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A bill by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson will provide law enforcers the needed additional tools to fight terrorism and other heinous crimes.

Senate Bill 1187 allows "One Party Consent" in wiretapping calls of those involved in such acts, but also contains sufficient safeguards to prevent abuse.

"To further aid our law enforcement authorities in their obligation to protect the Filipino people, there is a need to provide an alternative option to the rigorous and time-consuming process of securing a court order that will still respect and comply with the right to privacy," Lacson said.

Lacson said such a setup - also known as consensual monitoring - allows the recording of a private conversation with the consent of at least one of the participants in the call.

Other crimes covered by the bill include treason, rebellion, coup d'etat, sedition, kidnapping, robbery in band, drug-related offenses, money laundering, plunder, bribery and corruption of public officials, and espionage.

Under the bill, a law enforcement officer may record or intercept a wire, oral or electronic conversation to gather evidence and strengthen a case buildup, after securing the requisite written order.

The bill allows a written authorization by the head of the law enforcement agency involved for the wiretap, after sufficient proof has been presented showing reasonable grounds to believe the evidence is essential to the conviction, and that there are no other effective means to obtain such evidence.

Law enforcers must fill up an application to conduct a one-party consent recording or intercepting and provide information such as the nature of any danger to the consenting party, type of recording or intercepting device to be used, location and length of time of the recording, as well as the names of person/s, if known, whose conversation will be recorded.

They should also indicate if the facts of the recording had been discussed with the legal officer of the investigating unit involved, and that the legal officer advised that the consensual recording is appropriate.

Evidence secured in violation of the bill shall be inadmissible in any judicial, quasi-judicial, legislative or administrative hearing or investigation.



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Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri released a statement on Tuesday addressing the situation facing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East, given the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.

"If ever the President will request for a special session for the need to pass a supplemental budget to help repatriate our kababayans from the Middle East, we in the Senate are prepared to act on his request and can meet at any time in the interest of our OFWs," Zubiri said.

"The President can also utilize for the meantime the billions of pesos of contingency funds in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, available for repatriation immediately. Those funds are readily available for these emergencies," he added.

"We also support the President's plan to set up a Crisis Committee in charge of the massive plan to bring back our OFWs in case war breaks out between Iran and the US and its allies such as Saudi Arabia, which hosts over a million Filipino workers. That is a gargantuan task, and we would need the support of all our government agencies to be able to bring home such a large number of people. I'm lauding the President's quick action on this rather than just waiting and being reactionary after the crisis actually happens."



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We offer our prayers for Australia as it copes with one of the worst bushfires in the country's history.

Our heart breaks as we witness the scope of the devastation. The impact of the fires on the Australian wildlife, the images of which have been seen by the entire world, has left us all with mental and emotional scars that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We laud the wildlife welfare organizations for its efforts to help the injured animals and join in the appeal for donations to support the work they are doing.

What is taking place in our regional ally is a harsh reminder of the stark reality of climate change and its effects on all of humanity.

Temperatures are rising in many parts of the world and this poses a threat on the environment as we have seen in the case of Australia. We need to treat this phenomenon seriously and take the necessary steps to address the situation, no matter how big or small these may be. The survival of nations depends on this.

Over 2,000 homes have been destroyed and lives have been lost due to the wildfires. We pray that the evacuees will be able to return to their normal lives soon.

For over 7 decades since diplomatic relations were established between our two countries, Australia has always been there for the Philippines whenever calamities strike. Now at its time of need, the entire Philippine nation stands behind its ally Australia.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has dared Mr. Duterte to follow through his recent pronouncement of accepting Rohingya Muslims who are facing grave situations in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, despite his contradicting statements in the past.

De Lima, who once chaired the Commission on Human Rights, said Duterte should redeem himself from his previous policies regarding the welfare of the Rohingya Muslims, which contradict his most recent pronouncement in Cotabato City last month.

"Kung talagang may malasakit si Ginoong Duterte sa mga Rohingya refugees, totohanin nya ang sinabi niyang pagkupkop at pagtulong sa kanila. Hindi salita at pangako kundi ang agarang pagkupkop sa kanila ang dapat katuparan," she said.

"If not, these statements will just be another empty rhetoric which cannot redeem him and his administration from past policy decisions detrimental to the Rohingyas, including the tragic 'No' vote of the Philippines against a UN resolution condemning human rights violations against them," she added.

During its 42nd regular session in Switzerland last Sept. 26, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution supporting justice and accountability for Rohingya Muslims and other minorities who have fled Myanmar's Rakhine State to escape atrocities committed by state security forces.

Of the 46 member states that voted, only Philippines and China rejected the UNHRC resolution with 37 countries voting in favor and seven others abstaining. It was the third time that the Duterte administration rejected a UN measure on the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.

"His only concern then is not to offend his friends in Beijing, which, not surprisingly, is also facing ethnic cleansing allegations against their Muslim minorities," the former justice secretary pointed out.

"Huwag nating paasahin ang mga lubos na nangangailangan at pagkatapos ay kabaligtaran ang gagawin natin. Hindi biro ang kanilang pinagdaanan at pagdurusa, kaya mas kailangan nila ang tulong sa lalong madaling panahon," she added.

Last October, De Lima filed Senate Resolution No. 158 urging the Philippine government to reconsider its position opposing the UNHRC resolution. As of this writing, the resolution has been languishing at the committee level.

When she was then justice secretary, De Lima proposed that the Philippines, along with fellow ASEAN member-states, should send rescue ships to help the Rohingya Muslims or "boat people" still stranded in the seas, and save their lives.

Since 2017, almost 800,000 people of Myanmar's Muslim minority had fled to neighboring Bangladesh from the Rakhine State to escape brutal persecution instigated by Myanmar military forces.



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Nakakatawa panoorin ang mga apologist ng Malacañang magkumahog na ipagtanggol ang palyadong War on Drugs. Andami na nilang nasabi, pero puro insulto lamang laban kay VP Leni. Wala daw alam si VP Leni sa War on Drugs pero sila mismo, hindi nila maintindihan ang sarili nilang datos. Simple lang naman ang usapan, ano ba ang sinasabi ng datos nila?

Sabi sa report na ayon mismo sa datos ng pamahalaan, isang porsyento (1%) lamang ang kanilang nasabat mula sa estimated nilang 156,000 kilo na konsumo ng shabu sa buong taon. Nagkakahalaga itong 156,000 kilo na ₱1.3 trillion kada taon pero ₱1.4 billion lamang ang na-freeze ng AMLC.

Sa sinasabi nilang 4 na milyon na drug user, 1.5 million lang ang kilala nila, saan na yung 2.5 million? Sa sinasabi nilang lampas isang milyon na sumuko o inaresto, ilan na ang nakasuhan? Ilan na ang pinalaya? Ilan na ang binigyan ng mga karampatang interventions? Ilan na ang pinatay? Sinu-sino yung high-value targets? May aksyon na bang ginawa laban sa kanila? Alam ba ng PDEA ang sagot sa mga tanong na ito?

Just recently, it was reported that 78% of Filipinos believe that there are so-called "ninja cops" in our police force. It was also revealed in the Senate investigation that certain Chinese drug lords were released from Bilibid. These show that we have much to do in terms of monitoring our War on Drugs to ensure that our gains will not be negated by corruption in our law enforcement sector.

Kailangan ding sagutin ng ating administrasyon kung ano na ang naging aksyon laban sa mga tinaguriang "Ninja cops"? Ano na ang nangyari sa mga Chinese druglords na pinalaya mula sa Bilibid at mga protektor nila? Ano na rin ang status ng mga mga kaso ng smuggling ng bilyon-bilyong halaga ng shabu na pinalusot sa Customs?

Aside from the questions on the data on the War on Drugs, there is also need to disclose the progress, if any, in the high profile cases, especially those involving public officials. Our citizens need to know that we are as tough on crimes when it is the corrupt officials who commit them.

There is no expectation that the drug menace be solved overnight. Indeed the efforts against illegal drugs is a continuing struggle, but it does not mean that we cannot set meaningful targets to ensure that we are not wasting our resources in actions that would be ultimately meaningless in the long run. We need to be more diligent and officious in managing our campaign against illegal drugs lest we end up worse than we were before.

Hindi dapat masaktan ang damdamin ng ating kapulisan sa ulat ni VP Leni. Ang pagtama sa mga kamalian ng War on Drugs ay magliligtas hindi lang sa kanilang buhay kundi sa buhay ng marami nating kababayan.

To succeed in the War on Drugs, our government must be more deliberate in its actions. We must act based on data and existing science. We must not be too proud to learn from the experience of other countries. Duterte's minions and trapos are trying to deceive us by making it appear that we are winning the War on Drugs because we have already killed tens of thousands of our countrymen even though the data from PNP and PDEA do not show significant gains.

Ang pagkapanalo sa War on Drugs ay hindi batay lang sa pakiramdam o sa propaganda ng trapo. Kailangan ng malinaw na datos. Kailangan ng malinaw na aksyon laban sa katiwalian. Hindi na kailangan mang insulto ng sinuman. Gawin na lang natin ang trabaho natin



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Dapat masusing bantayan ng gobyerno ang magiging paggalaw ng presyo ng iba't ibang bilihin kasunod na rin ng panibagong girian sa pagitan ng U.S. at Iran. Inaasahan natin na ang mga kaganapan sa Gitnang Silangan ay maaring makaapekto sa local oil prices na siya naman maaring magdulot ng pagtaas ng mga bilihin sa bansa.

Upang tiyakin na hindi sasamantalahin ng mga mamumuhunan ang sitwasyon sa Gitnang Silangan, tinatawagan natin ang Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry, at Department of Agriculture na magtalaga ng mga tao o di kaya ay bumuo ng task force na masigasig na magbabantay sa paggalaw ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo at mga pangunahing bilihin sa merkado.

Ayon sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), umakyat sa 2.5% ang inflation rate noong nakaraang Disyembre kumpara noong Nobyembre ng 2019. Ito ay bahagyang mas mataas sa aming internal forecast na 2.1% at forecast ng mga ekonomista sa bansa na 2%. Samantala, ang pinaka huling inflation rate ay naayon naman sa inaasahan ng Department of Finance na 1.8% to 2.6% para sa December 2019.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go attended the launching of the Malasakit Center in Taguig-Pateros District Hospital on Wednesday, January 8. With the launching of the new location, there are now 57 Malasakit Centers in the whole Philippines.

The launch was led by Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV). House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Taguig Representative Lani Cayetano, House Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez, and Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano were also present during the ceremony.

Speaking in front of a crowd that is set to benefit from the services of the one-stop shop, Go lamented the painstaking process Filipinos have to go through before, sometimes even needing to queue up in government offices starting midnight, just to avail of government medical and financial services.

"Bakit kailangang pumila pa ng mga Pilipino ng madaling araw, para lang sa hangarin nila na humaba ang kanilang buhay? Kawawa ang mga Pilipino," Go explained.

"Minsan ang mga pasyente namamanas na, pumipila para lang humaba ang kanilang buhay. Ngayon dahil may Malasakit Center na tayo, magtutulungan (ang mga ahensiya ng gobyerno) para matulungan kayo. Basta Pilipino ka tutulungan ka ng Malasakit Center. Basta lapitan niyo lang po, lalo na ang mga poor at indigent patients," he added.

With the aim of reducing to the lowest amount possible the hospital bill balance of those seeking assistance, the center covers patient services and expenses, such as laboratories, medicines, surgeries or operations, with the exemption of professional fees and private room accommodation.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities will also be prioritized in the centers through an express lane.

"Ulitin ko, ang Malasakit Center ay para sa tao. Ito ay one-stop shop, at tumutulong 'yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno. Pera niyo po ito, binabalik lang po sa inyo. Inyo po ito. Wala pong halong pulitika. Para po ito sa tao, inyo po ito," the senator explained.

"Nandoon na ang DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth at PCSO, magbibigay sila ng tulong para maibaba o ma-cover ang medical bill ninyo. Dahil nasa isang kwarto na sila sa ospital mismo, hindi niyo na kailangan lumayo at hindi na mauubos ang panahon niyo kakapila sa iba't ibang opisina," Go said, stressing that all Filipinos can avail of medical and financial assistance from these centers scattered around the country.

He added that patients or their representatives will only need to fill up a unified form to request assistance from Malasakit Center, instead of having to visit government offices scattered in various locations.

Concerned agencies extending medical and financial assistance that will be housed in these centers are the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Go also told the residents that he is willing to assist them and have them checked by medical specialists in government hospitals, such as the Philippine Heart Center, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and others for more specialized care and treatment if necessary.

"Bago ko makalimutan, mga pasyente, kung hindi po kaya dito gamutin sa ospital na ito, kung mayroong komplikasyon, sakit sa puso, kidney, dialysis o kung ano pa man, sabihin niyo lang po sa amin. Kami na ang makikipag-coordinate. Kami na ang magpapagamot sa inyo hanggang makalabas kayo," Go told patients inside the hospital.

The senator also emphasized that the accessible and efficient services offered by the Malasakit Center is the government's way of giving back the money invested by Filipinos through taxes.

"Binabalik namin sa tao ang serbisyong para sa inyo talaga. 'Wag kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Trabaho namin iyan, tsaka bayad na kami. Kami ang magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo kami ng pagkakataong manilbihan sa inyo," Go said.

Pioneered by the senator when he was still Special Assistant to the President, Go also shared that all DOH-run hospitals will now get their own Malasakit Centers with the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11463 which institutionalizes these centers.

"Tuloy-tuloy po ito sa lahat ng mga DOH-run hospitals. Ayon po sa batas, 73 na DOH-run hospitals ay lalagyan ng Malasakit Center," he further explained.

Go also said that the law allows local government units (LGUs) to establish Malasakit Centers provided that they meet the standards and criteria to ensure sustainability and consistency in the services provided by the centers. "We have set criteria para sundin nila para hindi po bungi-bungi ang mga Malasakit Center."

After the launching, Senator Go visited the wards to personally attend to patients with their requests for various medical and related assistances.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go urged concerned government agencies to make sure that the newly re-opened Pasig River Ferry Service remains convenient and comfortable for commuters during a meeting on Tuesday, January 7. The senator also asked the agencies to improve the cleanliness of the river to guarantee safe and smooth journey for passengers.

"I implore agency heads to make sure that the ferry services will be convenient and comfortable for the people," Go said.

"Please make sure na malinis ang ferry service at smooth ang experience ng mga sasakay. Magtulungan rin tayo na linisin ang ating mga ilog para mas maayos ang experience ng bawat pasahero," he added.

After experiencing decline in the previous decades due to the pollution of the river, the Pasig River Ferry Service was revived in 2014 to alleviate traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

In April 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte approved a proposal to institutionalize the Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program which includes plans to build seventeen more stations for the Pasig River ferry system in the next four years, from the current twelve stations.

The transport service is presently operated by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is responsible for the dredging operations in Pasig River.

In past interviews, Go has expressed his willingness to push for the provision of additional boats.

"Kung kailangan pa pong madagdagan pa ang mga ferry, very much willing akong tumulong sa inyo," Go said.

Currently, the ferry service has a fleet of seven boats. Several local government units and private companies have also committed to donate additional ferries.

Meanwhile, Go also suggested during the meeting that the ferry services be subsidized by the government for one year to provide more affordable fares for the commuters. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) agreed, saying that they will pool funds for said subsidy.

"Pinakiusapan din po natin na gawing until January 31 ang libreng pamasahe nito o hangga't kaya ng budget ng MMDA. I urge the MMDA and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) na maging libre ito o maging minimal ang bayad dahil nakakatulong talaga ito sa ating mga mamamayan," Go said in past interviews.

"Para iwas sa trapik, dagdagan natin 'ung ferry. Meron na tayong binuksan, mayroon na tayong ferry boats, libre hanggang katapusan (ng January) pero pagkatapos niyan, sisiguraduhin namin ni Pangulo na as much as possible, 'yung at cost lang ang babayaran para kayo makatipid sa gastos at makatipid rin sa panahon.

"Asahan ninyo na full support ako rito at kung papaano magiging mas maayos at komportable ang transportation service na ito para mapakinabangan ng mga Pilipino," he added.

To ensure cleanliness of the river, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) was tasked to monitor discharges from nearby factories and issue violation receipts to rule breakers.

For a more holistic approach, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will also be tapped to enjoin barangays in maintaining the cleanliness of the environment surrounding the river.

Go reminded residents of Metro Manila, however, that keeping Pasig River clean is a shared responsibility of everyone.

"Lilinisan din natin 'ung Pasig River pero importante na magtulungan tayo at maging disiplinado, 'wag tayong magtapon," the senator said.



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During the launch of the Malasakit Center in Taguig-Pateros District Hospital, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go renewed his call for the creation of the Department of Overseas Filipinos that will be responsible for the promotion of welfare and protection of rights of Filipino migrant workers and other overseas Filipinos amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The creation of the department is one of Go's campaign promises during the May 2019 elections.

"Ako nanawagan sa mga kasamahan ko sa Senado at sa liderato sa Congress na sana ay ipasa na ang 'Department of Overseas Filipino Workers'," Go said during an ambush interview on Wednesday, January 8.

"Huwag na po nating hintayin na magkaroon pa ng crisis o may mapatay ulit na OFW," he added, referring to the murder of Jeanelyn Villavende in Kuwait. The Pinay domestic helper was allegedly killed by her employers.

"Tungkulin ng ating pamahalaan na pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng ating mamamayan na nasa abroad. Dapat nating gawin ang lahat di lamang para makamit ang hustisya para kay Jeanelyn Villavende. We should make sure that all Filipinos in distress are given timely assistance and that measures are also undertaken to prevent abuse," said Go.

"A life for a life. Dapat maximum o death penalty if found guilty (ang suspect/s). We lost the life of a Filipino. Those who took life, their lives must be taken," Go added, emphasizing that justice must be served for the death of Villavende.

Villavende's remains were repatriated today even as the government assured it will conduct follow through investigations.

Meanwhile, tensions are currently high in the Middle East region after an American air strike near Baghdad's international airport in Iraq killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. This prompted Iran to launch counter missile attacks on American bases in Iraq Wednesday.

Under his proposed Senate Bill (SB) 202 or the Department of Overseas Filipinos Act of 2019, Go said that the Philippine government will no longer have any confusion as to which representative to send to other countries in times of crisis or issues involving Filipino workers as it will put all OFW affairs under one umbrella department.

The bill aims to put certain government agencies dealing with the OFWs under one umbrella. These will address certain issues, such as the lack of coordination among offices, hence the need to put them together under one roof and to put an end to the practice of finger-pointing among agencies concerned with OFW affairs; immediate legal assistance to OFWs in distress; lack of full migration cycle approach in promoting migrant's rights from pre-employment, onsite and reintegration services; and lack of shared database system that contains all information of all OFWs to aid in tracking their status and fast track delivery of assistance to distressed workers. Services and information are scattered throughout several offices, causing delays in reaction time.

"Katulad ngayon, pinadala si Sec. Roy Cimatu, tapos iba pa work ni Sec. Locsin at Sec. Bello. If mayroon na tayong department for OFWs, isa na lang ipapadala natin dun, iisa na lang ang lalapitan at iisa na lang ang makikipag coordinate," he said.

According to the senator, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Secretaries Roy Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and former special envoy to the Middle East, Teodoro Locsin of Foreign Affairs and Silvestre Bello III of Labor and Employment to coordinate with their counterparts abroad to ensure the safety of OFWs and all Filipinos residing in the Middle East.

"Hangad natin ang security and stability sa Middle East. Kasama tayo ng international community in calling for deescalation of tensions," said Go.

Go also said that President Duterte has also instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to utilize all their resources to ensure the immediate repatriation of all Filipinos in the Middle East amid the rising tensions.

"As soon as possible, ang utos ng Pangulo ay to ensure the safety of every Filipino na maaring maapektuhan sa Middle East," he said when asked on the time frame of the government as far as the repatriation of OFWs is concerned.

In a memorandum dated January 7 and addressed to the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Labor and Employment, National Defense, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, and Transportation, and the National Security Council, the President directed the creation of a committee to oversee the repatriation of Filipinos from the Middle East. It shall be chaired by the Defense Secretary with the National Security Adviser as the Vice Chair and the rest of the earlier mentioned departments as members.

