By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Philippine Senate’s working hours were shortened this Tuesday (09 Jan 2024) in observance of the Traslacion 2024.
In a letter addressed to the media, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug conveyed that, as per Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s directive, the working hours for the day would conclude at 2 pm.
According to the letter, “Committee hearings, technical working groups, and other meetings may proceed or continue. The assigned staff for these hearings or meetings shall continue to assist unless directed otherwise by the chairperson.”
It further specified, “The Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms and personnel from the Maintenance and General Services Bureau, who follow a shifting schedule, are not included in the shortened working hours.”
Every January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is commemorated.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators have expressed their dismay over the recent power outage in Panay Island, adversely affecting its residents.
“I am incensed and dismayed by the persistent power outages plaguing some provinces in Western Visayas, particularly in Iloilo,” stated Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
“Constant power interruptions have widespread effects on our communities, extending beyond mere inconvenience. They affect not only businesses, livelihoods, and the delivery of basic services to the people, but they have dire and far-reaching consequences on the lives of citizens,” he added.
Senator Grace Poe also voiced her discontent, deeming the incident “unacceptable.”
“Kawawa ang mga nasa bahay, mga estudyante, negosyo at maging ang operasyon ng lokal na pamahalaan,” Poe said.
“Concerned agencies and private companies must find ways to restore power in Panay Island at the most expedient time.”
In separate statements, Senate Energy Committee Chairman Raffy Tulfo, Vice Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian, and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa announced their intention to file resolutions to investigate this matter.
(El Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has announced that the Senate is in the process of identifying a new chairperson for the powerful Blue Ribbon Committee.
Zubiri expressed his respect for Senator Francis Tolentino’s decision to resign from his position as the head of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
He commended Tolentino’s efficient and productive leadership, acknowledging the committee’s effective exercise of its power to investigate matters related to the accountability of public officers.
“Sen. Tolentino’s tenure as the head of the Blue Ribbon Committee has been marked by efficiency and productivity. Under his capable leadership, the committee has successfully fulfilled its mandate to investigate issues relevant to the accountability of public officials,” said Zubiri.
Regarding the selection of the new chair for the Blue Ribbon Committee, Zubiri emphasized that this process would involve thorough consultations with Senate colleagues. Acknowledging the significant role Tolentino played, Zubiri expressed confidence in finding a suitable replacement among the talented lawyers within the Senate.
“Sen. Tolentino has left big shoes to fill, but I am sure we can find a suitable replacement in our ranks of brilliant lawyers in the chamber,” he added.
Senator Tolentino had previously announced his resignation, stating, “This decision is rooted in a deep-seated belief that public office demands fidelity to pledges made.”
(IAmigo/MNM)
Ni Liza Soriano
MANILA — Iimbestigahan ng Senado ang mga plano at programa ng Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) upang maresolba ang patuloy na pagsisikip ng daloy ng trapiko sa Metro Manila at mga karatig-lalawigan.
Sa Senate Resolution 859 na inihain ni Senate Majority leader Joel Villanueva, inaatasan ang kaukulang komite sa Senado na magsagawa ng imbestigasyon “in aid of legislation” para alamin ang mga plano at programa ng MMDA para malutas ang matinding daloy ng trapiko.
Base sa datos ng Asian Development Outlook 2019, lumalabas na ang Metro Manila ang pinaka-congested city sa may 278 siyudad mula sa 25 developing Asian countries at kailangan ding maglaan ang mga driver dito ng halos 100% oras kapag bumibiyahe tuwing peak hours.
Nakasaad pa sa resolusyon ni Villanueva na ang matinding pagsisikip ng daloy ng trapiko ay may matinding epekto sa personal, social, environmental at sa ekonomiya, gayundin sa kalusugan ng mga commuter.
Lumalabas din sa pag-aaral ng World Health Organization (WHO), na ang traffic congestion ay may masamang epekto sa kalusugan ng mga commuter at nakapagpapataas ng lebel ng fatigue at anxiety at nagdudulot din ng hirap sa pakikipagkomunikasyon at pagtulog.
