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)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill seeking to establish dialysis center in every regional and provincial hospitals nationwide to address the rising number of kidney disease cases in the country.
“Sophisticated medical equipment and advanced facilities are concentrated in highly urbanized cities. Consequently, patients from rural areas often need to travel long distances, which incurs high costs, including travel expenses. For patients with kidney disorders who require regular dialysis, these financial burdens can be especially challenging,” Estrada said in his Senate Bill No. 800 or the Dialysis Center Act.
“Malaking kaluwagan sa bulsa, oras at iba pang alalahanin ng pasyente at kanilang pamilya kung may dialysis ward o centers sa lahat ng pampublikong ospital sa mga probinsya at gawing libre ito sa mga mahihirap,” the senator said.
According to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), current estimates indicate that approximately 2.3 million Filipinos have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
In 2016, more than 36,000 patients underwent dialysis treatment, indicating a 15 percent increase in the number of patients in a year.
These figures highlight the severity of the problem faced by the country’s healthcare system and the need for concerted efforts to combat the rise of CKD, the lawmaker said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada refuted claims on Tuesday (06 March 2024) suggesting his involvement in an alleged scheme to unseat Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri from his position at the helm of the upper chamber.
Dismissing the rumors, Estrada stated firmly, “There’s no truth to it. To dispel any doubts, there’s absolutely no truth to it,” in response to inquiries regarding purported efforts by certain senators to persuade him to take over Zubiri’s role.
Estrada emphasized his readiness to endorse the resolution expressing support for Zubiri’s leadership, which was reportedly circulated among senators for signing. “Certainly, I would sign it. However, I’ve yet to receive a copy. How can I sign it if they won’t provide me with one?” he questioned.
While acknowledging the swirling rumors, Estrada expressed ignorance about their origins.
In the event of being ousted from the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Defense and Security, Estrada affirmed his intention to seek clarification regarding the decision to replace him.
Speculation circulated that Estrada was being considered as a replacement for Zubiri due to his close ties with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who finds himself in disagreement with the Senate president over the thwarted people’s initiative to amend the Constitution.
Expressing gratitude to his peers for their unwavering support amid renewed coup speculations over the weekend, Zubiri extended his thanks on Tuesday.
On Monday, a statement of support for Zubiri’s leadership, signed by 14 senators, including Zubiri himself, was released.
“I am deeply honored by the continued trust my colleagues have placed in my leadership of the Senate. I consistently maintain that I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues, and with their resolute backing, I am encouraged to persist in my role as Senate President,” Zubiri remarked in a statement.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators criticized certain members of the House of Representatives for deeming Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 “unconstitutional” due to its proposed voting method.
The House of Representatives recently introduced RBH No. 7, similar to RBH 6, except that the lower house advocates for a “joint vote” between the House and Senate.
“Those four words ‘each House voting separately’ are not in the Constitution. Our colleagues in the Senate cannot and should not insist on that language… I am not a lawyer, but that is unconstitutional,” stated House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada emphasized the importance of separate voting for the Senate and the House.
“When you say Congress, there are both Houses, there are two Houses. The House of the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Okay?” remarked Estrada.
“In joint voting, we only have 24 members. We will be outnumbered by the congressmen,” he added.
Senator Win Gatchalian also criticized the allegations made by the congressman, stating that it was not fabricated by the Senate.
“It’s not made up because it’s very clear in the first hearing (on RBH6). Justice Villanueva stated that the intention is indeed bicameral… It might not be explicitly stated, but the intention is to vote through a bicameral system. So, that’s why the Senate included it,” explained Gatchalian.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill, decriminalizing libel and imposing a fine of P5,000 to P30,000 and specifying the venue of the civil action in libel cases involving community journalists, publications, or broadcast stations.
“While it is right of individuals to be protected from irresponsible reporting or commentary imprisonment is not a just penalty for such. Civil damages may be enough penalty and deterrence,” Estrada said.
Estrada emphasized the necessity of adding a new clause to the Revised Penal Code that would specify where civil lawsuits involving libel would be heard.
Instead of jail time, which can vary from six months to six years for libel committed through writing or similar means, Estrada suggested imposing fines ranging from P10,000 to P30,000.
Instead of imprisonment, which currently ranges from one month to six months, Estrada suggested imposing a fine of P5,000 to P15,000 on any reporter, editor, or manager of a newspaper, daily, or magazine who publishes facts related to someone’s private life that are offensive to their honor, virtue, and reputation.
Libel is a criminal offense under Article 353 of the RPC which refers to the public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, or defect, whether real or imaginary, that has the potential to harm someone’s reputation or tarnish the memory of a deceased individual.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada has introduced a bill mandating local government units (LGUs) to provide complimentary medicines to indigent patients in public hospitals.
Estrada emphasized the need for LGUs to allocate a portion of their national tax allotment share to ensure that medications for indigent patients are provided at no cost.
“While consultations and hospitalization are often free in public hospitals, health care centers, or clinics, the significance diminishes when patients cannot afford the prescribed medications,” noted Estrada.