Citing government records, Go said that there are around 1,600 Filipinos living in Iran, including 400 who are married to Iranian citizens.



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Sherrie Ann Torres: Paano ka naging devotee ng Poong Nazareno?

Sen. Grace Poe: Nag-umpisa naman 'yan kasi bata pa ako nakita ko na ang nanay ko na talagang pagka, may pinagdaraanan o kaya meron lang talagang pinagpapasalamat, eh talagang sa Nazareno nagpupunta. Hindi lang naman 'yun, talagang nakita ko rin na napakaraming mga deboto ang talagang nakaangat sa buhay, nalagpasan nila ang kanilang mga hamon dahil sa kanilang pananalig.

Torres: Personally, kailan mo na-realize na devotee kayo?

Poe: Siyempre bilang isang Katoliko, nandyan na 'yan. Pero lahat ng mga mahihirap na desisyon sa aking buhay ay naitatanong ko sa Kanya. Hindi naman natin masasabi na lahat ng ating kahilingan ay naibibigay, pero parang 'pag nagkaroon ng paglilinaw, nakikita mo bakit ibinigay sa iyo o bakit hindi naibigay sa iyo.

Torres: Anong age?

Poe: Alam ko nung nag-asawa na ako eh. Kasi doon natin nakikita rin ang ginagawa ng ating mga magulang at nagkakaroon tayo ng mas appreciation sa kanilang ginagawa.

Torres: In your 20s?

Poe: Mga early 20s.

Torres: In general terms, ano ang very significant answered prayers mo?

Poe: Alam mo nung umpisa, bago talaga ako pumasok sa pulitika, 2013 'yun. Naalala ko pumunta ako ng Quiapo, hindi, mga 2012 pala bago mag-2013, nagdasal talaga ako para sa akin ba ito? Talagang gagawin ko ba ito? Naiyak ako noon, nung kinakausap ko siya. Siguro mga alas-11 na ng gabi 'yun, nagdadalawang-isip ako. Bago ako lumabas ng simbahan, may lumapit sa akin, 'Ma'am ituloy mo 'yan'. Parang ganun. Tapos parang naisip ko bakit kaya, hindi naman ako masyadong pinag-uusapan pa 'nun kasi umpisa pa lang.

Torres: Wala pang kwento noon?

Poe: Wala pa. Hindi pa talaga napag-uusapan ng mabuti kung tatakbo ba ako o hindi. Pero naalala ko 'yun 'yung parang hindi ko makalimutan.

Torres: Tapos parang lagi kang may sign?

Poe: Parang ganun.

Torres: Anong klaseng devotee? At one point ba umakyat ka sa Andas?

Poe: Hindi naman. Hindi ko yata kakayanin 'yun. Pero ang ginagawa ko ay kung may pagkakataon, 'yung Pahalik, dahil may nakapila doon. Pupunta ka, sa may paa. 'Yung mga simple lang naman. Ako naman kasi may kanya-kanya tayong paraan kahit naman hindi pala madalas nagpupunta kung saan para magdasal, kahit nasaan ka pwede mo naman idasal 'yun. At saka ang importante rin kung ano ang mga natutunan mo na sa tingin mong isang ehemplo na maibibigay mo sa mga anak mo. Katulad niyan 'yung Nazareno, usually sakripisyo, pagtulong, pagmamahal sa kapwa. 'Yun naman ang pinakaimportante sa tingin ko na dapat ay hindi natin kalilimutan dito sa pagbibigay pugay sa Nazareno.

Torres: Sa family?

Poe: Alam mo naman ang kabataan ngayon, nagdarasal naman sila pero para sabihin mo 'yung talagang tradisyon na pumupunta doon, hindi pa. Sa ngayon, kasi nakikita ko, mga bata pa sila, may kanya-kanya pa. Si Brian, nagpupunta pero hindi natin masasabi na katulad noon. Alam mo noong ako ay bata pa talagang may Pabasa pa kami eh. 'Pagka Holy Week at sa Nazareno, nagpu-prusisyon pa kami. Meron imahe na ipinu-prusisyon doon sa paligid ng subdivision namin. Sumasama ako doon, 'yung mga anak ko hindi pa nakakarating sa punto na ganun.

Torres: Nagpunta na kayo this year?

Poe: Oo, hindi naman kinakailangan na may okasyon.

Torres: How frequent?

Poe: Sa tingin ko naman, kapag naisipan ko nagpupunta ako. Pero definitely bago ang kanyang Fiesta o kaya magpa-Pasko, merong okasyon na kunwari, death anniversary ng tatay ko, bago ano nagpupunta doon.

Torres: Paano isa-sum up ang pagiging devotee?

Poe: Ang importante kasi para sa akin sa aking pagdarasal ay nabibigyan ako lakas ng loob, kumpiyansa at pagiging panata. 'Yan ay kanya-kanya, hindi naman kinakailangan na magiging deboto tayo sa iisang imahe o sa maraming imahe, nasa iyo yan kung ano ang paninniwala. Basta kung ano ang napatunayan ko sa aking pagdarasal, bagama't hindi naman lahat ng idinadasal natin ay nakakamit naman natin, sa kalaunan ay nakikita natin kung bakit doon tayo ginabay ng Diyos.

Torres: Ano masasabi niyo sa criticism?

Poe: May kanya-kanya tayong manipestasyon kung papaano tayo magdarasal o ipapakita ang ating pananalig. Hindi natin dapat husgahan ang nagiging tradisyon ng mga tao o kaya ng isang bansa. 'Yan naman ay kalayaan natin na gawin, ang importante ay personal na paniniwala at pagrespeto sa paninniwala ng iba.

Torres: On Water Concessionaire agreement.

Poe: Ako kasi ang pinakaimportante ay magkaroon na ng kasunduan na makatarungan at kasunduan na makakagarantiya na tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng tubig para sa ating mga kababayan. Mabuting manindigan tayo na ang mga kontrata na 'yan ay magiging patas pero ang pinakamahalaga sa ngayon, hindi tayo mawawalan ng tubig. Kaya hindi lang 'yan sa kontratang pipirmahan. Ang importante rin ay magkaroon ng aksyon ang ating gobyerno na makahanap ng bagong pagkukunan ng tubig. Kasi kahit na meron kang paraan para maipamahagi ang tubig, kung wala ka namang pagkukunan ng tubig ay mauubos pa rin 'yan. Kaya kung kailangan na natin magpatayo ng bagong dike ay umpisahan na natin sa lalong madaling panahon.

Torres: Sisilipin niyo agreement?

Poe: Sa tingin ko pagdating sa mga deliberasyon ng mga bagong batas, kasama 'yan sa aming pinag-aaralan. Ano ba ang mga napasukan ng ating gobyerno na kasunduan para masigurado na ito ay naaayon sa batas o kung may kailangang ayusin. Sa ngayon, 'yan ay kasunduan mula sa gobyerno, ng ehekutibo at ng mga kumpanya ng concessionaires, hindi 'yan para sa amin na tingnan. Para sa kanila 'yan na magkasundo pero pagdating ng panahon, hindi natin masasabi, maaaring tingnan din ng Kongreso kung ano ang mga kasunduang ito.

Torres: Kailan papasok ang pangangailangan na gamitin ang oversight function ng Senado?

Poe: Well, unang-una kung nagkaroon ng aberya sa serbisyo. Kung nagkaroon ng malaking krisis ukol dito sa tubig, eh makikita natin sino ba talaga ang responsable. At para malaman 'yan ay titingnan natin ang mga napagkasunduan.

Torres: Doon lang uli papasok?

Poe: Hindi lang 'yun. Dahil may mga panukala na magkaroon ng isang water management agency, so sa darating na mga linggo, sa pagbukas uli ng Kongreso ay tatalakayin muli ang panukalang 'yan. At siyempre iimbitahan natin ang concessionaires, MWSS, LWUA, lahat at para malaman natin ano ba talaga ang pagkukulang natin. At kasama rin siguro ang kontrata, malaman natin ano na ang napagkasunduan ninyo diyan.

Torres: Continuation?

Poe: Oo.

Torres: On Angkas, bakit kailangan silipin?

Poe: Well, unang-una para maisapubliko ano ba ang naging resulta ng trial run nila. Kailangan ay transparent. Kailangan nakikita natin kung ano ba ang kanilang naging obserbasyon, ano ba ang naging pagpapatakbo niyan. Pangalawa, gusto rin natin malaman ang naging basehan ng LTFRB sa pagkakaroon ng cap na 39,00 basta kung anuman ang cap nila bakit nila napagkasunduan. Ano ang pag-aaral na ginawa nila? Pangatlo, gusto natin ng kumpetisyon. Dahil kapag may kumpetisyon kahit papaano magpapagaling ang mga nagbibigay ng serbisyo pero gusto rin natin malaman ano ang track record naman ng ibang ia-accredit nila para sumama at mabigyan ng prangkisa para sa serbisyo na ito. Alam mo hindi natin maipagkaila, maraming iligal na nagpapatakbo ng habal-habal. Ito naman ay dumadaan sa proseso so gusto natin na bigyan din sila ng recognition na kapag sila ay sumusunod sa batas, sila ay magkakaroon ng pribilehiyo na magpatakbo ng kanilang negosyo.

Torres: Kasama rin sa titingnan foreign owned? Meron din daw kasama sa Senado na nasa likod ng iba?

Poe: Sa tingin ko, hindi naman yata 'yan totoo na merong ibang senador na may kinalaman sa pagma-may-ari ng ibang sasama. Pero ang malinaw dito, nagulat kaming lahat kung bakit nagkaroon na ng desisyon sa iba kung ano ba talaga ang kanilang performance. 'Di ba sinasabi nga, hindi naman sila nasali sa trial run so bakit sila nabigyan halimbawa ng kunsiderasyon na ganun. Isa 'yan sa ating tatalakayin. Ang isa pa, meron din alegasyon na bukod sa ownership o pagma-may-ari ng kumpanya, kung ito ba ay foreign-owned. So pagkakataon din ng kumpanya na 'yun na ipakita sa publiko, sa Senado ang tunay na may-ari ng kanilang kumpanya. Kasi alam mo sa batas natin, kinakailangan talaga mayorya Filipino ang may-ari.

Torres: Iimbitahin lahat ng opisyal ng 3 kumpanya?

Poe: Of course at kasama rin diyan 'yung Securities and Exchange Commission para masiguro natin ang shares of stocks, 'yung majority ownership. Kasama rin diyan ang Philippine Competition Commission dahil gusto natin maitaas ang kumpetisyon sa ating bansa. At nandiyan din naman ang mga opisyal ng LTFRB na ieeksplika sa atin kung bakit naging ganoon ang desisyon.



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"Let us all first and foremost pray for the safety of our kababayans in Iran, Iraq and the Middle East.

"While we are praying that tensions will no longer escalate, it is best to be prepared for the worst. May binuo nang Crisis Committee, and contingencies are in place.

"Nananawagan tayo sa ating mga kababayan sa mga apektadong lugar na maging alerto at aware sa mga ipatutupad ng ating pamahalaan para sa kanilang kaligtasan. Push comes to shove, I ask our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs) to cooperate with authorities for their safety.

"Pangunahing konsiderasyon ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa. Wala nang mas importante pa diyan. Tsaka na tayo mag-briefing after everything is in place and working na.

"As we move forward, I remind everyone that now is a time for unity. Let us all work together to ensure the well-being of our kababayans."



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Nakikiusap po tayo sa ating mga kababayan sa Iraq na tumalima sa panawagan ng ating pamahalaan na lumisan pansamantala doon. Itinaas na ng ating embahada roon ang Alert Level 4, na nagsasaad ng mandatory repatriation ng ating mga kababayan. Hinihiling natin na tumalima sana ang ating mga kababayan para po sa kapanatagan ng kalooban ng mga pamilya nilang naiwan dito sa ating bansa.

We hope that all communication channels of the embassy there are readily available for Filipinos so that they could immediately get consular assistance should any problems arise as they heed the call of our government to leave Iraq in the meantime. We expect that no Filipino gets left behind in the mandatory evacuation ordered by our government.



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The government's emergency repatriation fund lodged in the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA) amounting to P65 million should be tapped to finance the mandatory evacuation of Filipino workers and migrants in the Middle East as tensions heighten over the killing of a top Iranian military official, according to Senator Joel Villanueva.

Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, said the fund, which was included in the 2020 General Appropriations Act that President Duterte signed earlier this week, would be enough to jumpstart the government's order to Filipino workers to leave Iraq.

"The safety and security of our Filipino compatriots are the top priority of our government. Now that our diplomats and security officials have determined the imminent danger in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, we ask our countrymen to heed the call to return to the country immediately," Villanueva said in a statement.

He urged OFWs to ensure their important documents such as passports and travel documents, and employment contracts, among others, are in safekeeping so that they could readily gather it if the need to evacuate the region arises.

"Isa lang po ang pakiusap natin sa ating mga kababayan sa Middle East. Hiling natin na tumalima sila sa panawagan ng ating pamahalaan sakaling ideklarang hindi na ligtas ang rehiyon para sa mga manggagawa. Kaligtasan at seguridad po ninyo ang pinakamahalaga sa atin, at ayaw po nating mag-alala ang inyong mga pamilya dito sa Pilipinas," Villanueva implored.

"Huwag po tayo umasa sa mga haka-haka o sabi-sabi 'pag dating sa isyu ng seguridad," he added, as he urged Filipinos to scrutinize the information being passed around, especially on social media.

Villanueva also said he was keen to call for a public inquiry to ascertain the government's capacity and preparedness to mobilize thousands of Filipinos in the Middle East.

"We expect our government agencies, mainly the Departments of Labor and Employment, and Foreign Affairs, to present to the Senate Labor committee how they intend to gather our OFWs working in the Middle East and repatriate them should the region become unstable as a result of political developments there," he said.

The senator said he would be filing a resolution on the matter for the Upper Chamber to tackle when session resumes.

About 2.17 million Filipinos, OFWs and migrants, are in the Middle East as of June 2019, according to data from the Department of Labor and Employment.



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Public servants can expect a bigger take-home pay to help them cope with their daily expenses now that the Salary Standardization Law-5 (SSL-5) has been enacted, Senator Sonny Angara said today.

Angara, who defended the SSL-5 bill when it was being debated in plenary, said the biggest increases would apply to employees with salary grades 11 to 13 or the professional level, who will see a 24.1% jump in their compensation in 2020 and to 30.7% in 2023.

The sub-professional levels or employees with salary grades 1 to 10, will see increases of 17.5% in 2019 to 20.5% in 2023.

Angara explained that the SSL-5 will be implemented in four tranches, starting this year and culminating in 2023.

"A total of P33.16 billion was allocated in the P4.1 trillion General Appropriations Act of 2020 to cover for the first tranche of salary increases under the SSL-5. For all four tranches, the total funding requirement will reach P130.45 billion," Angara said.

"This is the fulfillment of the President's promise to increase the salaries of our public servants. It is our hardworking men and women in government who ensure that our children are getting the proper education, infants and mothers in all communities are given the appropriate health services, roads and bridges are constructed; in other words, keeping our government up and running all the time," Angara added.

Under SSL-5, the lowest salary grade level employee, who is receiving P11,068 a month, will enjoy an increase in his compensation to P11,551 in 2020, to P12.034 in 2021, to P12,517 in 2022, and to P13,000 in 2023.

For Salary Grade 11 employees, which includes the entry-level teachers, they will receive an increase from P20,754 a month to P22,316 (2020), P23,877 (2021), P25,439 (2022), and P27,000 (2023).

While the teachers will already enjoy pay hikes under SSL-5, Angara said he will continue to push for further increases in their compensation, "in recognition of the very important role they play in development of our children and nation."

Angara has filed Senate Bill 131 that seeks to increase the minimum wage of public school teachers from the present Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 19.

Under Angara's proposal, the Teacher 1 level educators' salaries will go up from the present P22,316 to P46,791 a month based on SSL-5 levels.

"We hear the pleas of our teachers and understand where they are coming from. Our teachers are among the hardest workers in the bureaucracy and have long been among the lowest paid. We need to do something about this soon," Angara said.

Several bills are being heard in the Senate regarding the proposed salary increases for teachers.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has lauded Vice President Leni Robredo for submitting a list of actionable recommendations to the Duterte administration to improve its campaign against the use and proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

De Lima made the remarks after Robredo presented a 40-page report containing her findings and recommendations to the government as a result of her 18-day stint as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) last year.

In her Dispatch from Camp Crame No. 696 issued last Jan. 7, the lady Senator from Bicol pointed out that Robredo's report showed that the Vice President has a deep understanding of the real situation of the drug menace in the country.

"VP Leni's ICAD Report is a well-researched, data-driven and a completely objective look on the President's War on Drugs. She cited existing government data and based her conclusions on credible authorities," she said.

"Her further statements and responses during the presscon yesterday (Jan. 6) reveal a deep grasp of the real drug situation, including the gaps and shortcomings in the bureaucratic structures and strategies," she added.

Last Jan. 6, Robredo, who served as anti-drug czar before being unceremoniously fired after 18 days, gave the administration a failing score in its ongoing war on drugs that killed thousands of suspected drug offenders, mostly poor.

De Lima, a known critic of the administration's war on drugs, also called out Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo for trying to discredit Robredo and her report despite not having any knowledge of its contents.

"It is hypocritical of Panelo to dismiss VP Leni because she didn't take part in any ground operations during her 18-day stint when not even the President did so in all of his 3 � years in office," she said.

"That is precisely what is wrong with this government: all politics and blusters, no substance," she added.

De Lima, the first lawmaker who initiated a Senate investigation into the human rights abuses under the war on drugs, also pointed out that Robredo's report is proof that the Filipino public suffer in the implementation of the anti-drug campaign.

"Sa sobrang pamumulitika at porma, winalang bahala ang mga datos. Sa pagsantabi sa katotohanan ng War on Drugs, panalo ang mga drug lords, talo ang taumbayan," she said.

"A failure indeed!," the lady Senator stressed.

Since being elected as Senator in 2016, De Lima was firm in her stand against extrajudicial killings allegedly induced and perpetrated by law enforcement authorities in the country, under the guise of a legitimate anti-drug campaign.



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Secretary Guevarra claims that the probable reason why I haven't applied thus far for bail in my drug cases is because the evidence for the prosecution is strong.

That is pure hogwash!

First of all, I would like to thank SOJ Guevarra for exposing himself as one of the many faces of my ongoing persecution. His failure to correct the abuses committed by his predecessor, his continued defense of the railroading and persecution that was perpetrated against me, and his own duplicitous actions and statements regarding the so-called "evidence" they have against me has made it clear that he is an active player in my continuing unjust detention and political persecution.

If only Secretary Guevarra pursued real drug lords with the same vigor as he does the cases against me - lining up no less than 15 "prosecutors" to handle my cases, as opposed to the dismal handling of the cases of Peter Lim and other real big-time drug lords - perhaps he would not only have some credibility as an SOJ.

As it is, the stark and obvious contrast only betrays his real marching orders from his principal - not to put an end to the drug problem, but to use the strong arm of the criminal justice system to maliciously discredit vocal critics of the President like myself so no one is left to stand up for the Filipino people and for the truth. The truth being that illegal drug operations are continuing as "business as usual", our country is slowly being overrun by hostile foreign interests, and corruption is rampant in the bureaucracy.

As to his claim that the evidence against me is "strong", how can a fake charge, a pure invention, have strong evidence? Lies orchestrated from criminal convicts and other so-called "prosecution witnesses" with dubious reputation, are never strong evidence.

Other than that, me and my lawyers cannot further comment on the matter of bail, lest we telegraph our legal moves to the prosecution - which is likely the reason for SOJ Guevarra's public baiting statement.

This is not a question of whether the evidence against me is "strong" or "weak" under the law. When the Strong Arm of the State is being used to rewrite the rules, twist the law, and present ever-evolving testimony from perjured witnesses, while at the same time withholding other evidence, the real question that needs to be asked: what Law or what Constitution are you applying and defending?



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Senator Win Gatchalian has called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to make full use of the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS) Law and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Law to ensure adequate power supply in anticipation of a high demand during the summer season.

Gatchalian, chair of the Committee on Energy and principal author at the Senate, made the call following the warning of the DOE that the country may experience yet another series of rotational brownouts in summer as a result of thinning power supply.

