MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla is pushing for online access in Shariah courts, emphasizing the need to address the 15-year-old challenge faced by Muslim Filipinos in submitting documents to these courts.
“Dahil po dito, bahagi ng panukang susog sa R.A. No. 9997 ay ang pagbuo ng digital platform upang mapayagan ang paperless filing ng mga dokumento sa Shariah Courts tulad ng marriage certificate, birth certificate, death certificate, pleadings, at iba pang court submissions. Sa hakbang na ito, magiging kaakibat po natin ang Department of Information and Communications Technology o DICT,” Padilla said.
“Naniniwala po akong isang mabisang hakbang ang panukalang ito upang maisabay sa modernisasyon ng mga proseso at operasyon ng Korte.”
The senator made these remarks during his sponsorship speech for Committee Report 237 for Senate Bill 2613.
He also pointed out the current lack of resources and limited access for Muslim Filipinos in filing and submitting documents to Shariah Courts.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill seeking to impose heavy penalties on individuals who use fake addresses in subpoenas, aiming to prevent harassment.
Under Senate Bill No. 2890, individuals who deliberately provide false addresses in the issuance of subpoenas may face a jail term of up to two years and a fine of up to P300,000.
“While a preliminary investigation is not properly a trial but merely precursory thereto, it already subjects an accused to an open and public accusation of a crime, with the trouble, expense, anxiety, and moral suffering which a criminal prosecution and risk of incarceration always entails,” the bill stated.
“In order to reinforce the protection of the right of an accused against malicious and oppressive prosecution, and to protect the state from the possibility of initiating a misguided prosecution that may result to a waste of valuable time, effort, and resources, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought,” Padilla added.
The proposed penalties include imprisonment ranging from six months to two years and a fine between P100,000 and P300,000.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill to protect endorsers from being dragged into illegal investment scams.
This, after Neri Naig was arrested for alleged syndicated estafa and violations of the Securities Regulation Code.
“Recent events reveal a growing concern for the welfare of endorsers whose names are dragged into various investment scams. Oftentimes, they are the first ones to be accused of crimes related thereto just because their names and faces were made prominent by companies who secured their services as endorsers,” Senate Bill No. 2889 read.
“This measure seeks to offer protection to endorsers by providing mandatory provisions into their engagement agreements that will clearly define not only their obligations but more importantly, their relationship with the company and their noninvolvement in any sale of investment contracts and securities if the latter is engaged in such business,” he added.
Under Padilla’s proposed “Product Endorsers Protection Act,” all product endorsement agreements must have a full disclosure of the nature of the business and all products covered by the endorsement.
The agreements must also have a categorical statement on whether the business is engaged in the sale of investment contracts and other securities.
A fine of P100,000 is imposed for the first offense; P300,000 for the second offense; and P500,000 to P1 million and revocation of the Certificate of Registration for the third offense.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill seeking to establish the Basulta Autonomous Region, composed of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (Basulta).
This follows the region’s exclusion from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“To promote political stability and economic development in the Sulu Archipelago, this bill aims to create an effective political entity and provide for its basic structure of government, recognizing the aspirations of the people of Sulu, as well as those of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi,” the bill states.
Padilla explained that the bill aims to address the unique needs of the island provinces, particularly in the delivery of basic services.
It also seeks to foster meaningful governance and sustainable development, respecting the region’s culture, traditions, and diversity.
Earlier, the Supreme Court declared Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM after voters in the province rejected the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Under the proposed measure, the new autonomous region will include cities and provinces that vote in favor of its organic act in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
The national government will ensure that the autonomous region receives a fair and equitable share of the annual national budget and foreign-assisted projects.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill proposing the creation of a special province within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Padilla said the bill aims to ensure the constitutional right to suffrage for residents of BARMM.
“The establishment of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) reflects the historic aspirations of the sixty-three (63) barangays from the municipalities of Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Pikit, and Aleosan in the Province of Cotabato to become part of BARMM, as affirmed through a plebiscite held on February 6, 2019,” Padilla said in his Senate Bill No. 2875.
Under the proposed bill, the new province—Kutawato—will include the towns of Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, Tugunan, and Ligawasan, which collectively cover the 63 barangays within the Special Geographic Area. Pahamuddin will serve as the capital.
Padilla also emphasized that the bill seeks to protect residents from disenfranchisement by ensuring their access to government services.
Earlier, Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia noted that voters in the 63 barangays were unable to vote in previous elections because they do not belong to any province.