In Senate Bill No. 1029, Estrada recommends that LGUs set aside a portion of their National Tax Allotments (NTA) to fund the provision of free medicines to indigent patients through public hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, or other outlets in their respective areas.
To guarantee accessibility to complimentary medicines, Estrada proposes that government hospitals and clinics establish their pharmacies or outlets for the distribution of free medications.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA – Senator Jinggoy Estrada is calling for an inquiry into an alleged foreign state-sponsored disinformation campaign concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute.
Estrada has filed Senate Resolution No. 910, urging the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to lead an investigation, in aid of legislation, on disseminating false and unfounded narratives about illegal activities and foreign encroachment within Philippine waters.
“Identifying and evaluating the scope and entities behind the disinformation campaign is crucial. This will aid in developing policies and strategies to tackle the issue, dismantle the network of fake news peddlers, and mitigate its adverse impact,” stated Estrada.
The matter of the West Philippine Sea should serve as a unifying force for Filipinos amidst foreign-sponsored discord and division, emphasized the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security chairperson.
In his resolution, Estrada highlighted numerous instances where government officials, media outlets, and maritime experts observed disinformation campaigns and efforts to divert public attention from China’s aggressive actions to allegations of Vietnam’s militarization in the WPS.
“Securing the integrity of the national territory and protecting our maritime entitlements and national sovereignty is of paramount importance to the country,” concluded Estrada.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada recently submitted a bill proposing greater public involvement in the legislative process, allowing citizens to contribute to the creation or modification of laws through online platforms.
The bill, officially known as Senate Bill No. 2344, is titled the “Crowdsourcing in Legislative Policymaking Act.”
“Under this proposal, individuals can participate in the legislative process — from the First Reading to the Third Reading — through crowdsourcing,” stated the senator.
If enacted, the measure would permit individuals or groups to engage in crowdsourcing, defined as the practice of involving people or a collective towards a common goal, often focusing on innovation, problem-solving, or improving service efficiency.
Through various social media channels and online portals affiliated with the Senate and the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), the public will be able to share their insights or comments on the committee’s deliberation of a specific bill.
“During the peak of the pandemic, everything went virtual, including the legislative proceedings. It was during this time that we observed resource persons actively participating in Senate hearings or committee sessions,” noted the lawmaker.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Jinggoy Estrada wants to ensure that there will be evacuation centers in all cities that are typhoon-resilient and earthquake-proof.
Senate Committee on National Defense and Security has endorsed for plenary consideration Senate Bill No. 2451 or the proposed “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act” which seeks to put up permanent, disaster-resilient, fully-equipped evacuation centers for all cities and municipalities in the country.
“Nais nating matiyak na ang mga itatayong evacuation centers ay matatag at magiging ligtas na silungan ng ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng kalamidad,” Estrada, committee chairperson said.
Estrada noted an assessment made in 2014 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF, a year after super typhoon Yolanda, which showed that only eight (😎 percent or 53 out of the 634 designated evacuation centers in Eastern Samar were deemed usable, while 166 were destroyed and 415 severely damaged.
In addition, the bill establishes minimal requirements for necessary infrastructure and settings, guaranteeing that these hubs are situated in secure regions, are easily accessible, and are resilient to super typhoons with wind gusts of at least 300 km/h and 8.0 magnitude earthquake activity.
Additionally, to ensure that evacuees live in humane conditions, it requires that certain amenities be included, including sleeping quarters, shower and toilet facilities, kitchen and dining areas, a health care station, women’s and children’s areas, standby power for lighting, and the ability to operate medical and communication equipment.
“Bukod sa pagsisiguro ng pagiging ligtas ng mga evacuation centers sa panahon ng kalamidad, dilubyo o public health crises, dapat rin na matiyak na disente ang pasilidad ng mga ito,” Estrada said.
(AI/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Jinggoy Estrada wants P1,000 monthly hazard pay to all duly-appointed barangay tanods as they desrve such incentive given the “hazardous duty they perform in ensuring peace and order in the community.”
“Malaki ang ambag ng mga barangay tanod sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at kaligtasan ng kanilang mga nasasakupan. Sila ang nagpupuyat sa gabi at frontliner, gaya ng nasaksihan natin noong kasagsagan ng COVID-19 pandemic. Kakarampot na halaga ito kapalit ng kanilang serbisyo, sakripisyo at pagkakawanggawa,” Estrada said.
The lawmaker proposed Senate Bill No. 794 which will grant of P1,000 per month in hazard pay to all duly appointed members of the barangay tanod brigades. Funding for the hazard pays shall initially be sourced from the budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), while its subsequent implementation will be included in the budgets of local government units (LGUs).
Estrada noted that while barangay tanods receive the same benefits as other barangay officials, they are given a measly honoraria or allowances amounting to at least P600 monthly.
He served as mayor of San Juan for 30 years before being elected as senator in 2004.
“Barangay tanod brigades are community workers that need protection. This proposed measure acknowledges their significant contribution in maintaining peace and order in their locality by providing them with incentives while they continue to carry out official tasks,” Estrada, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, said.
“As frontliners, they should receive adequate support and treatment from the government. There is no doubt that they deserve to be given such incentive,” he added.
(ai/mnm)