"We championed these two laws during the 17th Congress for the very reason that we want to modernize and streamline the permitting process behind power infrastructure projects in the Philippines", Gatchalian said.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 8, 2019, EVOSS law paved the way for the creation and establishment of an online platform where prospective developers can apply, monitor, and receive all the needed permits and applications, submit all documentary requirements, and even pay for charges and fees.

EVOSS will apply to all new power generation, transmission, or distribution projects in the country and in national and local government units, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs).

Meanwhile, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Law, signed by President Duterte on April 12, 2019, seeks to establish a framework for introducing and institutionalizing fundamental policies on energy efficiency and conservation, including the promotion of efficient and judicious utilization of energy, increased use of energy-efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

"Ngayon pa lamang ay alam na natin na maaring magkaroon ng brownouts pagdating ng Summer. Kaya naman tinatawagan na natin ang pansin ang DOE na maghanda ng mga contingency measures para mabawasan, kung di man maiwasan ang brownout sa darating na summer," he said.

Aside from making use of the two laws, Gatchalian also urges the DOE to discuss outage schedule and reliability of plants to address any grid disturbances or avert future incidence of rotational brownouts in the country.



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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed a new law on Wednesday evening, January 8 which seeks to give civilian government employees, including nurses and teachers in the public sector, their fifth round of salary increases.

The enrolled Senate Bill (SB) No. 1219, also referred to as the Salary Standardization Law 5, was one of the priority bills of Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, in addition to the Malasakit Center Act of 2019 and a bill postponing barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, both of which have also been passed into law.

In previous interviews, Go said that SB 1219 satisfies the President's wish to ensure a complete and holistic approach to salary increase for government employees.

"The President wants nothing less than a complete and holistic approach to the salary increase. Meaning, he wants all government employees to receive an increase," Go said. The Senator filed in his first week of duty as a Senator SB 200 which served as one of the bases of SB 1219.

With the signing of the measure, "the minimum basic salary of a first-level (Salary Grade 1) government employee will now be increased from P11,068 to P13,000 (after all tranches, in 2023) due to the SSL 5," Go explained.

Under the newly signed law, the increase in the salaries will be divided into four tranches, starting 2020 until 2023. A total of P34 billion was allocated in the 2020 national budget for the salary increases for the current year.

He added that "around 1.4 million civilian personnel in the national government" are set to benefit from the law.

Duterte and Go have been staunch supporters of salary increase for government workers, with the President even urging the Congress to pass the new SSL during his State of the Nation Address in 2019.

The President then certified the bill as urgent in December last year, allowing the Senate to proceed to the third and final reading of the bill right after the second reading, bypassing the rule that requires three days to pass between the second and third readings.

"In recognition of their invaluable contributions, our civil servants, the people who dedicate their everyday lives to the service of the Filipino people, must be given an opportunity to pursue a career in the service that would allow them to enjoy competitive wages, enough to address their personal needs and that of their families," Go said in his previous statements.

"Lastly, allow me to thank each and every employee, from the highest posts to the lowest ranks, who has dedicated himself each and every day to the service of the country and the Filipino people," he added.

Go also expressed his gratitude to his colleagues in the Senate and the Lower House of Congress for their support and their efforts in making sure that the measure was passed on time.

"Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga kasamahan ko sa Senado lalo na kay Senate President Tito Sotto III at Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri. Pati rin po kay House Speaker Alan Cayetano at House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez for their support in passing this measure. Sana ay magpatuloy ang magandang performance ng legislative branch ngayong taon," Go said.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go reiterated his stand on Wednesday, January 8, that the government must use proper force to solve the drug problem in the country.

"Hindi po madadala sa sinasabi nilang salita dito. Dapat mong patayin talaga kung kailangan. Takutin mo, patayin mo. Kung hindi mo papatayin 'yung drug lord, wala," Go said in an interview after he attended the opening of the Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance, in Taguig-Pateros District Hospital in Taguig City.

"Mahirap sugpuin ang droga. Mahirap walain totally ang droga dahil sa greed sa pera. Umiikot 'yung pera diyan eh. Nabibili nila 'yung iba diyan," he explained.

He further explained in his statement, saying "Kaklaruhin ko rin na hindi naman polisiya ng administrasyong Duterte na pumatay ng basta basta lamang. Nilalabanan natin ang masasamang loob para protektahan ang mga inosente na nasisira o binabawian ng buhay dahil sa iligal na droga."

Go's comment was in response to Vice President Leni Robredo's recent statement that President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs is a "massive failure." Robredo released a report on the war on drugs on Monday, January 6, based on her eighteen-day stint as the co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

"Alam mo sino 'yung 1%? Si VP Leni 'yung 1%. 'Yung 99%, 'yun ang Pilipinong sumasang-ayon sa pamamalakad ni Pangulong Duterte na labanan ang droga," Go said, referring to Robredo's statement that the score of the war on drugs should be 1 over 100.

"Itanong niyo na lang po sa Pilipino. Maglakad na lang po kayo," Go added, repeating some parts of the official statement that he released on January 6.

In the statement, Go said, "Between one person using her own computation giving a grade of 1% and 79% of Filipinos who said they are satisfied with our campaign, I will choose to believe the latter.

"Sila ang mga ordinaryong mamamayan natin na direktang nakikinabang. Sila kasi ang nagsasabing mas ligtas sila ngayon kaysa noong panahon ng nagdaang administrasyon. At sila ang nagsasabi na ituloy dapat at mas palakasin pa ang laban para maitigil ang iligal na droga sa bansa."

During the interview, Go was also asked to comment on the statement of Quezon City Representative Jose Christopher "Kit" Belmonte's that the drug war "can't be solved with relentless killings."

"Para sa amin, takutin mo talaga 'yan. Patayin mo. Kanya-kanya naman tayo ng opinyon dito. Sa totoo lang, di mo matatapos 'yung droga sa pamamagitan ng salita lang," the Senator answered.

In a statement released to media, Go also added "Para sa mga kritiko, sana kaysa puro satsat lang, alamin ninyo ang tunay na sitwasyon sa baba at intindihin ninyo why majority of Filipinos feel safer now with the continuing war against illegal drugs."

"Subukan ninyong bumaba sa mga komunidad. Kayo ang humarap sa mga adik at drug lord. Subukan ninyong kausapin ng maayos at tingnan natin kung kaya ninyong pumatay o mamatay para sa ipinaglalaban ninyo. Harapin rin ninyo ang mga kawawang mga pamilya na nawasak dahil nalulong sa droga o naging biktima ng karahasan ang mga kapamilya dahil sa mga sira ulong lulong sa droga. Kaya ninyo tanungin sarili ninyo, kung paano ninyo mareresolba ang problema ng hindi handang pumatay para sa kabutihan ng nakararami.

"Alalahanin rin ninyo na iyan ang pinagdadaanan araw-araw ng ating mga kapulisan na sinasakripisyo ang buhay nila upang labanan ang iligal na droga at protektahan ang mga inosente. Ito ang totoong sitwasyon at hinaing ng masang Pilipino na hindi nasusukat ng datos na pinagbabatayan ng kritisismo ninyo. Ito ang lakas-loob na hinaharap ng Duterte Administration para lang mabigyan ng mas ligtas na kinabukasan ang ating mga anak," Go further asserted in his statement.

He also emphasized that the government has rehabilitation centers for those who wish to rehabilitate themselves. "May mga rehab centers naman tayo para sa mga gustong magbagong buhay. Libre ang mga ito," he said.

"Malalayo 'yung rehab centers natin kasi dapat i-isolate itong mga adik na to, mapalayo sila sa mga kaibigan nila, sa mga source ng droga," he added. He mentioned that the government has eighteen rehabilitation centers in different parts of the country, including Cebu, Bukidnon, Nueva Ecija, Batangas and Las Piñas City.

Last July 2018, Senator Go filed Senate Bill 399 that seeks to establish drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in every province in the country. It seeks to augment the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs by adopting a two-pronged approached---subduing the criminals responsible for drug-related crimes while providing care and attention for the rehabilitation and recovery of drug dependents.

The centers shall provide care, treatment and accommodation to drug dependents; enhance drug dependents' physical, psychological and social capability to cope up with common problems; facilitate and encourage dissemination of ideas and information on prevention, care, treatment and control of drug addiction; provide after-care, follow-up and social reintegration services; encourage the formation of organizations composed of parents, guardians and immediate relatives of drug dependents to arouse their awareness and enhance their participation in the rehabilitation; undertake continuous training of physicians, nurses, health officers and social workers; and conduct counseling sessions and interdenominational services.

"Kailangang magkaroon ng isang drug rehabilitation center ang bawat probinsya sa buong bansa. Ang mga centers na ito ang tutulong sa mga drug dependents upang magamot ang kanilang adiksyon at matulungan silang mamuhay ng normal muli sa piling na kanilang mga pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay," Go earlier explained after he filed his bill.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go reiterated his stand on Wednesday, January 8, that the government must use proper force to solve the drug problem in the country.

"Hindi po madadala sa sinasabi nilang salita dito. Dapat mong patayin talaga kung kailangan. Takutin mo, patayin mo. Kung hindi mo papatayin 'yung drug lord, wala," Go said in an interview after he attended the opening of the Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance, in Taguig-Pateros District Hospital in Taguig City.

"Mahirap sugpuin ang droga. Mahirap walain totally ang droga dahil sa greed sa pera. Umiikot 'yung pera diyan eh. Nabibili nila 'yung iba diyan," he explained.

He further explained in his statement, saying "Kaklaruhin ko rin na hindi naman polisiya ng administrasyong Duterte na pumatay ng basta basta lamang. Nilalabanan natin ang masasamang loob para protektahan ang mga inosente na nasisira o binabawian ng buhay dahil sa iligal na droga."

Go's comment was in response to Vice President Leni Robredo's recent statement that President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs is a "massive failure." Robredo released a report on the war on drugs on Monday, January 6, based on her eighteen-day stint as the co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

"Alam mo sino 'yung 1%? Si VP Leni 'yung 1%. 'Yung 99%, 'yun ang Pilipinong sumasang-ayon sa pamamalakad ni Pangulong Duterte na labanan ang droga," Go said, referring to Robredo's statement that the score of the war on drugs should be 1 over 100.

"Itanong niyo na lang po sa Pilipino. Maglakad na lang po kayo," Go added, repeating some parts of the official statement that he released on January 6.

In the statement, Go said, "Between one person using her own computation giving a grade of 1% and 79% of Filipinos who said they are satisfied with our campaign, I will choose to believe the latter.

"Sila ang mga ordinaryong mamamayan natin na direktang nakikinabang. Sila kasi ang nagsasabing mas ligtas sila ngayon kaysa noong panahon ng nagdaang administrasyon. At sila ang nagsasabi na ituloy dapat at mas palakasin pa ang laban para maitigil ang iligal na droga sa bansa."

During the interview, Go was also asked to comment on the statement of Quezon City Representative Jose Christopher "Kit" Belmonte's that the drug war "can't be solved with relentless killings."

"Para sa amin, takutin mo talaga 'yan. Patayin mo. Kanya-kanya naman tayo ng opinyon dito. Sa totoo lang, di mo matatapos 'yung droga sa pamamagitan ng salita lang," the Senator answered.

In a statement released to media, Go also added "Para sa mga kritiko, sana kaysa puro satsat lang, alamin ninyo ang tunay na sitwasyon sa baba at intindihin ninyo why majority of Filipinos feel safer now with the continuing war against illegal drugs."

"Subukan ninyong bumaba sa mga komunidad. Kayo ang humarap sa mga adik at drug lord. Subukan ninyong kausapin ng maayos at tingnan natin kung kaya ninyong pumatay o mamatay para sa ipinaglalaban ninyo. Harapin rin ninyo ang mga kawawang mga pamilya na nawasak dahil nalulong sa droga o naging biktima ng karahasan ang mga kapamilya dahil sa mga sira ulong lulong sa droga. Kaya ninyo tanungin sarili ninyo, kung paano ninyo mareresolba ang problema ng hindi handang pumatay para sa kabutihan ng nakararami.

"Alalahanin rin ninyo na iyan ang pinagdadaanan araw-araw ng ating mga kapulisan na sinasakripisyo ang buhay nila upang labanan ang iligal na droga at protektahan ang mga inosente. Ito ang totoong sitwasyon at hinaing ng masang Pilipino na hindi nasusukat ng datos na pinagbabatayan ng kritisismo ninyo. Ito ang lakas-loob na hinaharap ng Duterte Administration para lang mabigyan ng mas ligtas na kinabukasan ang ating mga anak," Go further asserted in his statement.

He also emphasized that the government has rehabilitation centers for those who wish to rehabilitate themselves. "May mga rehab centers naman tayo para sa mga gustong magbagong buhay. Libre ang mga ito," he said.

"Malalayo 'yung rehab centers natin kasi dapat i-isolate itong mga adik na to, mapalayo sila sa mga kaibigan nila, sa mga source ng droga," he added. He mentioned that the government has eighteen rehabilitation centers in different parts of the country, including Cebu, Bukidnon, Nueva Ecija, Batangas and Las Piñas City.

Last July 2018, Senator Go filed Senate Bill 399 that seeks to establish drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in every province in the country. It seeks to augment the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs by adopting a two-pronged approached---subduing the criminals responsible for drug-related crimes while providing care and attention for the rehabilitation and recovery of drug dependents.

The centers shall provide care, treatment and accommodation to drug dependents; enhance drug dependents' physical, psychological and social capability to cope up with common problems; facilitate and encourage dissemination of ideas and information on prevention, care, treatment and control of drug addiction; provide after-care, follow-up and social reintegration services; encourage the formation of organizations composed of parents, guardians and immediate relatives of drug dependents to arouse their awareness and enhance their participation in the rehabilitation; undertake continuous training of physicians, nurses, health officers and social workers; and conduct counseling sessions and interdenominational services.

"Kailangang magkaroon ng isang drug rehabilitation center ang bawat probinsya sa buong bansa. Ang mga centers na ito ang tutulong sa mga drug dependents upang magamot ang kanilang adiksyon at matulungan silang mamuhay ng normal muli sa piling na kanilang mga pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay," Go earlier explained after he filed his bill.



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Determined to show a fighter's resolve to the political persecution that she is facing almost every day, Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has admitted that her strong stance makes her present predicament more perilous and risky.

In her last Sunday's reflections, De Lima, said her decision to continue standing up against her persecutors and detractors and speaking out against human rights abuses makes her situation more dangerous and more vulnerable to attacks.

"As someone has postulated, to dare greatly is to be vulnerable," De Lima wrote in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 695.

"Yes, I live in the space of vulnerability. I allow myself to be vulnerable to vile attacks and relentless demonization and persecution because I dare my oppressors greatly. I take risks and brassily put myself on the line of fire," she added.

De Lima, however, stressed that she refuses to be cowed by her critics because of her firm belief in her innocence and in the causes that she is fighting for, notably for human rights, rule of law and democracy.

"(It is) perilous yet liberating. And I don't mind being vulnerable because of my absolute confidence in my innocence and the merit of my causes," the lady Senator from Bicol said.

"There's no turning back for me. I'm going to stand in faith even if I have to stand my whole lifetime," she added.

Despite being detained for almost three years now due to politically motivated and trumped-up charges based on perjured testimonies of convict-witnesses, De Lima has continued to speak out against Duterte's corrupt and brutal policies.

As of this writing, the lady Senator has handwritten 696 Dispatches from Crame, or short statements covering a spectrum of topics, ranging from national issues and the current political climate to personal reflections and observations.

Even though deprived of work-related tools and gadgets in detention, De Lima has continued to exercise her mandate by authoring 145 bills and 163 resolutions during the 17th Congress and 55 bills and 27 resolutions, so far, in the current 18th Congress.



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Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the US Senate's approval of Res. No. 142 which, among others, calls for the imposition of the Global Magnitsky Sanctions on EJK perpetrators, and her persecutors

The approval, in unanimous consent, of US Senate Resolution 142 is a watershed in the history of keeping democracy and human rights accountability in the country and the role the US play in ensuring it.

The case against me, apart from being fake and invented, has no internal legal consistency or integrity altogether and has been fueled by tyrannical powers and alignment of greed and political opportunism in the Philippine politics. That is clear since day 1.

I sincerely thank the granite resolve of Senators Durbin, Markey, Rubio, Blackburn, Coons, Leahy and Cardin, and the rest of the US Senate for standing strong and firm for the larger truths behind my persecution.



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This is Part 2 of what I wrote yesterday.

Sec. Guevarra, thank you for pointing out that I moved for the dismissal of the cases against me. But what you forgot to mention is that after I was put under trial by publicity in the House of Representatives, with then Sec. Aguirre taking a starring role of persecutor, my defense was railroaded during the so-called "preliminary investigation" that the DOJ conducted.

Very early on we questioned both the partiality and jurisdiction of the DOJ, saying the charges should be investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman, not just because this is a case that should be tried by the Sandiganbayan, but that the institution had already prejudged my case considering that it was the SOJ himself who was presenting so-called witness after witness in the congressional inquiry.

Despite motions seeking that these threshold issues be resolved first (because I was not prepared to waive these objections by filing my counter-affidavit), the Panel of Prosecutors kept on putting off ruling on our Omnibus Motion. Until it finally denied said Omnibus Motion, "along with the merit of the case", meaning, I had no opportunity to respond to the charges against me.

What SOJ Guevarra also failed to point out is that, although nine (9) of the 15 Supreme Court justices dismissed my petition, in truth I won in the Supreme Court because the differences in opinion of those 9 justices, in fact, proved my point that the Information is void for being insufficient to inform me of the charges against me. That SOJ Guevarra avoids going into the devil of the details is telling, because if one looks at the tally:

� Only five (5) Justices (Velasco, Bersamin, Martires, Reyes, and Gesmundo) voted together to hold me in continued pre-trial detention for Illegal Drug Trading.

� Three (3) Justices (De Castro, Tijam, and Peralta) categorically stated that the offense charged is Conspiracy to Commit Drug Trading.

� One other justice - Del Castillo - was ambiguous in his position. In one part of his separate concurring opinion, he states that the crime charged is "conspiring to engage in trading of illegal drugs," but in another part, he declares that the offense was "trading and trafficking of illegal drugs in conspiracy with her co-accused."

Given such clear lack of consensus among the 9 justices on the nature of the charge against me - which proves the very point of my petition! - due process dictates that the Court ought to have ordered my immediate release.

In fact, even the DOJ under SOJ Guevarra acknowledged that there was something wrong with the charges against me, when they moved to "amend" the information against me by - lo and behold! - changing the nature of the offense. I was no longer being charged with Illegal Drug Trading, but now mere "conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading", with the convenient effect that the Prosecution only needs to present witnesses who would confess to have conspired with me.

And yet, these self-confessed drug traffickers turned witnesses are not being charged along with me. In a further duplicitous act, SOJ Guevarra says one thing: that they are not state witnesses that have been granted immunity in exchange for their testimony against me; yet he does another: he has not charged them as co-accused. Because these witnesses are all they have against me.

The DOJ has taken the unbelievable move of objecting to our subpoena to produce the alleged bank accounts they themselves cited in court.

This brings me to another fact: there is still no AMLC report proving the preposterous claim that I received hundreds of millions of pesos from the drug trade. As of the end of 2019, the Prosecution was still seeking for more time to produce it. In other words, more than 3 years since SOJ Aguirre claimed that they have proof, the AMLC report is still not ready. Now, we will have to wait and see and whether anyone in the AMLC will come forward and sign a false report, if at all.

I have questioned so many abuses of due process in my case. Some have been completely ignored and unacted upon altogether; others have been dismissed unceremoniously. Time and again, with every step, rules are being re-written and the law being twisted. Even an issue of basic math in the counting of Supreme Court votes has evolved, but ignored.

See, there is strong evidence, not of my guilt, but of my wrongful prosecution and imprisonment, or my persecution.



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Amid tensions in the Middle East, Senator Win Gatchalian has urged the government to help turn displaced and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) into local "entrepinoys" by extending to them entrepreneurial programs.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show there are around 1.26 million Filipinos who are in the Middle East and may be affected in the event that the conflict between the United States and Iran spills over the entire region. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that there are 1,190 documented and 450 undocumented Filipino workers in Iraq. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said that there are approximately 1,300 Filipinos in Iran.

