By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator-judges have started fitting their robes for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed.
Bantug revealed that Senate President Chiz Escudero authorized the robe measurements about two weeks ago.
“About two weeks ago, SP [Chiz] gave the go signal to coordinate with the senators for the robe measurements,” Bantug said.
“They will be the same color and design as during the last Corona trial—maroon,” he added.
Escudero had previously shared the proposed trial calendar, which states that the trial is set to begin on July 30.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero urged senators to refrain from discussing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero reminded his colleagues of their role as trial judges, should the impeachment trial proceed.
“My interest is to maintain fairness, the impartiality of the court, and the credibility of any decision the impeachment court may render,” he said.
“That is why I am reminding senators to exercise caution in making statements regarding the impeachment, especially when they have yet to see evidence from both sides or make any final decisions on the matter,” he added.
Escudero previously stated that the Senate cannot immediately begin the impeachment trial, noting it may start after President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero urged his fellow senators to study the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero stated that the articles of impeachment filed by the House of Representatives against Duterte, along with all annexes and evidence, have been distributed to all senators.
He also emphasized that those running for Senate should begin studying the case, in addition to his fellow lawmakers.
The 44-page verified impeachment complaint against Duterte, submitted by the House to the Senate, is now available on the upper chamber’s website.
Escudero announced that the impeachment trial against Duterte will begin after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
He assured that the trial will be held during the 20th Congress to allow sufficient time for preparations.
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MANILA – On Thursday, February 6, Senators called for smarter traffic solutions instead of the proposed congestion fees for EDSA. They argued that addressing the root causes of traffic should be the government’s priority, including improving public transportation and promoting remote work, rather than adding financial burdens to motorists.
Senator Joel Villanueva, author of the Work-from-Home Law (Republic Act No. 11165), emphasized that fully implementing telecommuting could reduce the need for daily commuting, helping to ease traffic without extra costs. “Instead of penalizing motorists with congestion fees, why not maximize the potential of the Work-from-Home Law? It reduces traffic, promotes work-life balance, and boosts productivity,” Villanueva said in a statement.
He stressed that the real solution lies in improving public transport and reducing unnecessary travel, which RA 11165 was designed to support.
Senator Grace Poe echoed these sentiments, saying traffic management reforms should come before any road pricing on EDSA. She noted that enhancing public transportation would encourage commuters to leave their cars at home, while clearing secondary roads of obstructions could provide viable alternatives to EDSA.
Poe also warned that implementing congestion fees without adequate traffic solutions could worsen the burden on already struggling motorists, who are also facing high fuel prices and inflation. “Public consultation is essential. Without real solutions, congestion fees will only add to the hardships,” she added.
Both senators stressed the need for policies that address the underlying causes of traffic, focusing on sustainability, equity, and improving the overall commuter experience.
The congestion fee proposal is part of the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan for Metro Manila, which aims to reduce traffic on EDSA, a 23-kilometer stretch notorious for daily gridlock. The plan suggests charging fees for vehicles using EDSA during peak hours in an effort to reduce congestion and promote public transportation.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Four senators withdrew their signatures from Senate Bill No. 1979, or the proposed “Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023,” on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Senators JV Ejercito, Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, and Bong Go retracted their support for the bill, citing the need for further dialogue with stakeholders to address objections and clarify misunderstandings about the proposal.
In a joint letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero, the senators acknowledged the urgency of tackling the country’s rising adolescent pregnancy rates but emphasized the importance of refining the measure.
“In light of the recent feedback and numerous concerns raised on Senate Bill No. 1979, entitled An Act Providing for a National Policy in Preventing Adolescent Pregnancies, Institutionalizing Social Protection for Adolescent Parents, and Providing Funds Therefor, under Committee Report No. 41, we respectfully request the withdrawal of our signatures from the said committee report,” the letter stated.
The statement further read: “While we believe that the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy is an issue that must be urgently addressed, it is our position that further dialogues with stakeholders are essential to accurately dispel misconceptions and remove objectionable portions from the bill.”
The bill has faced strong opposition from some religious groups and lawmakers, particularly over provisions on Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also criticized what he described as “absurd policies proposed in the implementation of sex education in the country.”
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators have praised the enactment of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, a law aimed at ensuring the safety of Filipinos during emergencies through the establishment of evacuation centers nationwide.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted the importance of building dedicated evacuation centers in cities and municipalities, emphasizing that this initiative will help local government units better protect their constituents in times of disaster.
He also noted the disruption caused by using schools as temporary evacuation sites, which delays the resumption of classes.