Padilla expressed concerns that this situation may violate their constitutional right to suffrage, as outlined in Section 1, Article V of the 1987 Constitution.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla called for ongoing assistance to the victims of the Marawi siege.
Padilla made the appeal during the Senate Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation and Victims’ Compensation hearing on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
“Sana po, patuloy ninyo kaming tulungang makabangon, dahil alam ninyo kami ay biktima. Mga Muslim sa Marawi at buong Lanao ay biktima ng dayuhang ideolohiyang ito,” he said, adding that the aid will not go to waste because Muslims, especially the Maranaos, are skilled in business and can use the support to fully recover.
“(Ang pondo) ng taumbayan, shine-share ninyo sa ating mga kababayan sa Marawi na nasalanta ng giyera, hindi masasayang, sapagka’t ang Maranao ay kilalang mga traders, sila ay mga negosyante,” Padilla said.
The senator also expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for continuing to provide compensation to those affected by the 2017 conflict.
He also thanked Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, and Bong Go for their ongoing support of Marawi’s compensation efforts.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has introduced a bill aimed at simplifying the qualifications for Shari’ah judges to ensure that positions in Muslim courts are filled.
Padilla filed Senate Bill No. 2820, which seeks to amend Article X, Section 8 of Republic Act No. 11054, the organic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The proposed amendment removes the requirement for Shari’ah judges to be regular members of the Philippine Bar, instead stipulating that appointees must have practiced Shari’ah law for at least five years.
Padilla pointed out that Republic Act 11054 currently requires Philippine Bar membership as one of the qualifications for Shari’ah circuit court judges.
“As noted by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), these strict requirements contribute to the difficulty in filling positions in Shari’ah circuit courts,” Padilla said.
The NCMF further highlighted that, since many issues discussed in these courts are communal, a judge’s knowledge of Shari’ah practices should be prioritized over legal expertise, he added.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla praised President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for signing a law that establishes additional Shari’ah courts.
“This is a day of triumph for our Muslim brothers and sisters. We extend our endless gratitude to President Marcos for signing the law to create new Shari’a judicial districts and circuit courts,” Padilla said.
“We also salute our colleague, Senator Francis Tolentino, for standing with the Muslim community to help pass this important measure. Finally, justice is within reach for Muslims with these additional Shari’a courts,” the senator added.
President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12018, which established three additional Shari’a Judicial Districts and 12 circuit courts nationwide.
The law amends Articles 138, 147, and 150 of Presidential Decree No. 1083.
On August 12, Padilla filed Resolution of Both Houses No. 10 to address the lack of access to Shari’ah judges and courts, particularly outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla filed a bill on Monday, August 12, 2024, seeking to impose harsher penalties for sexual assault, including the death penalty.
Senate Bill 2777, authored by Padilla, aims to strengthen the law and make it more gender-responsive, acknowledging that rape affects both males and females.
“Despite the existing penalties under RA 8353, there is a compelling need to increase the punishment for anyone who commits rape as defined under Paragraph 2, Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 8353,” Padilla stated.
“By doing so, we can ensure our laws are stronger, more gender-responsive, and progressive, particularly in these changing times,” he added.
Under the proposed bill, the penalties of reclusion perpetua to death may be applied if:
- The rape is committed with the use of a deadly weapon or by two or more persons;
- The victim becomes insane due to the rape;
- Homicide is committed during an attempted rape;
- The rape is committed under any of the aggravating or qualifying circumstances mentioned in the article.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the government’s plans for Filipino workers affected by the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“Considering the thousands of Filipino workers who will be adversely affected by the impending closure of POGO operations in the country, the public has the right to be informed of the planned actions and the programs to be implemented by the government to address this issue,” Padilla stated in Senate Resolution No. 1091.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has previously banned all POGOs in the country and ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to wind down their operations by the end of this year.
The President also directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to collaborate with the country’s economic managers to recommend alternative jobs for Filipinos who will be displaced by the POGO ban.
“According to Pagcor chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, there are some 31,000 direct POGO employees and more than 9,000 workers in special business process outsourcing who will be displaced by the closure of POGOs,” Padilla noted.
The Senate continues its investigation into illegal POGOs in Porac, Pampanga, and Bamban, Tarlac.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has assumed the role of president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), according to the party on Wednesday (24 July 2024).
“As the new PDP president, Sen. Padilla will continue to consolidate the party membership and prepare for the 2025 mid-term elections, a process started by Rep. Alvarez,” the PDP said.