Ang usok din umano na inilalabas ng mga sasakayan ay nagdudulot ng polusyon tulad ng carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Nauna nang nagbabala ang MMDA sa commuters ng 10% hanggang 20% na increase sa traffic volume o aabot sa 417,000 hanggang 430,000 sasakyan ang dadaan sa EDSA kada araw dahil sa holiday season.
Dahil dito, iginiit ni Villnaueva na dapat nang repasuhin ang mga polisiya, programa at plano ng MMDA, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at iba pang ahensiya ng gobyerno para maibsan ang mabigat na daloy ng trapiko sa Pilipinas.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators, office staff, and employees of the Senate vacated the office building in haste Tuesday afternoon after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck in Occidental Mindoro.
The temblor was also felt in many parts of Metro Manila and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck off Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday.
The tectonic quake struck at 4:23 p.m. and had a depth of focus of 79 kilometers.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate is committed to expediting the passage of the proposal aimed at modernizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
This urgency comes in the wake of significant earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the country.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, has confirmed that the committee has completed its hearings.
The proposal is currently under review by the technical working group (TWG) and is set to be promptly presented to the Senate plenary.
Senator Cayetano offered this assurance to Phivolcs’ Teresito Bacolcol after she emphasized the need for modernization within the next five years.
During the hearings, Bacolcol highlighted the necessity for modernization funds to acquire equipment for monitoring volcanic eruptions, and potential tsunamis, and identifying earthquake-prone areas.
Bacolcol pointed out that, presently, there are 24 active volcanoes in the country, with only 10 under monitoring, and only Taal and Mayon equipped with complete monitoring instruments.
Earlier, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga director Liza Mazo said Monday the death toll of the 7.4 temblor claimed two lives and nine were reported to have sustained injuries but not in critical condition.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights has on Saturday (25 Nov 2023) recommended amending Republic Act 10361, also known as the Kasambahay Law, to specify criminal liabilities against abusive employers.
This recommendation comes in the wake of an investigation into the case of household helper Elvie Vergara, who allegedly faced abuse from her employer.
The committee aims to “provide specific criminal liability for abusive employers with corresponding penalties for any death or physical injuries sustained by the Kasambahay resulting from, or sustained in the course of his or her employment.”
Currently, the committee notes that in cases where domestic assistants are killed or suffer physical harm, there are no explicit criminal penalties outlined in the statute. Instead, reference is made to the Revised Penal Code, with the sole penalties being fines ranging from P10,000 to P40,000.
The Senate panel asserts that clearly defining the criminal culpability and penalties for abusive employers will serve as a significant deterrent against any form of abuse towards domestic helpers.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate has given its approval to measures aimed at converting roads, as well as renumbering and establishing district engineering offices, in their third and final reading.
In the province of Romblon, four municipal roads are set to be upgraded to national highways.
Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Chairperson of the Committee on Public Works, emphasized that these bills are designed to assist local governments in meeting the needs of their constituents.
“In converting these roads, local government units are relieved of the responsibility of maintaining these highly useful and valuable routes, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively to the needs of the community,” Revilla stated.
“While entrusting the preservation of these roads to the national government, leveraging their expertise, we are essentially achieving two objectives at once,” he added in his omnibus sponsorship speech.
The following bills were approved in their third reading: House Bill No. (HBN) 1028, proposing the conversion of the Sawang-Macalas Road; HBN 1029, focusing on the conversion of the road stretching from Barangay Tuguis in the Municipality of Odiongan to Barangay Tugdan in the Municipality of Alcantara; HBN 1030, considering Senate Bill No. 1943, for the conversion of the road stretching from Sitio Boliganay in Barangay Panique, Municipality of Odiongan, to Sitio Kabaliwan in Barangay Bachawan, Municipality of San Agustin; and HBN 1031, taking into account Senate Bill No. 1952, which aims to convert the Sablayan-Agpanabat-Bagacay Road, a section of the Romblon Circumferential Road.
Additionally, three bills for renumbering and establishing district engineering offices in Cebu, Leyte, and Zamboanga City were also approved.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate Committee on Finance completed on Tuesday (21 Nov 2023) its discussions on the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for the upcoming year.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced the conclusion of plenary deliberations on the 2024 national budget at around 4:42 a.m. Tuesday, marking the end of two weeks of marathon sessions.
