By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay has urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to implement a recording of meetings to enhance clarity and accountability within the agency.
“Perhaps it would be more beneficial to have actual recordings. Maybe you could consider requiring not just minutes but actual recordings of PAMB hearings. Because if it’s just minutes, it’s not clear what the exchanges were, what explanations were given,” Binay stated.
The senator’s remarks come after learning that the DENR is sometimes unaware of certain details discussed in Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) meetings due to the absence of their representatives.
“It’s surprising to find out that PAMB conducts hearings—which are chaired by the DENR Director—without audio/video recordings to validate the official minutes of the meeting,” she added.
The Senate is currently holding a hearing on the construction of a resort in the Chocolate Hills.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay has called upon the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government of Bohol to collaborate and find solutions to the issues affecting the Chocolate Hills.
During a public inquiry held by the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change regarding the contentious construction of resort facilities in the Chocolate Hills on Wednesday (April 3, 2024), Binay underscored the importance of identifying the shortcomings of existing policies aimed at conserving and safeguarding the environment and the nation’s natural treasures.
“Our Chocolate Hills are more than just a tourist destination. They are a UNESCO site and a protected area. They deserve to be cared for because they play a crucial role in our conservation efforts, utilization, and management of our natural genetic resources,” Binay emphasized.
The Chocolate Hills are among the country’s designated protected areas and were recognized as the first global geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The controversy surrounding the resort in the Chocolate Hills arose due to its location within a protected area.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay on Saturday (24 Feb 2024), urged Filipinos to continue commemorating the anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
“In my opinion… as we mark the EDSA anniversary, let’s not forget the spirit of EDSA… Because isn’t the EDSA Revolution part of being Filipino?” Binay expressed.
Binay voiced her concern about the waning interest of our people in remembering this globally acclaimed peaceful revolution.
The senator hopes that future generations will grasp the significance of the events of 1986.
She emphasized her desire for future generations to continue to admire such a peaceful revolution.
“During that moment, the whole world admired us for that peaceful revolution, and I hope that gradually it will be taught to the next generation what happened during that period in our history because, whether we like it or not, the EDSA revolution did happen,” Binay explained.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay emphasized the importance of prioritizing the rehabilitation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) over discussions about renaming it.
“Perhaps before we delve into changing the name, let’s focus on improving NAIA. The recent award is a first step, and hopefully, within a year, we will see significant improvements in our airport,” Binay remarked.
“In my opinion, the issue of renaming is not timely, and we shouldn’t waste time on such changes,” she added.
Binay also cautioned against the international implications of a name change, citing potential confusion among tourists.
“Our tourists may become confused again because the airport’s name keeps changing,” she noted.
The lawmaker also refuted the notion that NAIA was hastily named after the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. during former President Corazon Aquino’s administration.
“Regarding such name changes, the National Historical Commission has its process. It underwent due process before the name was changed to Ninoy Aquino International Airport,” the senator explained.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay is calling for an end to what she calls “parliamentary bullying” tactics of some House of Representatives members by the Senate.
“Sad to say, the behavior of some of our colleagues in Congress has fallen far below the standard expected from members of the legislature. The bullying, the absurd spats, the unnecessary remarks have disgraced both houses of Congress,” Binay said.
The senator’s comments come in response to accusations directed at Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva by a member of the House leadership.
Binay emphasized that such acts hinder the productivity of both houses and urged a focus on the pressing issues facing the country.
“I’m sure, ‘di ba, tao lang din naman kami na nasasaktan. But more than that, ang sa amin, this is, hindi ito productive. ‘Yung nauubos ‘yung oras sa mga ganyang walang kakwentang-kwentang banat,” the senator said.
“I guess, balik, balik trabaho. Mas pagtutunan namin yung problema ng ating mga kababayan ngayon,” she added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay has expressed her concern about the recent Panay Island blackout, emphasizing its detrimental impact on tourism and local businesses.
Binay highlighted that the power outage underscores the country’s lag in developing energy solutions.
“The recent blackout in Western Visayas is a significant setback to our country’s development and serves as a stark reminder that we need to seriously explore long-term solutions to address electricity issues,” noted the senator.
“How can we promote tourism when we have such unreliable power supply? Unfortunately, most inconveniences are often felt at small resorts that haven’t invested in alternative power sources. Even a 30-minute power outage is already a nightmare for businesses. Imagine if it lasts for days,” Binay added.
Binay further pointed out that in the tourism industry, the direct and indirect economic consequences of brownouts are primarily absorbed by the hospitality sector.
“Truth be told, this issue is not unique to Western Visayas. Almost the entire Philippines has numerous tourism businesses recovering from the pandemic, and admittedly, many of them are ill-prepared to deal with the growing threat of power disruptions, especially those in island resorts,” she stated.
The blackout occurred across Panay, Guimaras, and Negros islands at approximately 2:27 pm on Tuesday due to the tripping of multiple power plants, resulting in the isolation of the three islands from the rest of the Visayas grid.