Gatchalian said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and OWWA should encourage and assist repatriated Filipinos to set up their own micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through OWWA's OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP). The said program entitles active and non-active OWWA members to avail a minimum of ?100,000 up to a maximum of ?2 million worth of loans.

Gatchalian also took note of the 'Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay Program' under OWWA's Reintegration Program which provides immediate relief to active or non-active members who were displaced from their jobs due to war and political conflicts in host countries.

"Instead of focusing only on where to send our displaced OFWs, we should also give them an alternative to overseas employment, one of which is helping them become entrepreneurs in their own country," Gatchalian said.

"When we help our OFWs start their own businesses, we are not only helping them get a good and decent livelihood in their own country, they can also provide job opportunities for other Filipinos as well," he added.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima expressed hope that more local government units (LGUs) will take bolder steps this year in imposing a ban on single-use plastics in their respective jurisdictions.

De Lima made the call as she lauded the cities of Muntinlupa, Pasig, Makati, Las Piñas, Pasay, Quezon and recently, Parañaque which have now banned, or at least, have restricted the sale and use of single-use plastics in their respective localities.

"Natutuwa nga po tayo sa balita na parami nang parami ang mga LGUs na iminumulat ang kanilang nasasakupan sa masamang epekto ng paggamit ng single-use plastics," she said.

"Hangad po natin na magtuloy-tuloy ang paglalatag ng mga mekanismo sa bawat lungsod upang protektahan ang kalikasan mula sa pagkasira at mailayo sa sakunang maaaring idulot nito gaya ng malawakang pagbaha tuwing tag-ulan," she added.

Last Jan. 7, Parañaque City announced that it is banning the sale and provision of single-use plastics, including styrofoam, through its City Ordinance 18-40, which would take effect this June.

De Lima also encouraged other Metro Manila cities, especially those in coastal areas, to take cue from their neighboring towns that chose to take a strong stance to protect their environment versus profit or convenience.

Quezon City also welcomed 2020 by banning single-use plastics, including plastic bags in all of the city's business establishments. They are looking at banning paper bags as well, in two years to lessen wastage.

"Nananawagan po tayo sa iba pang lungsod sa Kalakhang Maynila na tularan din ang kanilang mga karatig-bayan sa pagtatakda ng maigting na polisiya para pangalagaan ang kapaligiran; na sa halip na paboran ang mga kalakaran na maaaring magpalaki ng kita, mas pinipili nilang iwasan ang pagkasira ng kalikasan," De Lima said.

"We hope that the chief executives of these local government units along coastal areas would also realize that environmental rights are human rights and that taking care of our ecosystems are our shared responsibility," she added.

De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, has repeatedly encouraged the public to join the global fight against worsening plastic pollution by pushing for the ban of single-use plastics in the country.

Last November, De Lima welcomed the Duterte administration's pronouncement to ban single-use plastics in the entire country to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change and address the worsening nationwide garbage problem.



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Senator Win Gatchalian said that establishing Special Education (SPED) Centers in all public school divisions will help address a think tank study's call on the government, especially the Department of Education (DepEd), to make quality education accessible to children and youth with disabilities or special needs.

According to a Philippine Institute for Development Studies discussion paper presented at a research forum on inclusive education, "accessibility to basic facilities, infrastructures and transportation remains a major challenge to persons with disabilities." One out of seven or 5.1 million Filipino children are living with disabilities, estimates from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) show.

Around 84 percent of municipalities in the Philippines do not have SPED centers according to the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Program, a joint undertaking on quality education by the governments of the Philippines and Australia. Records from the DepEd show that there are currently 648 regular schools and SPED Centers nationwide. Out of the 648,471 are for elementary and 177 for high school.

"Ang abot-kaya at dekalidad na edukasyon ang isa sa mga nagbibigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa ating mga kabataang may kapansanan. Sa panukala nating magpatayo ng mga SPED centers sa mga lugar na nangangailangan nito, maibibigay natin sa mga kabataang may kapansanan ang uri at kalidad ng edukasyon na angkop sa kanilang mga pangangailangan," Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian proposed the establishment of SPED or Inclusive Education Learning Resource Centers in Senate Bill 171 or the Inclusive Education for Children and Youth with Special Needs Act. The proposed measure also seeks to provide trainings on disability awareness and inclusive education for stakeholders involved in the care and instruction of learners with special needs. These include regular teachers, administrators, non-teaching personnel, and parents.

"Maliban sa pagkakaroon ng programa para sa mga kabataang may kapansanan, mahalaga ring masiguro na may sapat na kagamitan ang bawat SPED center at ang mga taong nagpapatupad ng programang ito ay dapat may sapat na kakayahan," Gatchalian added.



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Amid cases piling up and dockets getting clogged, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go recently filed a bill that would provide for the creation of additional divisions of the Court of Appeals and appointment of additional justices to help the Judiciary in providing a more reliable, unbiased and swift delivery of justice in the country.

Amending the Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, the bill states that from the current sixty-nine Court of Appeals justices, an additional nine more magistrates will be appointed by the President. This proposal totals to seventy eight justices.

"There is hereby created a Court of Appeals which shall consist of a Presiding Justice and seventy-seven (77) Associate Justices who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines," according to Senate Bill 1253 or the "Act Creating Additional Divisions in the Court of Appeals, Increasing the Number of Court of Appeals Justices from Sixty-Nine (69) to Seventy-Eight (78), Amending for the Purpose Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes."

In his explanatory note, Go said that in order to enforce and protect fundamental rights, "a strong and efficient Judiciary is essential." The senator also mentioned that the Judiciary must be steadfast in fulfilling its role in administering justice.

Yet with the current situation the Court of Appeals is facing, such as delays in decisions and resolution of cases because of clogged dockets caused by a great number of cases being handled by current number of justices, the appellate court is in need of restructuring.

Go said that this current dilemma of the Court of Appeals jeopardizes the fulfillment of the court's mandate resulting to fixing the problem internally instead of addressing it through a legislative act.

"These problems cause inevitable delays in deciding and resolving cases, diluting the public's confidence and trust in the country's justice system. In this regard, the Court of Appeals, as the country's foremost appellate court, has been instituting internal measures to alleviate the problem," the senator emphasized.

"The Legislative must not leave it to the Judiciary to fix the problem, as it takes an inter-departmental effort to properly address it. These additional members and divisions will enable the Court of Appeals to handle its case load in a more efficient manner," Go said in the note.

The filing of the bill comes after the senator lamented the snail-paced judicial system in the country on which he aired in an interview last month after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court handed down the ruling on the decade-old Maguindanao massacre.

In past interviews, the senator expressed that the Maguindanao massacre case took 10 long years before victims were given justice after finding Andal Ampatuan Jr. and together with several of his relatives and primary suspects, guilty of multiple accounts of murder, and were sentenced to reclusion perpetua without parole.

"Finally, after ten long years, nabigyan na ng hustisya, hindi lamang ang pamilya Mangudadatu kundi ang pamilya ng mga media at bystanders na nadamay sa krimen. Gayunpaman, ako'y nalulungkot sa napakatagal na justice system sa ating bansa. Bakit kailangang umabot ng sampung taon para bigyan ng hustisya kung kaya naman na dalawang taon," Go said adding that in crimes like these, justice must be given immediately.

The senator also said in previous statements that because of the slow justice system in the country, Filipinos are left with no choice but to seek help from the President.

"Hindi ko masisisi ang mga Pilipino na tumatakbo sa Pangulo para humingi ng hustisya. Dahil minsan ay nawawalan sila ng pag-asa sa napakabagal na justice system natin sa bansa," Go said.

With the proposed measure, the bill seeks to add three more divisions of the Court of Appeals, each with three members. The bill also listed down the proposed permanent stations of the courts.

The first seventeen divisions will be stationed in Manila for cases coming from the Third to the Fifth Judicial Regions, while the next three divisions will be stationed in Cebu for cases coming from the Sixth to Eighth Judicial Regions.

Divisions Twenty-First to Twenty-Third will be posted in Cagayan de Oro City for cases coming from the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Regions, and the Twenty-Fourth Division will be in Vigan City which will deal cases from the First and Second Judicial Regions.

Lastly, the Twenty-Fifth and Twenty-Sixth Divisions will be positioned in Davao City for cases coming from the Eleventh and Twelfth Judicial Regions.

In addition to these proposed provisions, the bill also states that the Court of Appeals must hold continuous trials and hearings and, "must be completed within three (3) months unless extended by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court."

The senator hopes for a faster and more efficient judiciary system in the country. With the filed bill, he looks forward to many cases being resolved promptly and that justice will be served especially to the Filipinos who seek it the most.



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Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid wants to ensure the sustainable rehabilitation and maintenance of all the government-funded sports facilities, particularly those that were built and refurbished for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, saying the people's money must not be put to waste.

According to the senator, these facilities must not end up as "white elephants" or big budget infrastructure projects that turned out to be sparingly used or of no use at all, with maintenance costs eating up more than whatever income they generate.

"Dapat natin siguruhin na hindi masasayang ang pera ng bayan na inilaan natin para itayo at ayusin ang mga pasilidad na ito para sa ating mga sports competitions, at lalung-lalo na para sa ating mga atleta," Lapid said.

Lapid highlighted that the government has the responsibility to guarantee that the different facilities and venues constructed, renovated and repaired for the SEA Games are properly and sustainably maintained.

A month after the recently concluded biennial regional multi-sport event, Lapid is proposing under Senate Bill No. 1246, for the government to institutionalize the creation of sustainability plans for all future and existing government-funded sports facilities, venues and other sports-related infrastructure.

As the host country of the 30th SEA Games, the Philippines allotted P6 billion for hosting expenses alone.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) gave a financial boost to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) amounting to P842.5 million for the renovation of facilities for SEA Games, including the 85 year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Multi-Purpose Arena at the Philsports Complex, and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Lapid, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, reiterated that the "stagnation and degradation of these sports facilities must be avoided at all costs" and that Congress must do its part in looking after the nation's investment in building these infrastructures. All government-funded sports facilities, venues and other sports-related infrastructure, including but not limited to, stadiums, coliseums, arenas, sports centers/complexes, running tracks, courts, swimming pools, convention centers, media centers and athletes' villages are included within the scope of the proposed measure.

Furthermore, the bill suggests that the contents of the sustainability plans shall include, but are not limited to, the following; (1) plans on future hosting and uses of the sports facility after the termination of the event for which the same was constructed; (2) regular maintenance, up-keep, repair and/or renovation; (3) income-generating activities sufficient to cover the maintenance, up-keep, repair and/or renovation of the sports facility; (4) installation of energy-saving and water-saving systems or devices; (5) water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, use of grey water, etc.; (6) waste management, recycling and/or composting facilities; (7) use of renewable energy such as wind power and solar power; among others.



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Amid cases piling up and dockets getting clogged, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go recently filed a bill that would provide for the creation of additional divisions of the Court of Appeals and appointment of additional justices to help the Judiciary in providing a more reliable, unbiased and swift delivery of justice in the country.

Amending the Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, the bill states that from the current sixty-nine Court of Appeals justices, an additional nine more magistrates will be appointed by the President. This proposal totals to seventy eight justices.

"There is hereby created a Court of Appeals which shall consist of a Presiding Justice and seventy-seven (77) Associate Justices who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines," according to Senate Bill 1253 or the "Act Creating Additional Divisions in the Court of Appeals, Increasing the Number of Court of Appeals Justices from Sixty-Nine (69) to Seventy-Eight (78), Amending for the Purpose Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes."

In his explanatory note, Go said that in order to enforce and protect fundamental rights, "a strong and efficient Judiciary is essential." The senator also mentioned that the Judiciary must be steadfast in fulfilling its role in administering justice.

Yet with the current situation the Court of Appeals is facing, such as delays in decisions and resolution of cases because of clogged dockets caused by a great number of cases being handled by current number of justices, the appellate court is in need of restructuring.

Go said that this current dilemma of the Court of Appeals jeopardizes the fulfillment of the court's mandate resulting to fixing the problem internally instead of addressing it through a legislative act.

"These problems cause inevitable delays in deciding and resolving cases, diluting the public's confidence and trust in the country's justice system. In this regard, the Court of Appeals, as the country's foremost appellate court, has been instituting internal measures to alleviate the problem," the senator emphasized.

"The Legislative must not leave it to the Judiciary to fix the problem, as it takes an inter-departmental effort to properly address it. These additional members and divisions will enable the Court of Appeals to handle its case load in a more efficient manner," Go said in the note.

The filing of the bill comes after the senator lamented the snail-paced judicial system in the country on which he aired in an interview last month after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court handed down the ruling on the decade-old Maguindanao massacre.

In past interviews, the senator expressed that the Maguindanao massacre case took 10 long years before victims were given justice after finding Andal Ampatuan Jr. and together with several of his relatives and primary suspects, guilty of multiple accounts of murder, and were sentenced to reclusion perpetua without parole.

"Finally, after ten long years, nabigyan na ng hustisya, hindi lamang ang pamilya Mangudadatu kundi ang pamilya ng mga media at bystanders na nadamay sa krimen. Gayunpaman, ako'y nalulungkot sa napakatagal na justice system sa ating bansa. Bakit kailangang umabot ng sampung taon para bigyan ng hustisya kung kaya naman na dalawang taon," Go said adding that in crimes like these, justice must be given immediately.

The senator also said in previous statements that because of the slow justice system in the country, Filipinos are left with no choice but to seek help from the President.

"Hindi ko masisisi ang mga Pilipino na tumatakbo sa Pangulo para humingi ng hustisya. Dahil minsan ay nawawalan sila ng pag-asa sa napakabagal na justice system natin sa bansa," Go said.

With the proposed measure, the bill seeks to add three more divisions of the Court of Appeals, each with three members. The bill also listed down the proposed permanent stations of the courts.

The first seventeen divisions will be stationed in Manila for cases coming from the Third to the Fifth Judicial Regions, while the next three divisions will be stationed in Cebu for cases coming from the Sixth to Eighth Judicial Regions.

Divisions Twenty-First to Twenty-Third will be posted in Cagayan de Oro City for cases coming from the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Regions, and the Twenty-Fourth Division will be in Vigan City which will deal cases from the First and Second Judicial Regions.

Lastly, the Twenty-Fifth and Twenty-Sixth Divisions will be positioned in Davao City for cases coming from the Eleventh and Twelfth Judicial Regions.

In addition to these proposed provisions, the bill also states that the Court of Appeals must hold continuous trials and hearings and, "must be completed within three (3) months unless extended by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court."

The senator hopes for a faster and more efficient judiciary system in the country. With the filed bill, he looks forward to many cases being resolved promptly and that justice will be served especially to the Filipinos who seek it the most.



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At the start of the planting season this year, Senator Francis "Kiko" Panglinan issued a strong appeal implement the Sagip Saka Law quickly and efficiently to aid farmers adversely affected by the Rice Tariffication Law.

Pangilinan made the call as two major farmers' groups predicted a decline in the willingness of the country's farmers to plant palay due to the continuous plunge of palay prices in the market as a result of the influx of imported rice. Adding to this are the usual woes the farmers face such as irrigation and subsidy, and the worsening effects of the climate crisis.

With less farmers planting, the Alyansa Agrikultura and the Federation of Free Farmers warned of less production of the staple.

"There is no doubt that the Rice Tariffication Act has something to do with this. Government's own data and the scenes at the farm lands are staring us in the face that this law has wrought havoc on the farmers' lives and the economy," said Pangilinan, who had pressed for an unconditional cash compensation to farmers affected by the new rice regime.

"A faster and effective implementation of Republic Act 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act will bring direct benefits to farmers and fisherfolk, and encourage them to continue feeding us," he added.

The law institutionalizes a Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program intended to help make a decent living out of agriculture and fisheries.

The program will provide assistance like agricultural extension services; skills development; provision of production inputs, equipment, and facilities; and infrastructure for production and post-production activities.

It is also geared toward improving farmers' and fisherfolk's access to credit grants, crop insurance, and new technologies. Another form of assistance is helping their trade grow by improving their access to markets.

The implementing rules and regulations of the law was signed in October 2019.

"The signing of the law was a victory for our farmers and fisherfolk. It's time that they feel its tangible results," Pangilinan said.



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In order to expedite the development of the Pasig River ferry system as an alternative mode of transport for Metro Manila commuters, funding has been provided in the 2020 General Appropriations Act for this purpose under the budget of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Senate Committee on Finance chairman Senator Sonny Angara said the P176 million budget lodged with the MMDA is intended to make the Pasig River ferry system more viable as a mode of transport especially with traffic congestion in the roads of Metro Manila seemingly getting worse by the day.

The budget will be used for the purchase of four 50-seater air-conditioned ferry boats that will supplement the current fleet being operated by the MMDA.

There are presently nine passenger boats in the inventory of the MMDA, but only two of these are operating daily.

"There seems to be no end in sight for traffic in Metro Manila. We were given a brief respite after Christmas Day last year but now traffic is back with a vengeance. Motorists and commuters alike have to suffer being stuck in traffic for one to four hours or more, depending on where you are from and where you are going to," Angara said.

"The skyway systems that aim to ease traffic along the major thoroughfares such as EDSA are still under construction but this doesn't mean that we can do nothing to help our commuters. We have to look for solutions and the Pasig River ferry could help," Angara added.

Apart from the purchase of more ferry boats, the funds will also be used by the MMDA to improve the ferry station accessibility and intermodal transfers.

Angara said that purchasing new boats is not enough because the commuting public must be provided with easy access to the ferry stations if they are to be enticed to use this mode of transport.

"Dapat pag baba nila ng bus o jeep mula sa kanilang pinanggalingan ay may masasakyan o malalakaran sila na maayos papunta sa ferry stations," Angara said.

There are 14 ferry stations along the Pasig River but only 11 of these are operational. The present system can transport passengers from Pasig-Mandaluyong-Makati-Manila.

The budget will also be used for the preventive maintenance of the boat fleet and for the procurement of information and communication equipment and service vehicle.

"We still have a long way to go before the revitalized ferry system that is being envisioned becomes a reality, but this is a good start. We owe it to the public to continuously provide them with solutions to problems such as traffic congestion," Angara said.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has dared Mr. Duterte to follow through his recent pronouncement of accepting Rohingya Muslims who are facing grave situations in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, despite his contradicting statements in the past.

De Lima, who once chaired the Commission on Human Rights, said Duterte should redeem himself from his previous policies regarding the welfare of the Rohingya Muslims, which contradict his most recent pronouncement in Cotabato City last month.

"Kung talagang may malasakit si Ginoong Duterte sa mga Rohingya refugees, totohanin nya ang sinabi niyang pagkupkop at pagtulong sa kanila. Hindi salita at pangako kundi ang agarang pagkupkop sa kanila ang dapat katuparan," she said.

"If not, these statements will just be another empty rhetoric which cannot redeem him and his administration from past policy decisions detrimental to the Rohingyas, including the tragic 'No' vote of the Philippines against a UN resolution condemning human rights violations against them," she added.

During its 42nd regular session in Switzerland last Sept. 26, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution supporting justice and accountability for Rohingya Muslims and other minorities who have fled Myanmar's Rakhine State to escape atrocities committed by state security forces.

Of the 46 member states that voted, only Philippines and China rejected the UNHRC resolution with 37 countries voting in favor and seven others abstaining. It was the third time that the Duterte administration rejected a UN measure on the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.

"His only concern then is not to offend his friends in Beijing, which, not surprisingly, is also facing ethnic cleansing allegations against their Muslim minorities," the former justice secretary pointed out.

"Huwag nating paasahin ang mga lubos na nangangailangan at pagkatapos ay kabaligtaran ang gagawin natin. Hindi biro ang kanilang pinagdaanan at pagdurusa, kaya mas kailangan nila ang tulong sa lalong madaling panahon," she added.

Last October, De Lima filed Senate Resolution No. 158 urging the Philippine government to reconsider its position opposing the UNHRC resolution. As of this writing, the resolution has been languishing at the committee level.

When she was then justice secretary, De Lima proposed that the Philippines, along with fellow ASEAN member-states, should send rescue ships to help the Rohingya Muslims or "boat people" still stranded in the seas, and save their lives.