“We are confident that under Sen. Padilla’s leadership, the party is in good hands and will continue to be a major force for reform and development in the country,” it added.
Padilla was previously PDP’s executive vice president and acting president.
The senator replaces Palawan Second District Rep. Jose Chaves Alvarez.
The party expressed gratitude to Alvarez for leading PDP over the past 20 months, stating, “He strengthened our party and focused on driving reforms to ensure that every Filipino has an equal opportunity to reach their greatest potential.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla is advocating for an amendment to the Vape Law to impose stricter regulations on vape products, citing health risks associated with a new type of vaping using hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) vapes.
The senator filed Senate Bill No. 2729, citing reports that HHC, a semi-synthetic cannabinoid created by hydrogenating tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may cause anxiety and paranoia.
Padilla emphasized that Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vape Law, should include specific penalties for those who attempt to import, manufacture, sell, package, distribute, or use HHC vapes.
In his bill, Padilla aims to expand RA 11900 to ensure that “no vapor product shall contain HHC regardless of its quantity.”
The bill also stipulates that for vapor products containing HHC, the manufacturer, importer, distributor, retailer, and consumer will face penalties under RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla is calling for an investigation into the increased construction costs of the New Senate Building in Taguig City, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the public’s trust in the Senate.
On Thursday (04 July 2024), Padilla filed Senate Resolution 1063, directing his Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to “investigate in aid of legislation.”
“Informing the public about the processes undertaken in the construction of the NSB, including the increased costs, is necessary to ensure that the public does not lose its trust in the Senate as an institution,” he stated.
“There is a need to let the public know about the partner contractors if any, and subcontractors of Hilmarc’s Construction Corp.,” he added.
Padilla noted that Senate President Chiz Escudero had tasked Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Committee on Accounts, with reviewing the costs of the NSB, which have reportedly increased to P23 billion from an initial P8.9 billion.
It is worth recalling that Sen. Nancy Binay and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano had a heated exchange during a hearing on the NSB, in which Padilla was also present.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla said Thursday (04 July 2024) that he does not condone the nasty incident that occurred between Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Nancy Binay during a hearing on the budget of the new Senate building in Taguig City and that, the focus should always be on the issues, not personal.
It can be recalled that during the hearing on the New Senate Building (NSB), a heated argument ensued between the two lawmakers where Cayetano referred to Binay as a “Marites” and “buang.”
In local parlance “Marites” is often referred to as rumor monger while “buang” simply means crazy, mad, or insane.
For Padilla, he does not see anything “unparliamentary” specifically in what Cayetano said and the two only ended up getting personal.
“Stick lang tayo doon sa isyu kasi nanood din ako kahapon napunta na sa Taguig [at] Makati. Iwasan natin, dun lang tayo sa isyu,” Padilla said.
Moreover, he said that he is still ‘happy’ with that kind of discussion because it shows that there is a “check and balance” in the upper house.
“Masaya ako kahapon, kaya lang syempre nung napupunta na sa medyo personalan, dun na ako humihingi ng suspension. Pero ‘yung unang ano maganda ‘yun, check and balance,” he said.
Padilla believes that the conversation between Cayetano and Binay will not affect the image of the Senate and if it is possible, he said that this is how the plenary debate will be, at times.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla stated on Thursday (27 June 2024) that the potential candidacy of three Dutertes for the Senate is “very good news” as it would mean three more allies for him in the upper chamber.
“Napakagandang balita iyon. Para sa akin, magkakaroon ako ng kakampi sa Senado bukod kina Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Bato at Sen. Tolentino,” Padilla said.
Vice President Sara Duterte recently disclosed that her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, and Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte will seek Senate seats in the 2025 midterm elections.
Padilla also praised the work track record of the former President and his sons, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.
“Pag pag-uusapan natin ang record sa trabaho, wala tayong masasabi kina Pres. Duterte, Pulong, at Baste; nagtatrabaho naman ang mga iyon,” the senator remarked.
Meanwhile, Senators Bong Go, Ronald dela Rosa, and Francis Tolentino will end their terms next year but are eligible to seek another Senate term in 2025.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in Davao City, which was conducted while serving an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
“The charges against Quiboloy are not ‘simple.’ They involve serious and morally abhorrent offenses such as the sexual assault of a minor and human trafficking,” said Department of Justice Secretary Boying Remulla in a recent interview.