The budget deliberations commenced in the first week of the month, with notable events including the withdrawal of confidential funds from the Office of the President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
On Monday, senators decided to reallocate the P300 million confidential funds of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, stated that they will submit the proposed amendment to the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) this week. Angara anticipates that the proposal could be approved during the second and third readings on Monday (27 Nov 2023).
Approval during the second and third readings can occur on the same day if the President certifies it as urgent.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate approved on Tuesday (21 Nov 2023) the proposed budget of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for the year 2024, amounting to P934 million.
During the plenary sessions on November 14, the discussion was temporarily postponed as senators sought a clear position on abortion from the commission.
CHR responded to this request three days later.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the sponsor for CHR’s budget, conveyed the commission’s stance, stating, “The 1987 Constitution provides full protection for the life of the mother and the unborn child.” He clarified that CHR opposes abortion but advocates for legal amendments allowing medical termination in extreme cases, such as ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortion, and diseases like cervical cancer and cancer of the uterus, posing a danger to the mother’s life.
Senator Joel Villanueva, the majority leader in the Senate, expressed dismay over a viral video from June of the previous year. The video featured a commission official publicly urging him to approve the SOGIE bill, which seeks to make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal.
Meanwhile, CHR Chairperson Atty. Richard Paat issued an apology for the incident, stating, “We regret how the Senate perceived the petition, especially Senator Joel Villanueva. The CHR is committed to improving its processes.”
“We are fully dedicated to collaborating with the entire Senate in refining the SOGIE equality bill, and we equally support the comprehensive anti-discrimination bill,” Paat added.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate Committee on Finance has augmented the 2024 budget of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
During the budget deliberation, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel highlighted that the House’s version had reduced the proposed 2024 budget of Comelec under the National Expenditure Program by P200 million. However, the Senate has now allocated an additional P500 million to the commission’s funds.
Senator Imee Marcos, the sponsor of the Comelec budget in plenary, expressed the commission’s aspiration to reinstate at least P5.96 billion in the fund, ensuring that preparations for the 2025 elections are not compromised.
The estimated cost for the 2025 national and local elections is P39.68 billion, with P22.9 billion allocated for election preparations. Anticipating an increase in the number of voters to reach 71 million by 2025, additional funds will be required for additional precincts.
The 2024 fund encompasses P19.8 billion for the rental of 116,000 vote counting machines (VCMs) at P155,000 each, along with contingencies for 11,000 VCMs.
The procurement of ballot boxes, ballot printing papers, and SD cards is also included in the allocated fund.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
The Senate gave its approval on Thursday for the 2024 budget of the Office of the President, totaling P10.4 billion, which includes a P2.3 billion allocation for intelligence funds.
While Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel 3rd acknowledged the necessity of providing confidential funds to the multifaceted civilian agency, he expressed reservations about the legality of granting intelligence funds (IF) to the Office of the President.
Pimentel suggested that there might be a need to question this decision before the Supreme Court, emphasizing that intelligence expenses are traditionally associated with the activities of uniformed and military personnel.
Pimentel raised concerns, stating, “I don’t think the OP is composed of intelligence practitioners.” He suggested that activists and lawyers could potentially file a case with the Supreme Court to test the legality of providing intel funds to the Office of the President, considering its civilian nature.
In an appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Ilocano background, Pimentel urged a review of the amounts allocated for the Office of the President’s intelligence fund.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio participated in the Senate plenary discussion regarding the proposed P1.874 billion budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2024.
The initially proposed budget of P2.378 billion was reduced to over P1.8 billion by the House of Representatives, which removed the OVP’s proposed confidential and intelligence funds, reallocating them to agencies responsible for national security.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
The Senate will begin marathon deliberations on the 2024 proposed national budget on Wednesday, according to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Zubiri said that senators will have morning and afternoon sessions to abide by its timeline to pass the proposed budget.
The Senate President earlier said that the Senate vows to pass the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) during the first or second week of December.
“Our commitment is that we will pass it on time. We will finish deliberations by the first week of December.”