Since 2017, almost 800,000 people of Myanmar's Muslim minority had fled to neighboring Bangladesh from the Rakhine State to escape brutal persecution instigated by Myanmar military forces.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima expressed hope that more local government units (LGUs) will take bolder steps this year in imposing a ban on single-use plastics in their respective jurisdictions.

De Lima made the call as she lauded the cities of Muntinlupa, Pasig, Makati, Las Piñas, Pasay, Quezon and recently, Parañaque which have now banned, or at least, have restricted the sale and use of single-use plastics in their respective localities.

"Natutuwa nga po tayo sa balita na parami nang parami ang mga LGUs na iminumulat ang kanilang nasasakupan sa masamang epekto ng paggamit ng single-use plastics," she said.

"Hangad po natin na magtuloy-tuloy ang paglalatag ng mga mekanismo sa bawat lungsod upang protektahan ang kalikasan mula sa pagkasira at mailayo sa sakunang maaaring idulot nito gaya ng malawakang pagbaha tuwing tag-ulan," she added.

Last Jan. 7, Parañaque City announced that it is banning the sale and provision of single-use plastics, including styrofoam, through its City Ordinance 18-40, which would take effect this June.

De Lima also encouraged other Metro Manila cities, especially those in coastal areas, to take cue from their neighboring towns that chose to take a strong stance to protect their environment versus profit or convenience.

Quezon City also welcomed 2020 by banning single-use plastics, including plastic bags in all of the city's business establishments. They are looking at banning paper bags as well, in two years to lessen wastage.

"Nananawagan po tayo sa iba pang lungsod sa Kalakhang Maynila na tularan din ang kanilang mga karatig-bayan sa pagtatakda ng maigting na polisiya para pangalagaan ang kapaligiran; na sa halip na paboran ang mga kalakaran na maaaring magpalaki ng kita, mas pinipili nilang iwasan ang pagkasira ng kalikasan," De Lima said.

"We hope that the chief executives of these local government units along coastal areas would also realize that environmental rights are human rights and that taking care of our ecosystems are our shared responsibility," she added.

De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, has repeatedly encouraged the public to join the global fight against worsening plastic pollution by pushing for the ban of single-use plastics in the country.

Last November, De Lima welcomed the Duterte administration's pronouncement to ban single-use plastics in the entire country to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change and address the worsening nationwide garbage problem.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima expressed gratitude to the US Senate for the passage of a bipartisan resolution calling for her immediate release from wrongful imprisonment and invoking Global Magnitsky sanctions against her persecutors.

De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte administration, defined the unanimous approval of US Senate Resolution (SR) 142 as a historic moment for democracy and human rights accountability in the Philippines.

"The approval, in unanimous consent, of US Senate Resolution 142 is a watershed in the history of keeping democracy and human rights accountability in the country and the role the US play in ensuring it," De Lima said in a handwritten statement.

SR 142, which has passed last Jan. 8, calls on President Donald Trump to impose sanctions pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act-such as revocation of US visas and freezing of assets-against Philippine officials and security forces responsible for "orchestrating the arrest and prolonged detention of Senator De Lima."

The Global Magnitsky Act, which was amended in 2016, grants power to the US President to invoke visa and travel restrictions, financial sanctions and criminal charges, if necessary, to serious human rights violators from anywhere in the world.

"The case against me, apart from being fake and invented, has no internal legal consistency or integrity altogether and has been fueled by tyrannical powers and alignment of greed and political opportunism in the Philippine politics," she said.

"That is clear since day [one]," De Lima, who has been a prisoner of conscience since 2016, stressed.

SR 142 not only condemns the Philippine government for De Lima's wrongful imprisonment but also seeks the imposition of same sanctions against "members of security forces and Philippine officials responsible for extrajudicial killings."

In addition, it also calls out the harassment of the Duterte administration against the media and journalists, in particular, against Rappler and its chief executive officer Maria Ressa.

De Lima thanked Senators Edward Markey, Dick Durbin, Marco Rubio, Marsha Blackburn, Chris Coons, Patrick Leahy, and Ben Cardin and other US lawmakers who supported the passage of SR 142, for their united and bipartisan efforts in advocating for her release.

"I sincerely thank the granite resolve of Senators Durbin, Markey, Rubio, Blackburn, Coons, Leahy and Cardin, and the rest of the US Senate for standing strong and firm for the larger truths behind my persecution," De Lima said.

For their part, the US Senators hailed the passage of SR 142 and reiterated calls for the end of both extrajudicial killings in the Philippines and human rights violations against critics of the Duterte administration.

"The United States Senate makes clear that the Duterte government must end its human rights abuses," Markey said in a statement.

"No arbitrary detention or illegitimate charge can obscure the fact that Senator De Lima, Maria Ressa, and all those who speak truth to power exemplify the highest democratic ideals," the US Senator from Massachusetts added.

Durbin, for his part, noted that the "honorable" way forward for the Duterte regime is to ensure a "quick and credible trial for Senator de Lima or by simply do the right thing and release her."

"In the end, these will be important tests of whether cherished democratic norms we share with our long-standing Filipino allies will be respected by President Duterte," he added.

Last Dec. 20, Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which includes a provision banning the entry of Philippine government officials involved in De Lima's "wrongful imprisonment."

That provision from the US Appropriations bill also sought, among others, the same prohibition on the entry of certain "officials of the governments of Turkey, Egypt or Saudi Arabia, relative to Mustafa Kassem, an American citizen imprisoned by the government of Egypt, and other cases of wrongful detention of a locally employed staff of a U.S. diplomatic mission or a U.S. citizen national."



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[start recording]

Q: Yung sa Murang Kuryente Act, kayo po yung nag push nito, ito ay batas na supposedly naramdaman na yung pagbaba ng singil sa kuryente pero hindi pa, ano po ang nangyayari Senator?

SEN. WIN: Alam mo noong tinutulak natin yung batas na ito tinignan ko rin kung magkano ang presyo ng kuryente sa ating bansa kumpara sa ibang bansa dito po sa South East Asia at nakita natin tayo ang may pinakamataas na singil ng kuryente, mas mataas pa tayo sa Singapore, Malaysia at Thailand kaya makikita natin ang presyo ng kuryente sa atin ay napakamahal at ito ay nakikita at nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan kaya gumagawa tayo ng mga iba't-ibang mga hakbang at batas para mapababa ito at isa dito yung tinatawag natin na Murang Kuryente Act na tatanggalin yung ilan sa mga charges na nakapaloob sa ating electricity bill, ito yung tinatawag natin na Universal Charges at Stranded Costs and Stranded Debt na nagkakahalaga ngayon ng nine centavos. Ngayon, itong nine centavos tataas pa ito hanggang 1 peso per kWh kaya ang layunin ng batas na ito ay tanggalin ito lahat. Nakakalungkot dito at nakakadismaya dahil ayon sa batas dapat may Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) noong November 27 pa na magtatanggal nitong Universal Charges sa ating electricity bill.

Q: Binanggit ko po kanina Senator na supposedly gagawing pambayad yung Malamapaya fund doon sa mga utang na nag resulta doon sa Universal Charges and Stranded Costs, itong pong IRR na yun, sino po yung dapat gumawa, sino yung dapat kalampagin?

SEN WIN: Dalawang ahensya ang dapat kalampagin dito, unang-una yung Department of Finance (DOF) at Department of Energy (DOE) at sinulatan ko nga sila bago magbakasyon para paalalahanin sa kanila na dapat ilabas at tapusin na nila yung IRR dahil ito naman ay para sa taong bayan, ginagawa natin ito para mapababa ang presyo ng kuryente dahil nga ang Pilipinas ang may pinakamataas na singil ng kuryente sa Asya. Kaya itong darating na Linggo, itutuloy natin ang pagkalampag sa kanila.

Q: Sumagot na po ba sila Sir yung DOF atsaka yung DOE?

SEN WIN: Hindi pa sila sumasagot pero nagbigay sila ng verbal response na this coming Monday magpapatuloy yung pagdinig ng IRR at hahabulin nila. So ang gagawin natin ngayon, tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagtulak sa IRR, tuloy-tuloy ang pagkalampag sa kanila dahil ang gusto natin by 2020 hindi na tumaas itong Universal Charges at matanggal na itong natitirang 9 centavos.

Q: Para lang po ma-grasp ng ating mga viewers at listeners, ano po supposedly yung magiging epekto sa ating electric bill kapag ito po ay napatupad na, magkano po ba yung mababawas sa ating bill namin sa kuryente?

SEN WIN: Pag ito ay napatupad na at nailabas na yung IRR makakatipid tayo ng halos 90 centavos per kWh. So, on the average lumalabas na halos 200 pesos per month ang matitipid ng isang average consumer-200 kWh ang average na kinokonsumo ng isang ordinaryong pamilya so kung halos 90 centavos yan, siguro kulang-kulang 200 pesos ang matitipid ng isang pamilya kada buwan. Kaya malaki-laki na rin yan kung ang presyo ng bigas ngayon ay nasa 40 pesos or lesser, siguro mga limang kilong bigas ang mabibili nila. Malaking bagay na rin yan sa panahon ngayon dahil bawat pamilya ay naghahanap ng paraan para makatipid ng kahit na piso lang. Malaking bagay na yun dahil yan ay mapupunta sa pangbili natin ng pagkain o para sa baon ng mga bata.

Q: Senator kapag po to ay napatupad na, ilang years po ito na makakatipid kami ng on the average 200 pesos kada buwan?

SEN WIN: Ah tuloy-tuloy na yan hanggang mabayaran ang Universal Charges, matatanggal na yan sa ating electricity bill. So ibig-sabihin ang layunin nito, kung titignan mo yung electricity bill, may Universal Charges doon, ang layunin ay tanggalin na yan at hindi na mapasama sa electricity bill.

Q: Atsaka wala hong dahilan para hindi pa ito maipatupad kasi nga batas na?

SEN WIN: Ang nangyari lang dito ay na-delay at sa aming isip dapat walang nang delay dahil ito ang kaisa-isang batas ng ating goberyno para maibaba ang presyo ng ating kuryente.

Q: Meron na ho ba kayong nabigay na timeline sa DOF atsaka sa DOE, kung hindi niyo ito magawa papatawag niyo ho sa Senate?

SEN WIN: Actually, yung timeline natin last December kasi nga alam namin na November 27 dapat nailabas na yung IRR. So bukas magkakaroon sila ng meeting at mag a-attend ho kami noong meeting para makita namin ang kanilang commitment. Hindi na tayo papaya na madelay pa ito dahil mahalaga ito sa ating mga kababayan.

Q: Yan po ang aming aabangan, eh Sir alam ko masama pakiramdam ninyo-

SEN WIN: Oo nagkaroon ako ng trangkaso over the holidays-

Q: Pagsamantalahin ko na rin yung pagkakataon, itong Murang Kuryente aasahan na po natin meron na kasi ho na magmumura na yung singil dahil nag announce ang Meralco na bababa ng 30 centavos, so ibig-sabihin pag nadagdag ito mas bababa pa eh malaking bagay ho talaga yun sa atin?

SEN WIN: At lumabas sa mga survey na nararamdaman talaga ng ating mga kababayan ang napaka mahal na singil ng kuryente dito sa ating bansa kaya gusto natin makahanap ng paraan para mapababa pa ito at ito na nga yung batas para mapababa yung presyo ng kuryente.

Q: Sir kahit po yung mga investos dinadaing rin po nila yung mataas na bayad sa kuryente dito tapos lumilipat sa iba dahil mas mura-

SEN WIN: Tama, sa ibang bansa nga nagbibigay pa sila ng subsidiya dahil ang konsepto dito ang negosyo lalago kung ang kuryente ay mababa ang presyo. Eh sa ibang bansa nagbibigay sila ng subsidiya para ang negosyo ay lumago, kapag ang negosyo ay lumago mas marami po silang empleyadong kukunin.

Mobile Number Portablity Act

Q: Ito quick discussion lang po, yung pong Mobile Number Portability Act, kasi diniscuss ko po ito last week sa programa kasama po so Undersecretary Eliseo Rio, based po doon sa sinabi noong mga taga Globe, ng Smart, hindi pa po nila maipatutupad yung utos ng batas na yung phone number ma re-retain po kapag lumipat ng network at prepaid to postpaid dahil kulang pa ho ng technology, kailangan pa nila ng isa pang clearing house and they need at least 18 months po para ito ay maipatupad, hindi po ito na-anticpate noong hini-hearing ninyo yung batas?

SEN WIN: Ayan pa ang isa pang nakakadismaya dahil nagulat rin ako na kailangan pala ng halos isang taong at kalahati para ma-implement ito dahil nagkaroon ho tayo pagdidnig dito sa Mobile Portability or ang tawag ng karamihan ay Lifetime Cellphone Number Act at doon sa aming pagdinig at pag debate hindi naman lumalabas na ganito katagal. In fact sinabi nila ang teknolohiya ay nandiyan na at madaling i-implementa kaya nagulat talaga ako na isang taon at kalahati pa ang kailangan daw nila. Ang gusto natin ay maipatupad na ito ngayon dahil parating na yung bagong telco at ina-anticipate ko na mas mura ang kanilang ino-offer.

Ngayon nagkaroon kami ng isang meeting, pinuntahan ako nitong mga telephone companies at ang sabi nga nila yung teknolohiya pala ay mas komplikado at hindi nila na-anticipate ito. Ngayon sabi ko hindi tayo papayag diyan dahil nga sa pagdinig sa Senado, inassure niyo kami na mabilis ito maiimplementa at sabi nila gagawin nila ito in phases, uunahin muna yung mga postpaid tapos susunod yung mga prepaid at pipillitin nila na within the year. Ang sabi ko naman, dapat within six months this year ay maimplementa na nila yung first phase.

Q: Ano po yung commitment na ibinigay ninyo Sir? It will be less than eighteen months po?

SEN WIN: Yung commitment nila within the year at gagawin ilang phases, hindi na hihintayin lahat at yan ay tututukan natin at sisiguraduhin natin na maimplement kaagad dahil gusto natin na magkaroon na ng capability, tayo, yung mga mobile owners na hindi papalitan yung ating telephone number. Within the year, yung ang kanilang committement at yun ang ating tututukan.

Q: Aabangan po natin yan, Sir maraming salamat po, panggaling kayo.

SEN WIN: Thank you at happy new year, salamat sa pagtawag.

[end recording]



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Senator Imee Marcos has cautioned the government about involving Philippine military personnel and transport in evacuating and repatriating OFWs in the Middle East, amid ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Marcos said diplomatic hitches, logistical delays, or worse may arise if host governments at transit and exit points see OFW rescue operations as military in character, while Filipinos maintain a Mutual Defense Treaty with US.

"Bakit napako na lang si Secretary Locsin sa Twitter? Naiintindihan ko ang tiwala ng Presidente sa ating mga sundalo para gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin, pero diplomasya ang dapat na nangunguna sa ganitong mga sitwasyon," Marcos said.

"Sanay at trabaho talaga ng DFA ang makitungo sa mga bansa, at ang pag-evacuate ng mga OFW ay tungkulin ng DFA, DOLE at ng mga pulis na sinanay ng DFA," Marcos added.

The government plans to deploy Filipino soldiers and military air and naval assets to assist in bringing OFWs home and has sent Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who was recently appointed by President Duterte as Envoy to the Middle East, to Qatar.

Marcos wondered why not a word has been said about asking the United Nations for help when it can provide its site camps in the Middle East as temporary shelters for OFWs.

"Dapat makipag-ugnayan si Secretary Cimatu sa UN na may maraming mga tauhan sa Middle East, kabilang ang mga Pilipino,"" Marcos pointed out.

The problems of providing transit shelters for Filipino migrants and of reducing the number of undocumented OFWs may now complicate rescue operations could have been solved if a National Overseas Employment Authority had already been created, Marcos said.

Marcos filed Senate Bill 407 last July, seeking to merge DFA and DOLE expertise on OFW issues into a Cabinet-level agency, upgrading the functions of the present Philippine Overseas Employment Authority.



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Threatening investors with imprisonment should they refuse to accept a government-imposed contract is criminal behavior under our Revised Penal Code. Coming as it does from the highest office of the land sends the terrible signal to all investors whether foreign or local that they too can be imprisoned without bail should they disagree with the powers that be. We urge the country's economic team led by Secretary Dominguez to manage and correct the harm inflicted on the country's investment climate brought about by such reckless and irresponsible public pronouncements.

A bleak investment climate makes for a bleak situation on investments as well as jobs creation that come with it. In his yearend report, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said 2.3 million Filipinos remain jobless and another 5.9 million underemployed.

We should be part of the solution to address joblessness in the country, not part of the problem."



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We are praying for the safety of all the communities affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano. For the residents within the vicinity of the volcano, we urge you to take heed of the directives coming from the national government agencies, particularly the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the Department of Health, and your local government units. Evacuate if needed and take the necessary precautions to protect you and your families' health.

Malawak na ang naging sakop ng ashfall mula sa pagsabog ng bulkan. Ang mga residente ng Laguna, Cavite, Metro Manila at iba pang lugar sa Luzon ay apektado lahat. Delikado ang volcanic ash sa ating kalusugan, partikular na sa mga may sakit na sa baga. Pinong pino ito at dala ng hangin kaya hindi natin nakikita ng basta basta. Kung kakayanin ay maglinis ng ating kapaligiran, lalo na ang mga bubungan kung saan maaaring makapal na ang naipon na volcanic ash at baka bumigay pa ang mga ito sa bigat.

During these instances we are reminded of the need for an agency dedicated and capable of dealing with all of the challenges brought about by natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and typhoons. We have filed Senate Bill 331 or the proposed disaster resilience act of 2019, a measure that has the backing of the President.

The bill calls for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience that will be the country's lead agency on all matters related to disasters and climate change. During times of disaster, the Department of Disaster Resilience will be tasked to undertake the necessary measures to ensure the protection of the people, including preemptive and forced evacuations. It is also mandated to develop and implement programs on disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building better.

We call on all the agencies concerned to provide the necessary assistance to the affected areas.



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Senator Nancy Binay urged the Department of Health to include the said masks in relief packages to be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and affected local government units.

Stores in Metro Manila and nearby provinces had reportedly run out of stock of face masks, particularly of the recommended N95 variety, as early as Sunday evening.

"Sana i-prioritize ng DOH ang agarang pamimigay ng masks pati na rin mga gamot para maprotektahan ang mga kababayan natin," Binay said.

She said that children and those with respiratory and other health conditions should be given priority.

Binay added that government should enlist the help of the private sector in procuring masks as well as other supplies that would protect citizens in affected areas.

The senator, however, blasted the "enterprising" attitude of traders and hoarders that have taken advantage of the situation and exacerbated the lack of supply.

She warned that there are serious repercussions for establishments that are proven to have marked up the prices of goods during the crisis.

The Department of Trade and Industry is keen to act on cases of overpricing and other predatory attitudes, she also said.

"Sana naman huwag natin sinasamantala ang ganitong mga krisis para lang kumita. Sana mas manaig ang pagbabayanihan at pagkawanggawa sa mga ganitong sitwasyon," added Binay.

The lawmaker lauded private companies that have volunteered their resources to help in evacuation and road clearing efforts, among others.

She expressed confidence that others would follow suit.

Binay also reminded that N95 masks are not the only masks effective against ash fall.

"May mga advisory na ang DOH, bukod sa expert advice ng mga doctor, na maaari rin namang gamitin ang medical at surgical mask, dust mask, o kahit mamasa-masang panyo lang, so there's no need to panic," said the lawmaker.

She also asked citizens to stay indoors unless completely necessary, especially as work and class suspensions have been announced.

The senator also encouraged the people to await instructions as to how to get rid of ash in their surroundings.

"Ipunin na lang po muna natin pagkatapos natin maglinis, at huwag gumamit ng tubig dahil baka magdulot ng pagbara sa mga drainage natin," she said



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Our dealings with China have always been under the guise of this "diplomatic reciprocity" that has allowed them to impose upon our territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea. There is nothing closely diplomatic nor reciprocal in a relationship between two countries where one takes over the other country's jobs, resources, and gets the upper hand when it comes to economic agreements.

We have always been at the losing end when it comes to our relationship with China. President Duterte made sure of this when he decided to set aside our victory at The Hague for concessions from Beijing that has ensnared us forever into the Chinese Debt Trap.