“Ngayong pwede na nating patayuan ang bawat lungsod at munisipalidad ng evacuation center, mas matitiyak natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng mga sakuna. Dahil sa Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, darating ang araw na hindi na tayo gagamit ng mga classroom bilang evacuation center,” Gatchalian said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada echoed this sentiment, stating that the law will ensure displaced families have access to “storm-resilient, fully equipped, safe, and decent evacuation centers” during natural calamities, man-made disasters, or public health crises.
“Hindi natin kontrolado ang kalikasan kaya dapat handa tayo sa pagbibigay ng masisilungan sa panahon ng kawalang-katiyakan. Sa tuwing may matitinding pagbagyo, lindol o pagbaha, ang evacuation centers ang magliligtas sa mga apektadong kababayan natin,” Estrada said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Friday (06 Dec 2024) the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act into law, mandating the construction of evacuation centers in every city and municipality to provide secure, temporary shelter for residents affected by disasters.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators have praised the signing of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act.
Senate President Chiz Escudero described the new law as a key step toward “bridging the gap between education and industry and preparing the Filipino workforce to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
The EBET Framework Act will institutionalize and strengthen apprenticeship programs in the country, paving the way for the development of a highly skilled, globally competitive workforce.
By enhancing the knowledge and skills of individuals, Escudero said, the law will make it easier for Filipinos to secure fulfilling, meaningful jobs and create better opportunities for career advancement.
Senator Win Gatchalian added that the law will improve the job readiness of graduates of technical-vocational education and training (TVET).
“Sa pagpapatatag at pagpapalawak natin ng enterprise-based training, mapapaigting natin ang kakayahan at kahandaan ng ating mga kababayan na makapagtrabaho. Malaking hakbang ito upang matugunan ang jobs-skills mismatch na nararanasan ng ating mga TVET graduates,” Gatchalian, a co-author of the law, said.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Twelve senators have maintained perfect attendance since the Second Regular Session, which began on July 24, 2023.
Out of the 24 senators, those with perfect attendance include Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, as well as Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Senators Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Risa Hontiveros, Robinhood Padilla, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Raffy Tulfo, and Cynthia Villar, also posted unblemished attendance.
Zubiri made the announcement and expressed his commitment to maintaining perfect attendance.
“In my years of public service, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: true leadership begins with consistent dedication to the people’s work,” Zubiri stated.
“Many of us demonstrate our commitment by consistently attending sessions. Public service is inherently rewarding, but we approach our duties understanding that our presence and voices echo the interests of the people,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators criticized certain members of the House of Representatives for deeming Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 “unconstitutional” due to its proposed voting method.
The House of Representatives recently introduced RBH No. 7, similar to RBH 6, except that the lower house advocates for a “joint vote” between the House and Senate.
“Those four words ‘each House voting separately’ are not in the Constitution. Our colleagues in the Senate cannot and should not insist on that language… I am not a lawyer, but that is unconstitutional,” stated House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada emphasized the importance of separate voting for the Senate and the House.
“When you say Congress, there are both Houses, there are two Houses. The House of the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Okay?” remarked Estrada.
“In joint voting, we only have 24 members. We will be outnumbered by the congressmen,” he added.
Senator Win Gatchalian also criticized the allegations made by the congressman, stating that it was not fabricated by the Senate.
“It’s not made up because it’s very clear in the first hearing (on RBH6). Justice Villanueva stated that the intention is indeed bicameral… It might not be explicitly stated, but the intention is to vote through a bicameral system. So, that’s why the Senate included it,” explained Gatchalian.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
SENATORS have called on all concerned government agencies to ensure the protection of the Filipinos in Israel after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched a deadly attack last Saturday.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Grace Poe have condemned the violence made in Israel.
“We call upon the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and other Philippine government agencies to secure our overseas Filipinos and ensure safe passage if necessary,” Zubiri said.
“We urge the full utilization of the Assistance to Nationals Fund for this purpose. I pray for all who are affected by this conflict- particularly the thousands of our Filipino brothers and sisters. May the LORD cover you all,” he added.
Poe, on her part, said that the safety of the Filipinos should be the top priority of the government.
“The safety of Filipinos in conflict-stricken Israel is of primordial concern. Concerned government agencies must ensure that our kababayan, especially those living near the battle zones, are moved to secure shelters or halfway houses,” Poe said.
“Repatriation should be calibrated for those who want to go home while the borders are still open […] As we hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, we have to act with dispatch so that no Filipinos will be included in the count of casualties,” she added.
With rocket fire and the deployment of armed men into numerous Israeli communities, Hamas began its most significant strike on Israel in years on Saturday. Israel suffered at least 22 fatalities.
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