It is worth noting that Quiboloy has consistently maintained that charges should be filed in court; however, he has refused to submit to the court’s jurisdiction and remains a fugitive from justice. He has also disregarded Senate hearings.
Padilla is seeking to determine whether there was a violation of human rights during the operation.
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the senator filed Senate Resolution No. 1051, directing the relevant committee to investigate “in aid of legislation” whether there was “unnecessary and excessive force” used during the operation.
“There is a need for the PNP to promote and protect human rights because these acts are vital to the maintenance of public order, the guarantee of public safety, and the respect for the rule of law,” Padilla stated in his resolution.
“Records indicate several instances in the past where the PNP was criticized for its use of excessive force in serving warrants,” Padilla added.
He also noted that the PNP has adopted a Human Rights-Based Policing (HRBP) policy, whose guidebook emphasizes that “the first level of its human rights obligations is to respect human rights by refraining from interfering with the enjoyment of people’s rights.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla stated on Sunday, June 9, 2024, that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte did not violate any laws in transferring billions of pesos in Covid funds to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
Padilla emphasized that standard procurement procedures did not apply to the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) under Section 4 of the Bayanihan Law (Republic Act 11469) and the Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution dated April 6, 2020.
He also highlighted that Duterte was granted emergency powers to manage the crisis at the time.
“Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte did not violate any law, as per Section 4 of the Bayanihan Law 1 (RA 11469), which exempts the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the usual procurement law and related regulations, by the Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution dated April 6, 2020,” Padilla said.
Last week, former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III testified during a congressional inquiry that he transferred approximately P47.6 billion to the PS-DBM to purchase COVID supplies, following Duterte’s directives.
“Like other countries, all governments invested significant funds, with most, like us, borrowing to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic,” Padilla stated.
“Do we need to hurl accusations when our nation is on the brink of an uncertain future?” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution seeking to scrutinize the government’s food security plans amid the soaring costs of rice in the market.
“The escalating costs of essential commodities like rice not only exacerbate the plight of our impoverished countrymen but also push those reliant on fixed incomes or earning low wages closer, or even below, the poverty line,” the resolution reads.
Padilla emphasized that the populace “has the right to be apprised of the government’s strategies to ensure food security, as this encompasses the promotion of public health, poverty reduction, and the fostering of economic development and social stability.”
While the Marcos administration briefly imposed a price ceiling for rice in late 2023, rice prices have surged in recent months.
“The public deserves to be informed about the government’s plans and actions regarding matters that significantly impact our people’s well-being and quality of life,” Padilla stated.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla assured the public that past abuses in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program would not happen again.
“I believe in it 99% because we always give 1% to what is written in fate, but I am 99% confident that our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are very professional and can handle the implementation of mandatory ROTC training correctly if it passes. And this is what we need to do now,” Padilla said in a radio interview.
“We already have many laws regarding anti-hazing… We ensure that there are appropriate punishments. And even in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) now, the PMA strictly enforces non-abusive physical training. The same goes for the training of our enlisted personnel; it is strictly prohibited, especially for the youth entering ROTC,” he added.
Padilla also reiterated that ROTC is not just about handling firearms but also about self-defense and assisting in times of calamities.
The senator also emphasized that it is unfair to associate hazing and other abuses with ROTC, BCMC, or military training, as hazing has also occurred in other organizations such as fraternities.
Padilla, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Philippine Army, stressed that ROTC is where youth learn not only to be warriors but also to maximize their skills, such as computer expertise, to contribute to the nation.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla said on Thursday (April 25, 2024) that he is confident soldiers will not be swayed by the deepfake audio purportedly portraying President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordering the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to attack China.
“I am 100% certain that soldiers will not believe in that hoax video. Declaring war doesn’t happen in that manner,” Padilla remarked during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) previously stated that the audio deepfake aimed to depict the President directing the AFP to take action against a specific foreign country and clarified that no such directive had been issued.
The senator emphasized that those responsible for such acts should be apprehended.
“And that’s not how it works. We have a Constitution to follow in declaring war. It goes through us in Congress. The president’s temper cannot dictate… in my opinion, they should be apprehended swiftly. Show the capability of law enforcement. Even if this is unbelievable, it should not take long; within 24 hours, they should be caught,” Padilla remarked.
Meanwhile, Padilla dismissed the notion of a high-level conspiracy.
“This is the work of idle minds. But of course, they need to be apprehended, imprisoned, and face the consequences,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)