We should be wary about these "diplomatic" visits from the Chinese Government. Despite Gen. Joel Garcia's denial, it is a red carpet that will be rolled out this week for the primary arm of China's intrusion and intimidation in the WPS - the Chinese Coast Guard. Imagine our Coast Guard discussing protocols at sea with the very people who regularly intimidate our own fishermen, in our own territory! Duterte gives the best seat at the banquet table to China, while we wait for whatever crumbs they might throw around.

Our government will invoke sovereignty in the face of increasing international condemnation against the Duterte regime's abuses but will allow China's brazen intrusion behind the veil of "friendly, diplomatic ties." This, however, does not come as a surprise anymore.

Nagiging kunwaring makabayan lamang si Duterte sa panahon na nanliligaw ng boto at kapag tinutuligsa na ng ibang bansa ang mga polisiya niyang anti-human rights. Ang mga katagang "makabayan", "maka-masa", "maka-Pilipino" at "matapang na tagapagtangol" ay mga salita lamang na ginagamit nya sa pambubudol-budol sa sambayanang Pilipino.

Nililinlang, tinatakot at inuuto nya ang mga tao para isuko nila ang pinakamahahalagang pag-aari nila sa mundo: ang kanilang Kalayaan, Kaligtasan at Kasarinlan, na sya namang iniaalay nya sa kanyang mga among banyaga. Hindi lamang sa panahon ng Hapon uso ang mga Makapili, at ang ilan sa kanila ay nasa mismong gobyerno natin.

They are selling our sovereignty to their Chinese benefactors, who never and will never have the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people in their list of priorities.

Panahon na upang ipaglaban natin ang ating sarili, ang ating mga "KKK", laban sa mga banyagang sasakop sa teritoryo, ekonomiya at pamahalaan natin. But to accomplish this, we have to understand that the most dangerous are the charismatic enemies from within.



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[start recording]

Q: I know you wanted to comment on the eruption of Taal, you posted last night from Quezon City that the ashfall already reached your home.

SEN WIN: Correct. From a governance standpoint, the local governments including the provincial government should do a rapid assessment so they can already declare a state of calamity and they can use their calamity funds to repair, to buy food and for the evacuees. Right now, it is still uncertain. I heard the comment of Dr. Caloy Arcilla who's a well-known geologist and it's really uncertain because it is a new animal he said, and for the next few days, the local government should have the capability and the finances to support the evacuees. At the same time by declaring a state of calamity, national government can come in including us, the Senate, and other entities can talk and give support to the local government and to the constituents of those local governments.

Q: Would have been a disaster resilience department make a difference in this whole situation?

SEN WIN: In my view, it is important to capacitate the local government. I would rather give more capacity, more capability to the local governments because they are the first responders and all of these research agencies like PHIVOLCS and PAGASA can be strengthened also. My fear if it is too top-heavy, if it is too centralized, the local governments cannot move but if it's the local government that's really at the forefront of all of this disaster. It is important to capacitate them with a mechanism so they can be capacitated quickly, so they can move quickly and respond quickly.

Q: I think three priority departments are formed; the Department of Water, OFW, and disaster preparedness so in terms of disaster preparedness, will you support that?

SEN WIN: We will study it carefully because we don't want a system where it is too centralized, it's too top-heavy, and it's too centric in Metro Manila, because if calamity strikes outside of Metro Manila, it is very hard to move. I think what's the most important mechanism here is really to empower the local governments to respond quickly because they are at the forefront. That's where disaster response comes in and it's very important for them to play this role.

Deployment ban

Q: In terms of the Department of OFW, the NBI's report is very different from the two-sentence report sent by the Kuwaiti government on the autopsy report on Jeanelyn Villavende.

SEN WIN: This is an insult to our government, an insult to our country and insult to Filipino people especially to the OFWs who've been toiling almost blood sweat and tears in the Middle East. This is a very serious matter because Jeanelyn was killed in that area and we demand justice, we demand the truth and this is not how countries and friend treat each other by giving fake reports. The next move will be to summon the Kuwaiti Ambassador here in the Philippines, let him explain, let him give us the truth. This report is definitely garbage, we cannot use it anymore, we have to let the Kuwaiti Ambassador explain to our government and give us the truth because we want justice for Jeanelyn, we want justice for OFWs, we want protection for our OFWs.

Q: Partial deployment ban was imposed by DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello and he said, if the Kuwaiti government charges, because the couple are Kuwaiti nationals, then they may lift partial deployment ban. But following these two set intense supposedly fake autopsy report, do you still believe Senator that a partial deployment ban, a certain ban, an MOU, is the solution or is it time to call in a total deployment ban for Kuwait?

SEN WIN: I think the fact will state that there was bad faith, in behalf of the Kuwaiti government and in behalf of the investigators, and with this bad faith we have to make sure that the lives of our OFWs in Kuwait are all protected and make sure that mechanisms are in place for their well-being. Having said that, we have to make sure now that the Kuwaiti government can give justice to Jeanelyn and avoid this type of issues from happening again. So, a total ban on our household workers should be in effect as soon as possible because they are the most vulnerable, kinukuha nila ang passport, they are scattered all over the place, they are not protected by employers or corporations for that matter so it is important now to stop this type of occurrences from happening by implementing total ban for household service workers.

Q: How will that affect the country? Right now, there are 260,000 workers in Kuwait of which is quite interesting, a 160,000 of the 260 are household service workers. Only a 100,000 are skilled workers.

SEN WIN: The skilled workers are normally protected by their corporations and they go through formal conduits and formal channels. But the household service workers, a lot of them go in through illegal means and they go in under the radar. A lot of them also are quite vulnerable for this type of service.

Q: They complain of delayed salaries, they are underpaid-

SEN WIN: Until we get justice for Jeanelyn, until we get the truth, until we get clarity on the implementation of all the agreements because if you remember in 2018 when one of our OFWs also suffered the same fate, she was killed.

Q: Yes, it was Joanna Demafelis found inside a freezer.

SEN WIN: Correct and the Kuwaiti government promised to implement a lot of reforms when it comes to protection and labor laws but reports are saying that these are not being implemented so until we see implementation of this laws, we should ban household service workers from being deployed there because they are the most vulnerable and there is no guarantee that this would not happen again in the near future.

Q: Now, some portions of the MOA in 2018 say that the domestic helpers should have one-day off a week, they should have their cellphones and they should also have their contracts with them and yet, there is no way to check if someone like Jeanelyn actually had them.

SEN WIN: We have to be proactive and the Kuwaiti government should be proactive in this manner. They have to recognize that our kababayans are the most vulnerable in that area. They have to do whatever they can to be proactive.

[end recording]



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Ngayong panahon ng sakuna, unahin natin ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng lahat.

I support and thank the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for its recent commitment to put an end to the many reported cases of overpricing of face masks in Metro Manila due to the ashfall from the Taal Volcano. This shameful profiteering by businesses at the expense of the health of others must stop.

At the same time, I ask the public not to overstock and hoard supplies of face masks and other protective equipment, so that everyone in the metro will get the protection needed to avoid serious health risks when we go outside of our homes.

I also encourage the Department of Health and local government units to use their stock of face masks and protective equipment and provide them freely to people who need them the most - such as families living in areas badly affected, first responders, and the immunocompromised such as the sick elderly and very young. No expense is too high to ensure the safety and good health of our people, especially in this time of need.



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Nanawagan si Senador Imee Marcos na magpatupad ng maayos at masistemang koordinasyon ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno at mga pribadong grupong aayuda sa mga apektado ng pag-aalburuto ng Bulkang Taal.

"Bukod sa radio, telebisyon at diyaryo, paigtingin din natin ngayon ang paggamit ng Social Media sa komunikasyon para sa mas mabilis na tulong sa mga apektado ng pagsabog ng bulkang Taal," pahayag ni Marcos.

Gayunman, dapat ay maging responsable sa paggamit ng social media ang lahat ng kinauukulan at maging ang publiko upang matiyak na hindi sila mabibiktima ng fake news.

Ayon kay Marcos, bagamat alam na ang protocol at aktibo na ang iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno sa kanya-kanyang papel sa gitna ng pagsabog ng bulkan, dapat ding masiguro ang malinaw, masistema, mahusay at mabilis na koordinasyon para sa iisang galaw sa pagtugon sa mga biktima ng kalamidad o sakuna.

"Higit na maayos at epektibo kung iisa ang galaw ng mga ahensya, well coordinated para mabilis ang dating ng ayuda sa mga apektado." dagdag pa ni Marcos.

"Digital era na ngayon, kaya dapat digital din ang pagresponde o dapat mabilis para maiwasang magkaroon ng mga casualty," ayon pa kay Marcos.

Sinabi pa ni Marcos, na bagamat marami nang pinagdaanang sakuna ang bansa, ang kailangan, segundo lang ang pagitan sa pagsasalba ng mga namemeligrong buhay sa mga sakuna lalo pa't alert level 4 na ang bulkan .

Paalala naman ng senador sa publiko na mag-ingat, manatiling kalmado pero alerto, at sumunod sa tagubilin ng mga awtoridad para di mapahamak.

"Tumutok tayo sa social media pero tiyakin natin na yung pupuntahan nating mga web page at social media accounts ay responsible at hindi nagpapalaganap ng fake news para mabilis nating mabatid ang sitwasyon.



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"We should not allow anybody to take advantage of the current difficult situation brought about by the Taal Volcano eruption by increasing the price of needed goods and materials (like face masks). Abuses such as these, which are violations of The Price Act, can be directly reported to my office, as I am the Chairman of the Committee on Trade." - Senator Koko Pimente

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Senator Joel Villanueva has called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue an advisory on work in the areas of Region 4-A, especially in Batangas, to ensure the health and safety of workers as a result of Taal Volcano's eruption.

The Senator also encouraged employers and its designated safety officers to assess whether there is imminent danger in their workplace and prioritize to safeguard the health and safety of their workers.

"Given the heightened concerns of workers in Batangas, parts of Laguna and Cavite, as well as nearby areas including Metro Manila, the DOLE must help ease the tension by issuing a relevant labor advisory which can guide the private sector in deciding whether to run their operations or offices in the light of Taal's eruptions," Villanueva said in a statement.

"Employers and company-designated safety officers should also determine on their own whether it is safe for their workers to report today in their workplace. Safety officers are empowered to issue a work-stoppage order in their workplaces without threat or reprisal from employers as enshrined in the law and implementing rules," continued the senator, chair of the Senate labor committee.

Villanueva, principal author and sponsor of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) Act, however, clarified that the the workers right to refuse to work on account of imminent danger must be supported by a finding from the Department of Labor and Employment that an imminent danger to their health and safety exists hence the need for a DOLE Advisory.

Section 6 of the OSHS law, or Republic Act No. 11058, states: "The worker has the right of refusal to work without threat or reprisal from the employer if, as determined by the DOLE, an imminent danger situation exists in the workplace that may result to illness, injury or death, and corrective actions to eliminate the danger have not been undertaken by the employer."

The law's implementing rules and regulations extend the similar protection against employers' threat or reprisal to safety officers who issue work stoppage orders, he added.

If workers are exposed outdoors, they should be provided with adequate personal protective equipment, which includes appropriate dust masks, Villanueva pointed out.

Villanueva urged the DOLE to immediately release the advisory because of potential health hazards for workers who are exposed outdoors.



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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and nearby areas who are severely affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Nananawagan tayo sa ating gobyerno at mga kapwa Pilipino: Ipaabot po sana natin ang mga tulong at ayudang kaya nating maipadala sa kanila-pagkain, tubig, gamot, at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan-sa lalong madaling panahon.

Saludo po tayo sa mga kababayan nating nagkukusang-loob na magbukas-palad. Sa maliit man nilang paraan, napakalaki ng naipagkakaloob nilang lakas, galak at pag-asa para sa marami na bumangon at malampasan ang sakuna. Mula sa mga nag-aabang sa kalsada para magsaboy ng tubig sa marurumi at malalabong salamin ng sasakyan dulot ng abo para makaiwas sa disgrasya, sa mga namimigay ng libreng mask, sa mga simbahan at tanggapan na nagbukas ng pinto para matuluyan ng mga nagsilikas, hanggang sa mga volunteers at mga kawani ng ating pamahalaan na hindi alintana ang panganib sa pagresponde at pagsaklolo sa ating mga kababayan, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo, pakikiramay at dedikasyon.

With calamities like typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently happening in our country, I am reiterating my call for the passage of my proposed Senate Bill No. 1123, which seeks to provide a five-day special emergency leave for all workers in the public and private sector directly affected by natural disasters.

Malinaw naman po: Sa mga ganitong di-inaasahang pagkakataon, kinakailangan ng ating mga kababayan ang sapat na panahon upang tutukan ang kaligtasan ng pamilya, at kahit paano'y makapagsimulang makabangon mula sa anumang delubyo.

Please keep praying for our affected countrymen. Let us once again show our resilience as Filipinos and strengthen our faith to never waver during these challenging times.

Mag-ingat po tayong lahat...



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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and nearby areas who are severely affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Nananawagan tayo sa ating gobyerno at mga kapwa Pilipino: Ipaabot po sana natin ang mga tulong at ayudang kaya nating maipadala sa kanila-pagkain, tubig, gamot, at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan-sa lalong madaling panahon.

Saludo po tayo sa mga kababayan nating nagkukusang-loob na magbukas-palad. Sa maliit man nilang paraan, napakalaki ng naipagkakaloob nilang lakas, galak at pag-asa para sa marami na bumangon at malampasan ang sakuna. Mula sa mga nag-aabang sa kalsada para magsaboy ng tubig sa marurumi at malalabong salamin ng sasakyan dulot ng abo para makaiwas sa disgrasya, sa mga namimigay ng libreng mask, sa mga simbahan at tanggapan na nagbukas ng pinto para matuluyan ng mga nagsilikas, hanggang sa mga volunteers at mga kawani ng ating pamahalaan na hindi alintana ang panganib sa pagresponde at pagsaklolo sa ating mga kababayan, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo, pakikiramay at dedikasyon.

With calamities like typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently happening in our country, I am reiterating my call for the passage of my proposed Senate Bill No. 1123, which seeks to provide a five-day special emergency leave for all workers in the public and private sector directly affected by natural disasters.

Malinaw naman po: Sa mga ganitong di-inaasahang pagkakataon, kinakailangan ng ating mga kababayan ang sapat na panahon upang tutukan ang kaligtasan ng pamilya, at kahit paano'y makapagsimulang makabangon mula sa anumang delubyo.

Please keep praying for our affected countrymen. Let us once again show our resilience as Filipinos and strengthen our faith to never waver during these challenging times.

Mag-ingat po tayong lahat...



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start recording]

Overpriced face masks

Q: Sir, una muna yung mga overpriced masks and other commodities sa Southern Tagalog?

SEN WIN: Since nag-declare na ng state of calamity ang Batangas, pwede nang pumasok ang Department of Trade and Industry at mag-impose ng price freeze sa mga pagkain, basic necessities at medicines. Dahil ito ay isang pagsabog ng bulkan, ikokonsider ko ang mask as part of the medically related devices so dapat lagyan din ng price freeze ang masks sa area na yun dahil marami sa mga evacuees doon ay hindi naman makakapunta ng Metro Manila para bumili. Importanteng mabilis ang pag-aksyon ng Department of Trade at kung may mahuhuli, dapat ikulong kaagad dahil ito ay pagsasamantala sa mga kababayan natin na nasalanta.

Q: Kahit kayo po ba ay nakakatanggap kayo ng information as high as P200?

SEN WIN: So far, nakikita ko may mga kasama tayong nagpopost sa internet ng resibo at binili nilang masks, dapat na i-verify ito. Kung totoo, yung tindahan na kanilang pinagbilhan, dapat isara at ikulong ang mga may-ari. It is a state of calamity, mas expanded ang power ng gobyerno. Covered nito ang pang-aabuso at profiteering.

Q: DTI lang ba yung bibigyan ng power o yung LGU din?

SEN WIN: Ang local government may kapangyarihan din sila, pwede nilang i-revoke ang business permit ng establishment na yun at pwede nilang kasuhan ng profiteering ang nagbebenta na napakamamahal na masks. Ang DOE may power over gasoline at kung may mga gas station doon na nagtataas dahil nag-hohoard sila ng gasoline, pwedeng pumunta ang DOE at kasuhan ang gas stations at i-revoke ang kanilang mga lisensya.

Q: Pag ganitong may mga calamity, dapat mas mabilis ang mga aksyon di ba?

SEN WIN: Correct, dapat mabilis talaga yun. In fact, dapat bago pa mag-declare ng state of calamity, may price monitoring na yan. May council para tignan yung presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin dun sa area. nakita ko ang sitwasyon dun, talagang mahirap para sa mga kababayan nating lumikas at pumunta pa ng syudad para bumili so dun sila bibili ng mga gait at dapat bantayan ang presyo.

Q: Dapat din ba maglabas agad ang DTI ng caravan? Diba meron silang parang ganun para maiwasan din yung overpricing at hoarding.

SEN WIN: Sa tinatawag nating demand side, ang DTI pwede rin silang magkaroon ng caravans at magbenta ng mas murang gamit o pangunahing pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Pwede rin nilang gawin yun. Ang importante ngayon is ang price freeze dahil may pormal nang state of calamity ang Batangas.

Calamity fund

Q: Tama ba Sir yung information na binawasan daw ng Congress ng P4 billion o P40 billion ang calamity fund?

SEN WIN: Kaya rin nabawasan yan dahil noong huling taon, hindi naman nagamit. That's number one. Two, yung 2019 na hindi nagamit, inilagay sa 2020 so hindi kompleto ang picture dahil nabawasan nga ito ng 4 billion, nadagdagan naman dahil sa 2019 na budget.

Q: So hindi pwedeng sabihin na i-expect niyo nang kakapusin kasi binawasan?

SEN WIN: Correct, hindi siya kapos dahil yung 2019 na hindi nagamit, inilagay naman sa 2020. Nagyon, kapag kulang pa rin, ang ating Pangulo ay pwedeng humingi sa Kongreso ng supplemental budget para madagdagan. Tinatayang 35 billion pesos ang pinsala dito initially sa mga reports na nakikita ko. Sa ganitong halaga, tingin ko kaya naman ng ating pamahalaan na sagutin ito dahil malaki ang pondo ng DOTr, public works at DepEd.

Q: Clarify lang ako doon sa natirang 2019 calamity fund magkano po yun?

SEN. WIN: The leftover available balance as of November 30, 2019 Php 11,038,987,753. During the discussion I remember itong calamity fund natin for 2020 binawasan dahil nga yung 2019 hindi nagamit at kung matatandaan natin nag pass ng resolution ang Congress para i-extend yung validity. So hindi tama na nabawasan kasi kapag inipon-ipon mo yun, sobra-sobra pa yun.

Q: more than 50% ang hindi nagamit dahil 2020 na tayo diba?

SEN. WIN: noong 2019 hindi nagamit yung five months, so seven months lang eh yung 7 months hindi rin nagamit, walang masyadong major calamities kaya malaki ang natira diyan.

Q: Hindi na kailangan ng approval para gamitin yan?

SEN. WIN: Hindi na, ang disenyo ng calamity fund, ang Executive pwedeng gamitin kaagad yan. In fact, meron tayong tinatawag na Quick Response Fund (QRF) na 6.8 billion na itong QRF ay pwedeng gamitin ito sa evacuation so pagbili ng pagkain, pagbili ng tent, kasi ang calamity fund dalawa yan eh; rehabilitation and isa for quick response.

Q: So ang mag di-dispose ng budget ang DSWD?

SEN. WIN: Ang lead agency can be DSWD but ang OCD ang mag de-determine kung kailangan but typically DSWD, nandiyan yung pagkain, tent, typically DSWD yan. Even local governments may QRF, iba-iba, typically 5 percent of your total pero may approval pa rin dapat yan ng council at dapat mag declare ng state of calamity so pag declare ng state of calamity pwede mo nang gamitin yung calamity fund. Ang approving authority ng calamity fund is of course the President and the head of agency but the head of agency kukuha ng guidance from the Office of Civil Defense bilang Chairman ng NDRRMC.

Q: So wala nang bidding yun?

