By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Lito Lapid has distributed aid to 640 families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Metro Manila, recognizing these overseas workers as “living heroes” for their sacrifices.

Lapid stated that his office remains dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by OFWs and their families.

Recently, the senator proposed a resolution for the Senate to investigate the questionable loss and abandonment of balikbayan boxes by certain local and foreign cargo forwarding companies.

He noted that beneficiaries, through OFW Partylist Rep. Marissa Del Mar, expressed their gratitude to Lapid for the timely assistance received, which they found greatly beneficial to their needs.

In addition, Lapid provided aid to 250 senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and women in Pakil, Laguna.

The senator initiated this distribution under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Lito Lapid aims to enhance the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) by expanding its structural, operational, and functional independence, as announced on International Human Rights Day.

Lapid introduced Senate Bill No. 2487, which not only ensures full fiscal autonomy for the CHR but also guarantees the unimpeded discharge of its functions.

According to the bill, appropriations for the Commission will not be subject to reduction and will be automatically and regularly released.

Explaining the bill, Lapid stated, “(The bill) defines the general powers and functions of the Commission, granting it full authority to address all cases of human rights violations. Additionally, it empowers the CHR to issue injunctive reliefs and legal measures.”

The senator emphasized the need for a CHR that is genuinely independent and possesses complete fiscal autonomy. Among the bill’s provisions is the CHR’s role in providing safety to witnesses and human rights defenders facing threats, as well as managing a witness protection service.

Lapid highlighted, “The proposed charter for the CHR is a significant step toward reinforcing the protection of human rights in the Philippines, aligning with the global commitment to fostering a world where the dignity and rights of every individual are upheld.”

(ai/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

Even before the start of official counting of ballots Monday, Senator Lito Lapid has already congratulated those who will emerge winners in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) while he also imparted words of wisdom to losing candidates saying, “better luck next time.”

Lapid has also assured barangay captains that his office will be open to help them.

“Ine-expect natin na lalo silang (BSKE winners) makakatulong, lalo na at kami sa Senado ay bukas ang aming mga opisina na tumulong sa mga barangay,” the senator said.

“Sa mga mananalong barangay captain at Sangguniang Kabataan, congratulations! Sa mga hindi papalarin, better luck next time,” he added.

Lapid cast his vote at his polling precinct at the Porac Elementary School in Pampanga.

He was the third person who voted there on Monday, 30 October 2023.

(ai/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

Senator Lito Lapid has renewed his call to pass the bill,  allowing qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to vote early in local and national elections.

Under Senate Bill No. 2361, “vulnerable” sectors are to cast their ballots at accessible establishments designated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) within seven working days before the date set for local and national elections.

“Eleksyon na naman po sa Oktubre 30. Ako po ang nahihirapan na makita ang ating mga lolo at lola, kasama na ang mga may kapansanan, na nakikipaggitgitan sa pilahan upang magamit lamang ang kanyang karapatang bumoto Lapid said.

Based on 2021 estimates of the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are 2,754,813 females and 3,635,271 males aged 65 and over in the country.

“We don’t want to disenfranchise these millions of our countrymen these coming elections. I hope we can pass this bill before the next elections,” Lapid said.

Earlier, Sen. Cynthia Villar also made the call for early voting for senior citizens and PWDs.

The senator stressed that the right to vote is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. It is essential that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process and have their voices heard.

“In our country, senior citizens and PWDs comprise a significant portion of the population and deserve special attention to guarantee the realization of their voting rights,” he said.

(ai/mnm)

By Dang Samson Garcia

SENATOR Lito Lapid provided educational assistance to at least 200 students in Baguio City to help in their school needs.

The students were given P5,000 each.

Aside from the students, 333 residents of Baguio City were also given aid from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations or AICS program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development through Lapid.

Director Leo Quintilla of the DSWD-Cordillera Administrative Region said that the 333 families received P3,000 food subsidy each.

“They can come anytime if they need help and we will attend to them. They just need to submit the requirement,” Quintilla said.

The office of the senator also allotted P1 million in medical assistance for indigent patients at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

Lapid is hopeful that the small amount of assistance will be a big help to poor residents of Baguio City amid the rising prices of basic goods.

Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong thanked Lapid and his son TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid for allocating P100 million for the rehabilitation of Burnham park and the repair of the Athletic bowl.

By Liza Soriano

SENATOR Lito Lapid has filed a bill that would grant 20 percent discounts for indigent job applicants in the payment of fees and charges for certain certificates and clearances issued by government agencies for employment applications.

Lapid filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2382, or “Indigent Job Applicants Discount Act.”

“Nais po nating bigyan ng patas na oportunidad ang ating mga naghihikahos na kababayan na madaling makahanap ng trabaho. Pero hindi mangyayari ito kung papasanin pa nila ang nagtataasang singil ng mga ahensya ng ating pamahalaan bilang bayad sa mga certificates, clearances at iba pa,” Lapid said.

“Kaya hinihiling ko sa aking mga kasamahan dito sa Senado na madaliin na natin ang pagpasa ng panukalang SBN 2382,” he added.

The senator said labor opportunities are seen to be one of the prospective windows that can help improve the well-being of indigent citizens and their family’s quality of life.

Qualified beneficiaries include those whose income falls below the official poverty threshold, and as identified and certified by the Philippine PSA based on the criteria set under the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) as established under Republic Act No. 11315, according to the bill.

On August 21, 2022, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada also refiled a bill granting a 20% discount on fees charged to indigent job applicants for government-issued pre-employment documents has been refiled in the Senate. 

“For the poor Filipinos who are trying to support themselves and their families, the fees on the documents they need to submit are heavy,” Estrada was quoted as saying then after refiling the bill.

“The little they can spend on a daily basis is being reduced further by clearances and certificates.” 

Senate Bill 47 or the Indigent Job Applicants Discount Act aims to give poor job seekers assistance by reducing pre-employment costs as they try to find a source of livelihood within the country Philippines or abroad.

The measure will cover clearances issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, certificates of marriage and certificates of live birth from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and transcripts of records and authenticated copies of diplomas from state universities and colleges.

(ai/mnm)

By Dang Samson Garcia

SENATOR Lito Lapid joined the nation in honoring teachers who continue to mentor and guide the youth in spite of the growing challenges in this ever-changing world.

“As we celebrate the National Teachers’ Month, I join the rest of our country in honoring our oft unsung heroes who sacrifice so much in serving and educating our youth in all corners of the country, especially in the remote areas where even the government barely reach,” Lapid said in a statement.

The lawmaker stressed teachers play an invaluable role in preparing and molding the next generation of Filipinos who will be the future leaders, public servants, and citizens.

“I continue to wish you all well and pray for your good health and fortune as you perform your vocation and sworn duty to our country,” he added.

“I will forever be grateful to my teachers who guided me to the right path and helped me fulfill my dreams. Please rest assured that all of us in the Senate will always be here to support you and provide you with whatever assistance we can give,” Lapid further said.

“Thank you very much, dear teachers! The future of our country is in your hands,” he stressed.