Mainstream media, meanwhile, reported on Friday the power outage issue has already been addressed, restored.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay told transport authorities that they must ensure that those traveling for the holidays will not have “unpleasant and frustrating” experiences.
Binay said she expects that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will work hard to ensure that the technological issues and power outages that severely hampered airport and aviation operations on January 1 and May 1 of this year won’t occur again.
“I am positive that the DOTr has already made concrete steps to prevent any operational disruptions during this Christmas travel peak. Sana self-aware na ang ating mga opisyal ng DOTr dahil ayaw na rin nating maulit muli yung nangyaring ‘di magandang experience ng mga kababayan nating byahero nitong taon,” Binay said.
Last January and May, power outages at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal grounded and canceled over 600 flights and left tens of thousands of passengers stranded.
“Hindi lamang po sa airports ang ating bantayan. Kailangan din po nating tutukan ang mga pantalan at mga pampasaherong barko, mga bus sa public terminals, at iba pang mga mode of transportation–tiyak na magdadagsaan ang mga magbabakasyon para makahabol sa pasko’t bagong taon,” Binay said.
“Ang punto po natin ay maging maayos at matiwasay ang pagbabyahe ng mga kababayan nating uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya without also compromising safety and security. Inaasahan po natin na lahat ng mga barkong maglalayag ay sea-worthy at walang overbooking. Even in our bus terminals, there should be a simplified system for passengers to have a convenient way through security screenings,” the senator added.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay said on Monday (11 Dec 2023) that the government must use the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and apply the precautions to prevent escalation of “walking pneumonia” and other respiratory illnesses.
“Sana gamitin natin ang mga lessons na napulot natin dito para ma-manage nang mabuti ang mga nakahahawang sakit at hindi na naman maging public health emergency,” Binay said.
The Department of Health (DOH) recently reported that there have been four cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, also known as “walking pneumonia,” from January to November this year.
The DOH clarified that the four cases were not new and had been detected among those who got infected with influenza-like illness (ILI).
Binay said that given the high number of respiratory cases and another expected increase in January, the government should put in place the appropriate and necessary measures to ensure the public health system is not pushed to the limit.
The senator also echoed the health department’s call for the public to observe minimum public health protocols to avoid being infected with the disease, especially as the holiday season approaches.
“Holiday season na at kasagsagan na rin ng mga Christmas party, reunion, at iba pang social gathering. Gawin na rin sana nating Christmas gift sa bawat isa ang pagiging mindful na maaari tayong makahawa,” Binay said.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Nancy Binay reaffirmed her appeal for the approval of two measures that will advance teachers’ welfare.
“Umaasa akong maipasa na ang mga panukalang batas na sinusulong ang kapakanan ng mga guro bilang pagpapasalamat sa serbisyong ginagawa nila. Mas magiging makabuluhan ang ganitong aksyon kaysa simpleng pagbati lang ng Happy Teachers’ Day,” Binay said.
Binay is the author of Senate Bills Nos. 339, which calls for raising the monthly minimum wage for teachers and non-teaching employees, and SBN 2370, which calls for exempting honoraria, allowances, and other financial benefits that teachers receive for participating in elections from taxation.
If passed, SBN 339 raise the minimum salary of public school teachers in elementary and secondary schools from P25,439 to P28,000 a month
.The minimum salary of non-teaching personnel in elementary and secondary schools would also be upgraded from P12,517 to P16,000 a month.
Meanwhile, SBN 2370 stipulates that any honoraria, allowances, and other financial rewards given to teachers who work during an election period must be free from income tax and not be included in the determination of gross income.
Binay said that these two measures would go a long way towards helping teachers cope with the rising cost of living.
“Currently, what our teachers receive is not commensurate to the workload that they have no choice but to deliver. Kaya’t marami sa ating mga guro ang nababaon sa utang dahil kinakapos ang kita para sa kanilang pamilya,” she said.
The two bills are currently pending at the committee level.(ai/mnm)
By Dang Samson-Garcia
SENATOR Nancy Binay renewed her call for the passage of two bills that promote the welfare of teachers.
“Umaasa akong maipasa na ang mga panukalang batas na sinusulong ang kapakanan ng mga guro bilang pagpapasalamat sa serbisyong ginagawa nila. Mas magiging makabuluhan ang ganitong aksyon kaysa simpleng pagbati lang ng Happy Teachers’ Day,” Binay said.
Binay is the author of Senate Bill 339, which seeks to increase the minimum wage of teachers and non-teaching personnel, and Senate Bill 2370, which aims to exempt fron tax the honoraria, allowances, and other financial benefits of teachers.
SB 339 will raise the minimum salary of public school teachers in elementary and secondary schools from P25,439 to P28,000 and that of non-teaching personnel from P12,517 to P16,000 a month.
Binay said that these two measures would go a long way in helping teachers cope with the rising cost of living.
“Currently, what our teachers receive is not commensurate to the workload that they have no choice but to deliver. Kaya’t marami sa ating mga guro ang nababaon sa utang dahil kinakapos ang kita para sa kanilang pamilya,” she said.