MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed deep concern over the recent case of online sexual abuse and exploitation of a 10-month-old infant, calling it ‘heartbreaking and horrifying.’

In a statement, Hontiveros, a mother herself, praised the National Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Division and the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children for swiftly apprehending the perpetrator.

However, she criticized the current implementation of the Anti-OSAEC Law, which she authored, noting that it has not sufficiently prevented such crimes.

“The Anti-OSAEC Law imposes responsibilities on social media platforms, yet these heinous crimes were still carried out using Facebook and WhatsApp,” Hontiveros said.

“I am again calling on social media companies to tighten their regulations. They failed to curb fake news, and now they’re failing to protect our children,” she added.

Hontiveros announced she will call for a Senate inquiry to investigate the case and emerging trends in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). She also filed a resolution to examine the issue further.

The senator emphasized the need to hold all parties accountable, including internet service providers, e-wallet services, and remittance centers that may have facilitated the growth of online child exploitation.

“We need to strengthen our whole-of-nation approach to this complex issue. Our children should never be for sale,” she said.

ia/mnm

SENATOR Loren Legarda has emphasized the urgent need for transformative education reforms during the launch of the EDCOM II Year 2 Report at the Senate of the Philippines.

Speaking before policymakers, educators, and international partners, Legarda underscored that the report is more than just a compilation of data —it serves as a roadmap to securing opportunities, equity, and excellence in education for Filipino learners.

She highlighted the collaborative effort behind the report, which brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector to assess the realities of the country’s education system.

Legarda acknowledged that the Year One Report exposed systemic issues, including underinvestment, fragmented governance, and inequitable access. This year, however, the focus shifts to concrete solutions.

“Education is the foundation of national progress. It is the backbone of innovation, peace, justice, and sustainable development,” she stressed.

The senator emphasized that the Year Two Report presents actionable strategies and urged leaders to address the root causes of the education crisis.

“Where do the cracks in our foundation lie? And how do we strengthen it—not just to stand firm, but to bear the weight of our children’s biggest and boldest dreams?” she asked.

Legarda also underscored the global implications of improving the Philippine education system, noting that it influences economies, fosters innovation, and shapes the collective future of humanity.

Welcoming international partners present at the event, she affirmed that their support is not only welcome but essential in ensuring that the report’s recommendations lead to real and lasting change.

MANILA – Senator Joel Villanueva on Thursday expressed optimism about the approval of the Meralco franchise renewal bill by the Senate before the 19th Congress adjourns or even earlier.

“By Monday (Jan. 20), matatapos yung interpellations (interpellations are done), debates, and period of amendments,” Villanueva said during the regular Kapihan sa Senado media forum.

The chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Services handling Meralco franchise renewal bill said he expects the Senate to approve the measure on second reading before the February break.

When asked about potential roadblocks, Villanueva downplayed concerns, saying that no major opposition has emerged.

“Some senators, like Senators (Sherwin) Gatchalian and Jinggoy Estrada, requested additional information. If they’re satisfied with the submissions, they will no longer interpellate,” he said.

Villanueva said most senators plan to propose amendments rather than challenge the measure.

On the possibility of third-reading approval, Villanueva expressed confidence that it could happen within the 19th Congress, or even before the Senate’s election recess on Feb. 5.

“”Conservatively, matapos ang (we will finish the) second reading by next week. I will not even be surprised if we finish this before the break. Everything is possible,” he said.

Villanueva reiterated his commitment to seeing the bill through, underscoring the need for reliable energy services.

As a result of Senate scrutiny, Meralco initiated a rate reduction in January, decreasing costs by PHP0.2189 per kilowatt-hour, which translates to a savings of around PHP44 for residential consumers using 200 kilowatt-hours monthly.

Villanueva attributed the decrease to rigorous evaluation of power generation costs, the largest component of electricity rates.

The senator compared Meralco’s performance metrics with other electric utilities, noting its reliability.

Meralco achieved a System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) of 1.19 interruptions annually, and a System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) of 123 minutes.

These figures outperform Davao Light and Power (525 SAIDI), and Panay Electric Company (1,978 SAIDI). (PNA)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Several senators have voiced their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to regional wage boards to assess wage rates in their respective areas.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed solidarity with the president’s call for the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards to conduct a review of minimum wages. He emphasized the importance of the National Wages and Productivity Commission ensuring the compliance of these boards.

Additionally, Zubiri highlighted Senate Bill No. 2534, also known as the P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act, which he advocated for.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva welcomed Marcos’ order, noting its significance in providing hope to workers that their earnings will adequately cover their daily expenses. Villanueva referenced Senate Bill No. 2140, aimed at establishing a “living wage” as the benchmark for the minimum daily wage.

Senator Francis Tolentino echoed support for Marcos’ directive, emphasizing its role in helping workers cope with the rising costs of goods and services.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — In a significant move, 24 senators have signed a manifesto expressing their opposition to the ongoing attempt to amend the 1987 Constitution through the People’s Initiative.

The manifesto boldly states, “Today, the Senate once again stands as a bastion of democracy, rejecting this brazen attempt to violate the Constitution, the country, and our people.”

Leading the charge were Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

Even Senator Robin Padilla, initially hesitant to sign, eventually added his support.

The manifesto was released following a closed-door meeting of the senators on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

(el Amigo/MNM)