Sen. Sonny Angara, chair of the committee on finance, will sponsor the GAB on Wednesday.
On Saturday, the House of Representatives has transmitted the 2024 proposed national budget to the Senate.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Senators have welcomed the appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel as the new Department of Agriculture Secretary.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Laurel has the management experience and the “common touch to lead what is perhaps the most important agency in the country today.”
“I am glad that the President personally headed the Department of Agriculture for a time… but it is also right that the DA now be helmed by a new Secretary who can be devoted to the agriculture sector,” Zubiri said in a statement.
Sen. Chiz Escudero lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for choosing a full-time DA Secretary.
Escudero said he has known Laurel to be a “sincere, no-nonsense, honest and hardworking patriot.”
“I congratulate Secretary Laurel on his appointment, wish him well, and look forward to working with him.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe said that the new DA chief must have the focus, fortitude to get things done, and genuine feeling for the sector.
“As the first order of the day, we hope the new DA chief would take to heart the President’s warning in his SONA against smugglers, hoarders and price fixers,” Poe said.
“Kailangan din ng pangmatagalang programang magpapapataas sa produksyon sa agrikultura at mangangalaga sa kapakanan ng ating magsasaka,” she added.
On Friday, Marcos announced that he administered the oath of Laurel as the new DA Secretary.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
IT’S SHOWTIME, Senate 2025!
Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson — lower-half placer in the latest senatorial survey — dreaded the thought of seeing the upper chamber in 2025 being swarmed by mediocre lawmakers if not “clowns.”
Lacson tied for the sixth and tenth places with fellow Caviteño incumbent Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla as both got 32% from the latest survey conducted by OCTA Research from September 30 to October 4, which revealed that 60% of adult Filipinos would vote for ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo if the May 2025 elections were held during the survey period.
“Inexplicably, the lyrics of an irrelevant old song comes to mind: But where are the clowns/Send in the clowns/Don’t bother, they’re here,” Lacson tweeted on October 18 on “X” formerly Twitter.
He lamented that Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Koko Pimentel, Grace Poe, and Cynthia Villar, whom he considered “hardworking,” will finish their term by 2025.
With their exit and the prospect of new senators not at par with their caliber, Lacson said he could not be reminded of Stephen Sondheim’s classic hit “Send in the Clowns.”
Lacson who has packaged himself as an anti-corruption crusader, lost in the 2022 presidential race but noticeably did not concede to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who won a landslide.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
THE Senate Committee on Finance approved on Wednesday the P10.707 billion 2024 proposed budget of the Office of the President.
The hearing regarding the said proposed budget only lasted for 20 minutes as there was no senator who asked a question to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin who represented President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
OP has a proposed amount of P4.56 billion for confidential intelligence funds. Meanwhile, a total of P10 billion is allocated for CIF of the P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024.
“There are no colleagues [here], meaning they have a vote of confidence in your budget, so we will favorably endorse your budget for plenary consideration,” chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance Senator Sonny Angara said.
Earlier, Gabriela Party-list Representative Arlene Brosas asked Marcos to drop his confidential funds, saying that they must be redirected to basic social services.
“We call on President Marcos Jr. to give up his P4.56 billion confidential and intelligence funds, which is almost half of the total CIF. These funds should be redirected to basic social services, especially amid the high prices of food and meager wages,” Brosas said.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio & Liza Soriano
Picture this: a Filipina passionately kisses her foreign boyfriend, the same man she had taken legal action against for allegedly violating the country’s Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act.
No harm right?
Wrong.
It’s a legal racket that has allegedly gone too far, mastered by dishonest lawyers and their foreign clients to circumvent the law on deportation.
Stressing that the “demanda me” racket among lawyers must be stopped, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday proposed that the Senate should craft a law that will impose stiffer penalties against lawyers who assist foreigners in filing cases against themselves to avoid deportation.
“Mas mahalaga siguro ay malaki ang penalties sa mga lawyers na maga-assist ng ‘demanda me’ raket na ginagawa po ng mga foreigners… Pangkabuhayan po talaga,” Remulla lamented. “May ‘demanda me’ package po na ginagawa ang mga lawyers minsan para hindi ho mapa-deport ‘yung mga tao.”