SEN. WIN: Wala na.

LGUs response

Q: Satisfied ba kayo sa speed ng reaction ng LGU at ng national government?

SEN WIN: Sa aking monitoring, importante na alam ng local governments na delikado ang lugar na kinasasakupan nila. Ang unang pumasok sa isip ko, bakit may mga nakatira pa rin within that 4km radius danger zone at may mga bahay pa rin sa 14km na buffer zone. Yung 4km na danger zone, dapat wala talagang bahay dun eh. Yung information na nakikita natin online, may mga nakatira pa so bakit ganito? Makikita natin na kahit wala namang napinsala o namatay pero ang kanilang kabuhayan ay nasira. Importante na alam ng LGU ang mga delikadong lugar at i-impose na walang pwedeng tumira doon dahil for example, nangyari ito sa gabi, talagang pwedeng may mamatay dito sa pangyayari.

Q: Yung national government, ang sinasabi ng local officials, panay hingi nila ng tulong pero mabagal ang dating?

SEN WIN: Ang mga local governments, mayroong calamity fund yan eh. Kailangan lang nila mag-declare ng state of calamity. Sa mga ganitong kalamidad, ang unang responder ay ang local government, pumapangalawa lang ang national government dahil sila ang nasa ground. Para sa akin, nakita ko na ang national government ay kaagad na rumisponde dahil kahapon nagbigay agad ang DSWD ng presscon at na-identify agad ang mga evacuation centers. Moving forward, sa mga ganitong posibleng mga trahedya, ang local government talaga ang dapat nating bigyan ng mas marami pang kapangyarihan at mas maraming pondo para rumisponde kaagad. Q: May mga residente Sir na on their own sila nag-evacuate. Kumbaga, yung kanilang preparedness ay kulang pa rin.

SEN WIN: In fairness, noong minomonitor ko ang situation, hindi inaakala ng marami na ganito kalala ang mangyayari dahil yung pag-release naman ng steam sa Taal ay madalas makita, alam ko marami pa ngang turista ang gustong umakyat para makita ang crater. Pero nung nag-alboroto na ang bulkan, marami na talaga ang lumikas at mabilis naman rumisponde ang ating local government, pero dahil sa laki ng pinsala, kulang rin ang pondo ng local governments kaya dito na papasok ang ating national governments.

Power supply

Q: Dun sa power supply kasi after ng ashfall, may mga na-knockdown na power distribution circuits?

SEN WIN: Dalawang bagay ang nangyari, marami sa mga planta ay nasa Batangas. Karamihan dito ay nagmi-maintenance ngayon so ang ginawa nila ay pinatay muna nila ang mga makina nila para mag-maintain. May mga rotating brown-outs tayong nakikita sa Batangas at sa mga karatig lalawigan at meron akong reports ng NGCP at electric cooperatives na naglilinis rin ang kanilang equipment so nakikita ko in the next one to two weeks, may mga rotating brown-outs dahil sa paglilinis at pagkukumpuni ng mga equipment sa Batangas at mga karatig lalawigan.

Q: Temporary lang?

SEN WIN: Yes, temporary lang yan. Sa mga reports na nakuha ko, wala namang major na nasira. Karamihan dito ay maintenance para masigurado na ligtas ang kanilang equipment at karamihan din sa mga equipment nila ay tumatakbo pa, kailangan lang linisin.

Q: May safety measure ba yun kasi sinasabi pwedeng magtagal pa itong problema sa Taal?

SEN. WIN: Sa mga reports na nakukuha ko walang major na nasira sa equipment nila, kailangan lang linisin at kailangan siguraduhin na safe lalo na sa mga transmission, ang mga poste dahil natakpan ito ng ash. Importante din na matibay pa itong mga poste hindi babagsak sa mga kabahayan. So ito ang mga ginagawa ng mga electric coops at may pondo din sila, may calamity fund ang DoE para magamit dito.

Evacuation centers

Q: Maraming space ngayon sa Batangas ang trinansform into evacuation centers. Anong remedy ang pwedeng gawin ng DepEd dahil apektado na ang mga mag-aaral? SEN WIN: Meron akong isang batas na inihain, dun sa tinatawag nating areas na madalas magkaroon ng kalamidad. Ito yung mga danger areas, yung mga eskwelahan nila ay magtayo ng evacuation centers. For example, sa Bicol kung malapit ka sa Mayon, dito sa Batangas, kung malapit ka sa Taal, sa mga eastern seaboard, sa Region V, dito madalas ilikas ang mga kababayan natin doon. Magandang may permanent evacuation centers na tayo dahil kagaya ngayon, ang mga evacuees nasa eskwelahan pero pasukan ngayon so marami sa mga classroom ang hindi magagamit dahil nandun ang ating mga evacuees.

Q: In the meantime, ano ang immediate remedy kung ganito ang situation?

SEN WIN: Magpadala ng temporary tents. Marami nang lokal na pamahalaan ang bumibili ng temporary tents na inilalagay nila sa basketball courts o multipurpose area para hindi magamit ang eskwelahan ng pangmatagalan. Kami sa Valenzuela, magpapadala kami ng temporary evacuation tents at ito yung immediately ay dapat maibigay ng DSWD para magamit ang eskwelahan sa pag-aaral at ang basketball courts at ang ibang facilities for evacuation centers.

Q: Kapareho ng sa Marikina Sir?

SEN WIN: Yes. Para siyang tent for evacuees. May privacy siya, individual siya. Maraming NCR local governments like Valenzuela, meron nang ganyan. Ito yung dapat maipadala agad sa areas kasi tinatayang 20,000 families already ang nailikas. Itong mga pamilyang ito ay nasa evacuation areas yan dahil madumi at maalikabok pa sa mga lugar nila.

Special Emergency Leave

Q: May proposal na magkaroon ng five-day special emergency leave if direct hit ka ng calamity?

SEN. WIN: Sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, ang GSIS at SSS ay nagiimplementa sila ng moratorium sa mga may utang at sa iba pang sinisingil ng SSS at GSIS kaya dapat paalalahanin din natin ang mga ahensya na ito na wag na singilin yung mga nasalanta sa pagsabog ng taal dahil marami sa kanila hindi nakakapasok, hindi nakakatrabaho at walang kakayahan magbayad pa ng kanilang obligasyon sa SSS at GSIS. Gagawan natin ito ng pormal na resolusyon sa Senado para masabihan ang mga ahensya na ito na wag muna singilin, bigyan muna ng moratorium itong mga nasalanta nating mga kababayan, mag fa-file ho tayo ng reso.

Q: Eh pano naman ang mga private sectors o government workers on the Special Emergency Leave?

SEN. WIN: Kumporme ako dahil ito talaga ay kailangan para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan sa Batangas, sa Region IV-A in particular dahil sa mga nakikita natin sa telebisyon, tingin ko tatagal ang paglinis at hindi madali ang paglinis neto dahil hindi ito yung tipong pwede mo lang itulak lang sa mga canal, kailangan talaga dahan-dahang tanggalin para hindi bumara ang ating mga drainage system so puntong ito, marami talagang makakapasok, lahat ng supporta na pwede natin ibigay through emergency leaves ay dapat ibigay natin.

Q: Sa government meron na pala Sir? Sa private sir ang wala?

SEN. WIN: Meron na sa government, every calamity and SSS at GSIS nagde-declare ng moratorium at karamihan rin through a resolution ng Senado at Kongreso.

Cloud seeding

Q: Sir habol ko lang yung sa could seeding action? Nakita niyo ba ito as an effective way?

SEN. WIN: Yung cloud seeding na recommendation ni SP para luminis kaagad yung kapaligiran, itong nalalanghap na maduming hangin, importante ito dahil maraming sakit ang nanggagaling sa paglanghap nitong mga ashes at yung kanyang recommendation para luminwag para maging mas maaliwalas ang kapaligiran, ok ako doon kailangan lang mag coordinate sa DOST para malaman kung kailan at paano gawin.

OFW deployment ban

Q: Segue way lang ako ka Villavende meron kayong recommendation, dahil sabi niyo parang niloko yung government natin?

SEN. WIN: Itong pagibibgay satin na pekeng autopsy report, insulto sa atin yan, insulto sa ating bansa, insult sa ating gobyerno at insulto sa ating lahat bilang Pilipino, insulto satin yan dahil itong pagkamatay ni Jenelyn naghahanap tayo ng hustisya at katarungan para sa kanya at isang paraan para makamit natin ang hustisya ay makita natin ang tunay at legitimate autopsy report. Itong dokumentong ito ay gagamitin natin para masmapahan ng kaso itong mga gumawa nitong karumal-dumal na krimen. Eh kung ibibigay nila ay peke o dinoktor, insulto yan sa atin bilang bansa, bilang mga Pilipino na naghahanap ng hustisya para sa ating kababayan kaya ang recommendation ko sa ating gobyerno; dapat ipatawag ang ating Ambassador sa Kuwait para makuha ang katotoohan ukol sa mahalagang dokumentong ito. Pangawala dapat magkaroon na ng permanenteng deployment ban para sa mga household service workers dahil kadalasan nalalagay yung buhay nila sa peligro. Noong 2018, si Ms. Demafelis, hindi ko maisip bakit ganun ang ang nangyari sa kanya at hindi ko maisip kung paano nagawa yun sa kanya, nakakalungkot dahil pangalawang beses na itong nangyari sa loob ng dalawang taon. So imporante na masagot ito ng pamahalaan ng Kuwait at masagot ng Ambassador ng Kuwait.

Q: Meron naman tayong ibang market diba?

SEN. WIN: Meron tayong ibang market at ang ating mga OFW hindi lang nagtratrabaho sa Middle East, tumutulong rin sila sa kanilang ekonomiya. Marami sa mga Middle Eastern at mga Kuwaitis ay masaya sa serbisyo ng ating mga kababayan dahil marunong tayo mag English, sanay tayo sa ganitong trabaho pero kailangan bigyan pa rin ng proteksyon yung ating mga kababayan at dapat mabilis ang hustisya. Kaya naman nauulit itong mga krimen na ito dahil mabagal ang pagtakbo ng hustisya. Kung matatandaan natin lumagda na ang Pangulo at ating pamahalaan ng agreement na maglalagay ng safeguards, proproteksyunan ang ating mga kababayan, hindi kukunin ang passport pero hanggang ngayon itong agreement na ito ay wala parin, nakabinbin, wala pang aksyon. Kaya dapat hingan natin ng mga kasagutan ang Ambassador dahil siya ang representative ng Kuwaiti government at siya dapat ang managot sa pekeng autopsy report na binigay sa atin.

Q: Si Sec. Locsin walang kailangan i-explain?

SEN. WIN: Tingin ko wala siya dapat i-explain-

Q: Kasi sir siya rin yung pumirma and dapat na o-oversee yung agreement hindi po ba?

SEN. WIN: Oo, I think kasama yan sa oversight ng DFA, so kasama rin yan ng reporma na ginawa ng dalawang bansa but syempre dahil ang Kuwait ang implementing and host country importante din na tumutupad sila sa agreement dahil buhay ang nakasalalay dito at importante na ang host country ang gumagawa ng lahat para ma proteksyunan ang ating mga kababayan.

Q: Sir ang Senate ba hindi ie-exercise yung oversight function pagdating sa situation ngayon ng migrant workers?

SEN. WIN: Dapat tignan ito especially pinaguuspan ngayon yung paglilikha ng Departamento para sa OFWs ay dapat mapaguspan ng masinsinan dahil maraming bansa ang hindi tumutupad sa mga agreement na nilagdaan natin. Mahalaga ang mga agreement na ito dahil Kung walang proteksyon ang ating mga OFW, ganito ang mangyayari, yung mga criminal na gumawa na ito ibis na maparusahan nalalabnaw pa yung mga kaso nila at hindi magiging magandang sitwasyon para sa ating mga OFWs.

[end recording]



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Senator Win Gatchalian castigated the Kuwaiti government for failing to fulfill its promise of providing better labor conditions and to ensure the protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Gulf country. Gatchalian cited reports he's been receiving on the case of OFW Jeanelyn Villevende who died in December last year. "Kinukuha ang kanilang passport. They are scattered all over the place. They are not protected by employers or corporations, underpaid and, they complain of delayed salaries", said Gatchalian.

"I think the fact will state that there was bad faith, in behalf of the Kuwaiti government and in behalf of the investigators, and with this we have to make sure that the lives of our OFWs in Kuwait are all protected and that mechanisms are in place for their well-being," Gatchalian added.

The Philippines and Kuwait signed an agreement in May 2018 on labor reforms which covers both skilled Filipino workers and Filipino household service workers. The MOA stated that employers cannot confiscate the passports and other travel documents of Filipino workers and that they must be allowed to use their phones. The agreement also covers repatriation of distressed OFWs in need of assistance, activation of a 24/7 hotline for them, and creation of a special police unit that would assist the Philippine embassy in rescue operations for OFWs.

The lawmaker stressed that it is high time to stop these occurrences from happening again and supports call to implement total ban for Filipino household service workers to Kuwait since they are the most vulnerable among workers deployed in the area. Gatchalian said that skilled workers are normally protected by their corporations and they go through formal channels but household service workers normally process their papers under the radar.

For the lawmaker, the next move should be to summon the Kuwaiti Ambassador in the Philippines amid doubts on the real cause of death of Villavende, insisting that Kuwait's report is nothing but "garbage".

"This is an insult to our government, an insult to our country and, insult to Filipino people especially to the OFWs who've been toiling almost blood, sweat and, tears in the Middle East. This is a very serious matter and we demand justice, we demand the truth and, this is not how countries and friends treat each other by giving fake reports", Gatchalian stressed.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) autopsy report shows that Villavende was sexually abused and physically maltreated while Kuwaiti forensic doctors said Villavende died of physical injuries.

Another Filipino worker Joanna Demafelis died in Kuwait in April 2018 whose body was found in a freezer.



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start recording]

Overpriced face masks

Q: Sir, una muna yung mga overpriced masks and other commodities sa Southern Tagalog?

SEN WIN: Since nag-declare na ng state of calamity ang Batangas, pwede nang pumasok ang Department of Trade and Industry at mag-impose ng price freeze sa mga pagkain, basic necessities at medicines. Dahil ito ay isang pagsabog ng bulkan, ikokonsider ko ang mask as part of the medically related devices so dapat lagyan din ng price freeze ang masks sa area na yun dahil marami sa mga evacuees doon ay hindi naman makakapunta ng Metro Manila para bumili. Importanteng mabilis ang pag-aksyon ng Department of Trade at kung may mahuhuli, dapat ikulong kaagad dahil ito ay pagsasamantala sa mga kababayan natin na nasalanta.

Q: Kahit kayo po ba ay nakakatanggap kayo ng information as high as P200?

SEN WIN: So far, nakikita ko may mga kasama tayong nagpopost sa internet ng resibo at binili nilang masks, dapat na i-verify ito. Kung totoo, yung tindahan na kanilang pinagbilhan, dapat isara at ikulong ang mga may-ari. It is a state of calamity, mas expanded ang power ng gobyerno. Covered nito ang pang-aabuso at profiteering.

Q: DTI lang ba yung bibigyan ng power o yung LGU din?

SEN WIN: Ang local government may kapangyarihan din sila, pwede nilang i-revoke ang business permit ng establishment na yun at pwede nilang kasuhan ng profiteering ang nagbebenta na napakamamahal na masks. Ang DOE may power over gasoline at kung may mga gas station doon na nagtataas dahil nag-hohoard sila ng gasoline, pwedeng pumunta ang DOE at kasuhan ang gas stations at i-revoke ang kanilang mga lisensya.

Q: Pag ganitong may mga calamity, dapat mas mabilis ang mga aksyon di ba?

SEN WIN: Correct, dapat mabilis talaga yun. In fact, dapat bago pa mag-declare ng state of calamity, may price monitoring na yan. May council para tignan yung presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin dun sa area. nakita ko ang sitwasyon dun, talagang mahirap para sa mga kababayan nating lumikas at pumunta pa ng syudad para bumili so dun sila bibili ng mga gait at dapat bantayan ang presyo.

Q: Dapat din ba maglabas agad ang DTI ng caravan? Diba meron silang parang ganun para maiwasan din yung overpricing at hoarding.

SEN WIN: Sa tinatawag nating demand side, ang DTI pwede rin silang magkaroon ng caravans at magbenta ng mas murang gamit o pangunahing pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Pwede rin nilang gawin yun. Ang importante ngayon is ang price freeze dahil may pormal nang state of calamity ang Batangas.

Calamity fund

Q: Tama ba Sir yung information na binawasan daw ng Congress ng P4 billion o P40 billion ang calamity fund?

SEN WIN: Kaya rin nabawasan yan dahil noong huling taon, hindi naman nagamit. That's number one. Two, yung 2019 na hindi nagamit, inilagay sa 2020 so hindi kompleto ang picture dahil nabawasan nga ito ng 4 billion, nadagdagan naman dahil sa 2019 na budget.

Q: So hindi pwedeng sabihin na i-expect niyo nang kakapusin kasi binawasan?

SEN WIN: Correct, hindi siya kapos dahil yung 2019 na hindi nagamit, inilagay naman sa 2020. Nagyon, kapag kulang pa rin, ang ating Pangulo ay pwedeng humingi sa Kongreso ng supplemental budget para madagdagan. Tinatayang 35 billion pesos ang pinsala dito initially sa mga reports na nakikita ko. Sa ganitong halaga, tingin ko kaya naman ng ating pamahalaan na sagutin ito dahil malaki ang pondo ng DOTr, public works at DepEd.

Q: Clarify lang ako doon sa natirang 2019 calamity fund magkano po yun?

SEN. WIN: The leftover available balance as of November 30, 2019 Php 11,038,987,753. During the discussion I remember itong calamity fund natin for 2020 binawasan dahil nga yung 2019 hindi nagamit at kung matatandaan natin nag pass ng resolution ang Congress para i-extend yung validity. So hindi tama na nabawasan kasi kapag inipon-ipon mo yun, sobra-sobra pa yun.

Q: more than 50% ang hindi nagamit dahil 2020 na tayo diba?

SEN. WIN: noong 2019 hindi nagamit yung five months, so seven months lang eh yung 7 months hindi rin nagamit, walang masyadong major calamities kaya malaki ang natira diyan.

Q: Hindi na kailangan ng approval para gamitin yan?

SEN. WIN: Hindi na, ang disenyo ng calamity fund, ang Executive pwedeng gamitin kaagad yan. In fact, meron tayong tinatawag na Quick Response Fund (QRF) na 6.8 billion na itong QRF ay pwedeng gamitin ito sa evacuation so pagbili ng pagkain, pagbili ng tent, kasi ang calamity fund dalawa yan eh; rehabilitation and isa for quick response.

Q: So ang mag di-dispose ng budget ang DSWD?

SEN. WIN: Ang lead agency can be DSWD but ang OCD ang mag de-determine kung kailangan but typically DSWD, nandiyan yung pagkain, tent, typically DSWD yan. Even local governments may QRF, iba-iba, typically 5 percent of your total pero may approval pa rin dapat yan ng council at dapat mag declare ng state of calamity so pag declare ng state of calamity pwede mo nang gamitin yung calamity fund. Ang approving authority ng calamity fund is of course the President and the head of agency but the head of agency kukuha ng guidance from the Office of Civil Defense bilang Chairman ng NDRRMC.

Q: So wala nang bidding yun?

SEN. WIN: Wala na.

LGUs response

Q: Satisfied ba kayo sa speed ng reaction ng LGU at ng national government?

SEN WIN: Sa aking monitoring, importante na alam ng local governments na delikado ang lugar na kinasasakupan nila. Ang unang pumasok sa isip ko, bakit may mga nakatira pa rin within that 4km radius danger zone at may mga bahay pa rin sa 14km na buffer zone. Yung 4km na danger zone, dapat wala talagang bahay dun eh. Yung information na nakikita natin online, may mga nakatira pa so bakit ganito? Makikita natin na kahit wala namang napinsala o namatay pero ang kanilang kabuhayan ay nasira. Importante na alam ng LGU ang mga delikadong lugar at i-impose na walang pwedeng tumira doon dahil for example, nangyari ito sa gabi, talagang pwedeng may mamatay dito sa pangyayari.

