release.
As the chair of the Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation, Estrada emphasized that statements like Roque’s sow confusion and doubt regarding the country’s integrity and capability to defend its sovereignty amidst China’s “worsening aggression and bullying.”
“Despite these challenges, it’s commendable that the Marcos administration is taking concrete steps to safeguard our sovereign rights and territorial integrity. Any actions taken to address China’s ongoing and escalating aggression should be supported and encouraged,” the lawmaker asserted.
“We must stand firm and united in defending our sovereignty and protecting our maritime territories for the benefit of both present and future generations,” he added.
When queried about a prior agreement between China and the Philippines to relocate the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal during an interview with Politiko, Roque stated that he was not “privy” to such an agreement but only to the engagements conducted by the Duterte Administration with China.
Roque mentioned that, to his knowledge, the agreement concerning the removal of the grounded warship had been associated with former President Estrada’s administration.
“If I am not mistaken, they attribute that agreement to the administration of President Estrada and not to President Duterte,” Roque remarked during the same interview.
Additionally, Roque revealed in the interview that the Philippines had entered into a “gentleman’s agreement” with China during the Duterte Administration, purportedly preventing the country from dispatching repair materials to the BRP Sierra Madre.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada said on Tuesday (19 March 2024) that the proposed measure, the Kabalikat Hanapbuhay Bill would alleviate the unemployment and underemployment rates in the country.
In his opening statement, Estrada said that Senate Bill No. 47 aims to grant indigent jobseekers a 20 percent discount and waived fees for pre-employment requirements issued by various government agencies.
“In the long run, this measure will help alleviate unemployment and underemployment rates in the country, ultimately empowering our indigent kababayans to become productive contributors to our economy,” the chairperson of the Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development said.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo expressed his support for SBN 46, saying that it would help address the struggles of many underprivileged Filipino workers.
“Marami sa ating mga kababayan, yung mga mahihirap, ang isa sa mga problemang nae-encounter nila, bagamat gustong-gusto nila magtrabaho, kaya lang kapag sila ay nag-aapply, eh wala silang sapat na pera sa requirements. Napakaganda po nito na 20 percent discount na maibibigay sa kanila, this will encourage them to look for a job,” Tulfo said.
(el Amigo/MNM)