Remulla disclosed this during the Senate finance committee hearing on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its attached agencies’ proposed P34.486-billion budget for 2024.
The DOJ chief pointed out the necessity of a law that will “immediately” waive these alleged trumped-up charges filed by the foreigners against themselves.
“‘Yung batas ho kasi hindi natin puwede i-deport habang may kaso sila dito… kung meron ho tayong batas na hindi ho na lalo na immediately puwede ho natin i-waive yung cases, makabubuti po sana ‘yan,” Remulla said.
He cited the case of a woman who filed a case against his Japanese boyfriend for alleged violation of the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act.
“Nakita namin isang kaso sa Japanese noon, ‘yung girlfriend po na nag-file ng VAWC, lagi hong bisita at lagi nagbebeso-beso at bumibisita pero may VAWC case siya laban sa boyfriend niya,” Remulla revealed.
THE Senate issued an order on Thursday for the apprehension of the president and three prominent members of Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI), an alleged religious group facing serious accusations of human trafficking, abduction, involvement in child marriages, and sexual exploitation of minors since 2019.
During a joint committee investigation into SBSI led by the Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee in collaboration with the Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality panels, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns regarding SBSI’s endorsement of child marriages.
Her inquiry was based on an official SBSI document titled “Family Planning Certificate,” which indicated the marriage of a 15-year-old girl to an adult man.
In response, the leaders of SBSI, Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario and Mamerto Galanida, strongly denied these allegations during the inquiry.
However, Senator Hontiveros appeared unsatisfied with their responses and moved to cite Quilario, Galanida, Ajoc, and Karren Sanico Jr., all ranking members of the organization, in contempt.
No objections were raised by fellow senators.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, chairman of the Public Order panel, supported the motion and instructed the Senate’s sergeant-at-arms to take custody of the four SBSI leaders.
Earlier this month, the Department of Justice reported that the four detained SBSI leaders, along with nine others, were facing complaints for allegedly abusing over a thousand children.
(Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Dr. Ted Herbosa did not show up during the Senate hearing on the Department of Health (DOH) proposed budget for 2024 on Thursday.
Earlier, the Commission on Appointment (CA) bypassed the appointment of Herbosa as the Health Secretary.
Senator Francis Tolentino questioned the absence of Herbosa.
“Administratively, who is in charge? Who will take the cudgels in defending the budget of this big department? We don’t have a secretary here,” Tolentino asked.
“Who is going to present? Is there an acting secretary? Is there an officer-in-charge who will be responsible for all these budget presentations, madam Chair? Otherwise, we’re talking to a clustered group of individuals,” he added.
Herbosa’s name was written on the guest list for the budget briefing.
Meanwhile, Committee senior vice-chair Sen. Pia Cayetano said that there are senior members of the agency who are present during the hearing.
“Actually all of the senior members of the team approached me a while ago and they acknowledged that of course, it is a bit of an awkward situation,” Cayetano said.
“But as you all know, Usec Dr. Vergeire was the OIC for many years and was very actively exercising her leadership not just in the past year, but even during the time of President Duterte. Usec. Dr. David is the most senior undersecretary. So I’m quite confident in the presentation today that they can answer,” she added.
Secretary Herbosa could not be reached for comment as of posting time Thursday. (ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
A SENATE resolution was filed commending actress Kathryn Bernardo after she won Outstanding Asian Star at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2023.
“Kathryn Bernardo, a talented and accomplished Filipina actress, has consistently showcased her exemplary skills, dedication, and passion in the field of acting, captivating both local and international audiences, including Filipinos residing abroad,” said in a resolution filed by Senator Lito Lapid.
Her portrayal in the ABS-CBN drama series “2 Good 2 Be True” earned her the Outstanding Asian Star prize in the Philippine category at the Seoul International Drama Awards.
According to the resolution, the award brings pride to the Filipino people.
“This remarkable achievement by Ms. Bernardo underscores the importance of recognizing and nurturing Filipino talents on the international stage, demonstrating that our artists possess the capability to excel and compete globally,” Lapid said in the resolution. (ai/mnm)