Q: Yung national government, ang sinasabi ng local officials, panay hingi nila ng tulong pero mabagal ang dating?

SEN WIN: Ang mga local governments, mayroong calamity fund yan eh. Kailangan lang nila mag-declare ng state of calamity. Sa mga ganitong kalamidad, ang unang responder ay ang local government, pumapangalawa lang ang national government dahil sila ang nasa ground. Para sa akin, nakita ko na ang national government ay kaagad na rumisponde dahil kahapon nagbigay agad ang DSWD ng presscon at na-identify agad ang mga evacuation centers. Moving forward, sa mga ganitong posibleng mga trahedya, ang local government talaga ang dapat nating bigyan ng mas marami pang kapangyarihan at mas maraming pondo para rumisponde kaagad. Q: May mga residente Sir na on their own sila nag-evacuate. Kumbaga, yung kanilang preparedness ay kulang pa rin.

SEN WIN: In fairness, noong minomonitor ko ang situation, hindi inaakala ng marami na ganito kalala ang mangyayari dahil yung pag-release naman ng steam sa Taal ay madalas makita, alam ko marami pa ngang turista ang gustong umakyat para makita ang crater. Pero nung nag-alboroto na ang bulkan, marami na talaga ang lumikas at mabilis naman rumisponde ang ating local government, pero dahil sa laki ng pinsala, kulang rin ang pondo ng local governments kaya dito na papasok ang ating national governments.

Power supply

Q: Dun sa power supply kasi after ng ashfall, may mga na-knockdown na power distribution circuits?

SEN WIN: Dalawang bagay ang nangyari, marami sa mga planta ay nasa Batangas. Karamihan dito ay nagmi-maintenance ngayon so ang ginawa nila ay pinatay muna nila ang mga makina nila para mag-maintain. May mga rotating brown-outs tayong nakikita sa Batangas at sa mga karatig lalawigan at meron akong reports ng NGCP at electric cooperatives na naglilinis rin ang kanilang equipment so nakikita ko in the next one to two weeks, may mga rotating brown-outs dahil sa paglilinis at pagkukumpuni ng mga equipment sa Batangas at mga karatig lalawigan.

Q: Temporary lang?

SEN WIN: Yes, temporary lang yan. Sa mga reports na nakuha ko, wala namang major na nasira. Karamihan dito ay maintenance para masigurado na ligtas ang kanilang equipment at karamihan din sa mga equipment nila ay tumatakbo pa, kailangan lang linisin.

Q: May safety measure ba yun kasi sinasabi pwedeng magtagal pa itong problema sa Taal?

SEN. WIN: Sa mga reports na nakukuha ko walang major na nasira sa equipment nila, kailangan lang linisin at kailangan siguraduhin na safe lalo na sa mga transmission, ang mga poste dahil natakpan ito ng ash. Importante din na matibay pa itong mga poste hindi babagsak sa mga kabahayan. So ito ang mga ginagawa ng mga electric coops at may pondo din sila, may calamity fund ang DoE para magamit dito.

Evacuation centers

Q: Maraming space ngayon sa Batangas ang trinansform into evacuation centers. Anong remedy ang pwedeng gawin ng DepEd dahil apektado na ang mga mag-aaral? SEN WIN: Meron akong isang batas na inihain, dun sa tinatawag nating areas na madalas magkaroon ng kalamidad. Ito yung mga danger areas, yung mga eskwelahan nila ay magtayo ng evacuation centers. For example, sa Bicol kung malapit ka sa Mayon, dito sa Batangas, kung malapit ka sa Taal, sa mga eastern seaboard, sa Region V, dito madalas ilikas ang mga kababayan natin doon. Magandang may permanent evacuation centers na tayo dahil kagaya ngayon, ang mga evacuees nasa eskwelahan pero pasukan ngayon so marami sa mga classroom ang hindi magagamit dahil nandun ang ating mga evacuees.

Q: In the meantime, ano ang immediate remedy kung ganito ang situation?

SEN WIN: Magpadala ng temporary tents. Marami nang lokal na pamahalaan ang bumibili ng temporary tents na inilalagay nila sa basketball courts o multipurpose area para hindi magamit ang eskwelahan ng pangmatagalan. Kami sa Valenzuela, magpapadala kami ng temporary evacuation tents at ito yung immediately ay dapat maibigay ng DSWD para magamit ang eskwelahan sa pag-aaral at ang basketball courts at ang ibang facilities for evacuation centers.

Q: Kapareho ng sa Marikina Sir?

SEN WIN: Yes. Para siyang tent for evacuees. May privacy siya, individual siya. Maraming NCR local governments like Valenzuela, meron nang ganyan. Ito yung dapat maipadala agad sa areas kasi tinatayang 20,000 families already ang nailikas. Itong mga pamilyang ito ay nasa evacuation areas yan dahil madumi at maalikabok pa sa mga lugar nila.

Special Emergency Leave

Q: May proposal na magkaroon ng five-day special emergency leave if direct hit ka ng calamity?

SEN. WIN: Sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, ang GSIS at SSS ay nagiimplementa sila ng moratorium sa mga may utang at sa iba pang sinisingil ng SSS at GSIS kaya dapat paalalahanin din natin ang mga ahensya na ito na wag na singilin yung mga nasalanta sa pagsabog ng taal dahil marami sa kanila hindi nakakapasok, hindi nakakatrabaho at walang kakayahan magbayad pa ng kanilang obligasyon sa SSS at GSIS. Gagawan natin ito ng pormal na resolusyon sa Senado para masabihan ang mga ahensya na ito na wag muna singilin, bigyan muna ng moratorium itong mga nasalanta nating mga kababayan, mag fa-file ho tayo ng reso.

Q: Eh pano naman ang mga private sectors o government workers on the Special Emergency Leave?

SEN. WIN: Kumporme ako dahil ito talaga ay kailangan para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan sa Batangas, sa Region IV-A in particular dahil sa mga nakikita natin sa telebisyon, tingin ko tatagal ang paglinis at hindi madali ang paglinis neto dahil hindi ito yung tipong pwede mo lang itulak lang sa mga canal, kailangan talaga dahan-dahang tanggalin para hindi bumara ang ating mga drainage system so puntong ito, marami talagang makakapasok, lahat ng supporta na pwede natin ibigay through emergency leaves ay dapat ibigay natin.

Q: Sa government meron na pala Sir? Sa private sir ang wala?

SEN. WIN: Meron na sa government, every calamity and SSS at GSIS nagde-declare ng moratorium at karamihan rin through a resolution ng Senado at Kongreso.

Cloud seeding

Q: Sir habol ko lang yung sa could seeding action? Nakita niyo ba ito as an effective way?

SEN. WIN: Yung cloud seeding na recommendation ni SP para luminis kaagad yung kapaligiran, itong nalalanghap na maduming hangin, importante ito dahil maraming sakit ang nanggagaling sa paglanghap nitong mga ashes at yung kanyang recommendation para luminwag para maging mas maaliwalas ang kapaligiran, ok ako doon kailangan lang mag coordinate sa DOST para malaman kung kailan at paano gawin.

OFW deployment ban

Q: Segue way lang ako ka Villavende meron kayong recommendation, dahil sabi niyo parang niloko yung government natin?

SEN. WIN: Itong pagibibgay satin na pekeng autopsy report, insulto sa atin yan, insulto sa ating bansa, insult sa ating gobyerno at insulto sa ating lahat bilang Pilipino, insulto satin yan dahil itong pagkamatay ni Jenelyn naghahanap tayo ng hustisya at katarungan para sa kanya at isang paraan para makamit natin ang hustisya ay makita natin ang tunay at legitimate autopsy report. Itong dokumentong ito ay gagamitin natin para masmapahan ng kaso itong mga gumawa nitong karumal-dumal na krimen. Eh kung ibibigay nila ay peke o dinoktor, insulto yan sa atin bilang bansa, bilang mga Pilipino na naghahanap ng hustisya para sa ating kababayan kaya ang recommendation ko sa ating gobyerno; dapat ipatawag ang ating Ambassador sa Kuwait para makuha ang katotoohan ukol sa mahalagang dokumentong ito. Pangawala dapat magkaroon na ng permanenteng deployment ban para sa mga household service workers dahil kadalasan nalalagay yung buhay nila sa peligro. Noong 2018, si Ms. Demafelis, hindi ko maisip bakit ganun ang ang nangyari sa kanya at hindi ko maisip kung paano nagawa yun sa kanya, nakakalungkot dahil pangalawang beses na itong nangyari sa loob ng dalawang taon. So imporante na masagot ito ng pamahalaan ng Kuwait at masagot ng Ambassador ng Kuwait.

Q: Meron naman tayong ibang market diba?

SEN. WIN: Meron tayong ibang market at ang ating mga OFW hindi lang nagtratrabaho sa Middle East, tumutulong rin sila sa kanilang ekonomiya. Marami sa mga Middle Eastern at mga Kuwaitis ay masaya sa serbisyo ng ating mga kababayan dahil marunong tayo mag English, sanay tayo sa ganitong trabaho pero kailangan bigyan pa rin ng proteksyon yung ating mga kababayan at dapat mabilis ang hustisya. Kaya naman nauulit itong mga krimen na ito dahil mabagal ang pagtakbo ng hustisya. Kung matatandaan natin lumagda na ang Pangulo at ating pamahalaan ng agreement na maglalagay ng safeguards, proproteksyunan ang ating mga kababayan, hindi kukunin ang passport pero hanggang ngayon itong agreement na ito ay wala parin, nakabinbin, wala pang aksyon. Kaya dapat hingan natin ng mga kasagutan ang Ambassador dahil siya ang representative ng Kuwaiti government at siya dapat ang managot sa pekeng autopsy report na binigay sa atin.

Q: Si Sec. Locsin walang kailangan i-explain?

SEN. WIN: Tingin ko wala siya dapat i-explain-

Q: Kasi sir siya rin yung pumirma and dapat na o-oversee yung agreement hindi po ba?

SEN. WIN: Oo, I think kasama yan sa oversight ng DFA, so kasama rin yan ng reporma na ginawa ng dalawang bansa but syempre dahil ang Kuwait ang implementing and host country importante din na tumutupad sila sa agreement dahil buhay ang nakasalalay dito at importante na ang host country ang gumagawa ng lahat para ma proteksyunan ang ating mga kababayan.

Q: Sir ang Senate ba hindi ie-exercise yung oversight function pagdating sa situation ngayon ng migrant workers?

SEN. WIN: Dapat tignan ito especially pinaguuspan ngayon yung paglilikha ng Departamento para sa OFWs ay dapat mapaguspan ng masinsinan dahil maraming bansa ang hindi tumutupad sa mga agreement na nilagdaan natin. Mahalaga ang mga agreement na ito dahil Kung walang proteksyon ang ating mga OFW, ganito ang mangyayari, yung mga criminal na gumawa na ito ibis na maparusahan nalalabnaw pa yung mga kaso nila at hindi magiging magandang sitwasyon para sa ating mga OFWs.

[end recording]



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Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, on Monday said they are distributing N95 masks to prevent respiratory diseases that could be caused by hazardous particles from Taal Volcano.

"As I speak, we are distributing about 1,800 N95 masks, and we have ordered another 20,000. Hopefully, in the next 2 or 3 days we will be able to add more. Hopefully, it will not undergo a series of eruptions. But obviously, it's not only just Batangas, if this happens some more, Cavite, Tagaytay, Manila, among will be affected and people should help themselves acquire masks. If you don't have an N95 mask, you can put a damp diaper on your face, it is the most primitive. In the meantime, wag sanang umasa ang mga tao na mabibigyan sila ng mask. Napakahalaga na matuto sila," he said. There has been a high demand for the said mask, with people buying them by the boxes.

In an interview, Gordon also called on the people to use improvised masks such as covering their faces with damp diapers to protect themselves from hazardous volcanic particles that could get into their lungs if they do not possess N95 masks which is said to be the most effective protection from breathing in hazardous particles since it gives a very close facial fit and filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles.

Gordon pointed out that based on his experience when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, the government should prepare for respiratory and other kinds of diseases caused by the particles coming out of the volcano.

The PRC chief disclosed that though there is still no need for one at the moment, they are already preparing to put up a big hospital bed with additional beds in Batangas to accommodate sick people.

Gordon also advised people who are staying in their houses to arm themselves with brooms and check their roofs after an ash fall because its weight could cause their roofs to collapse or cave in.

"The other thing that I would like to repeat and repeat and repeat - people have to go and check, those who are not in the evacuation centers but those who are in their houses, every time we have a copious amount of ash fall, they should have a walis tingting that they could use to sweep the ashes from their roof because a lot of people get injured or are killed when their houses or the roof of their houses collapse because of the weight of the ash or lahar deposit. Sinabi ko nga noon sa mga kababayan ko noong pumutok ang Pinatubo, umakyat tayo sa bubong at pagpapalahin tayo ng Panginoon. At nailigtas namin ang mga bahay naming," he said.



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Ali Sotto: Senator Grace Poe, magandang umaga po.

Arnold Clavio: Ma'am Grace, Igan at Ali po, good morning.

Sen. Grace Poe: Hi, good morning Ali and Igan at sa lahat ng nakikinig, magandang umaga po.

Clavio: Welcome sa radio na, TV pa.

Sotto: Ang tanong po natin, eh, 'yung kasalukuyan po nating setup na meron po tayong NDRRMC, bakit hindi pa po ba sapat 'yun? Bakit kailangan pa po ba ng bagong departamento?

Clavio: Sa ngayon coordinating palang lahat 'no? O kailangan ba ng isang departamento Ma'am?

Poe: Sa tingin ko, kailangan natin talaga kasi ang NDRRMC, bagama't ginagampanan naman nila ang kanilang tungkulin, ay coordinating body. Tama ka diyan Igan, wala naman sila talagang kapangyarihan kasi ang talagang namumuno pa rin diyan ay ang AFP, ang Defense Department. Parang ang NDRRMC, parang kapag may disaster, sila lang ang magko-coordinate sa DSWD, sa Department of National Defense etc. Ngayon, dito sa bagong batas na inihain natin dito sa Senado at alam ko meron din sa Kongreso, magkakaroon talaga ng kapangyarihan ito. Magiging cabinet rank o magiging secretary ang mamumuno dito. Pero higit sa lahat, 'yung kanilang magiging mandato o tungkulin ay hindi lamang pagresponde kundi, tama ang sinabi naman ni Ali, na may angkop tayong kakayahan kapag nagkaroon, para maiwasan ang mga ganitong uri ng trahedya kapag may kalamidad. So tatlong bagay ang gagawin diyan, tutulungan tayong iwasan ang sakuna, prevention. Pangalawa, papaano ang maagap na pagresponde. At pangatlo, itong madalas na nakakaligtaan kapag nagkaroon na ng malaking kalamidad at 'yung trahedya, papaano ang rehabilitasyon pagkatapos. Kasi minsan, ito na nagkaroon na ng baha, papaano na ngayon?

Clavio: 'Yung sira

Poe: Oo, paano na ang mga sira, 'yung mga paglikas at tamang pagbibigay ng relokasyon sa mga naroon.

Clavio: Kasi minsan hindi na kailangan pabalikin, wala na, wala ng buhay doon.

Poe: Wala na at saka sa umpisa pa lang, Ali at Igan. Katulad dito sa Taal, sinabi nga na isa ito sa pinakapeligro na bulkan sa buong mundo. Dapat umpisa pa lang limitado na talaga ang mga nandoon di'ba? Hindi 'yung sinasabi nila na 70,000 ba na taong nakatira doon.

Sotto: Nakatira doon.

Poe: Nakatira doon at 3,000 mga kabayo at iba pang mga hayop, di'ba? So natural kung iisipin nating isla 'yun, dapat iniisip na natin 'yung pag-alis ng mga tao kung saka-sakali na magkaroon ng gulo. Papaano ita-transport lahat 'yun kaagad-agad, 'di ba?

Clavio: Noong Linggo, biglaan noong Linggo eh.

Sotto: Tapos it's the same token na meron ng kalihim, may secretary na who heads that department. Kumbaga somebody is responsible at kung merong pagkukulang, alam mo who to blame also di'ba.

Poe: Tama.

Sotto: Kasi kamukha nito, sinasabi kanina ni Usec. Solidum since March 2019, nasa Alert Level one na 'yung Taal Volcano, so even at that time allowed pa rin ang mga turista na pumunta doon up to the crater. May mga nagsu-swimming pa roon sa lake, when at that point...

Clavio: Alam ba nila na Alert Level one na?

Sotto: Hindi ba po di'ba 'yung mga tinatawag natin na mga protocols in place na kailangang nakikita natin na naipapatupad, ano po?

Poe: Tama. Alam mo Ali, 'yan 'yung pinaka-importante diyan, sino ba ang mamamahal. Kasi katulad ng nangyari sa Yolanda, siyempre iba-ibang kagawaran ang merong inaambag diyan. Pero 'yung tao na talagang sasabihin natin na siya talaga ang...

Sotto: Pointman.

Poe: Oo, siya talaga ang may responsibilidad, hindi natin matukoy�Ngayon sa ilalim..

Sotto:Ang katotohanan ba Senator, kailangan ng cabinet rank kasi meron akong nabasang ulat, sino bang cabinet, kunwari 'yung ibang cabinet secretaries, kunwari as it is now, NDRRMC, walang karanggo na magkukumpas eh. Ang sinasabi kailangan cabinet rank din ang may kapangyarihan para may ipin.

Clavio: Oo, pero ang alam ko ang laging namumuno diyan si Secretary Lorenzana ng Department of National Defense. So si Secretary, cabinet rank din 'yun, Senator? Kaya lang gusto mo nakatutok doon, hindi 'yung 'pag ganito saka lang siya nag-aassume ng pagiging chairman ng NDRRMC?

Sotto: At saka ang dami na niyang responsibilidad.

Poe: Tama, oo, kuha talaga ninyo eh. Kapag nandiyan ka na siyempre Secretary of Defense, ang dami mong pinagkakaabalahan di'ba, 'yung seguridad ng bansa natin.

Clavio: Hindi lang disaster.

Poe: Pati 'yung West Philippine Sea, lahat na 'yan. Papaano mo nga naman hahatiin ang oras mo? So kailangan ng cabinet rank, nakaupo siya sa lamesa kasama ng ibang kalihim, kailangan. 'Yan talagang NDRRMC sabihin na natin Disaster Resilience Management, kailangan 'yan, naka-coordinate sa lahat, DPWH kapag may sirang mga kalsada; DSWD sa pagbibigay ng mga tulong; at marami pang ibang kagawaran.

Clavio: Hindi po naka-inplace 'yun sa ngayon, Senator?

Poe: Hindi kasi council lang, wala naman sila talagang kumpas diyan. At saka pati na rin ang budget. Ngayon, maidagdag ko lang kasama rin kasi dito sa batas na ito ang koordinasyon sa local government, magkakaroon ng satellite offices ang DREM para naman mas mabilis na mapupuntahan pagdating ng relokasyon, pagdating ng koordinasyon.

Clavio: Okay, ito ayaw ko lang makalimutan kasi nasa prayoridad ba ng ating pamahalaan ang ganyang uri ng inyo pong naisin? Kasi tingnan niyo, papaano niyo mauugnay ngayon, binawasan ang calamity fund pero gusto natin magtayo ng isang departamento na kailangan may pera rin 'yan para kumilos. So papaano po ang Kongreso dito? Pag-iisahin itong, bakit kailangang bawasan ang calamity fund pero kailangang magtayo ng ganitong departamento.

Poe: Alam mo hindi ko talaga maintindihan bakit nabawasan ang calamity fund pero malaking tulong kasi pagdating sa deliberasyon ng budget meron isang departamento na merong kalihim na ipaglalaban ang budget; ipagtatanggol, ito ang kailangan natin. Oo nga naman, kung council ka lang nasa ilalim ka ng isang departamento siyempre mauuna muna ang pangangailangan ng Department of National Defense, di'ba.

Clavio: Parang ngayon nabawasan ang calamity fund, walang kumuwestyon.

Sotto: At saka ang inirereklamo nila, ng NDRRMC, kulang na kulang talaga ang personnel. Kulang na kulang talaga ang tao nila.

Poe: Oo, wala, kulang talaga sila. Alam mo noong nagkaroon nga ng emergency na ganito, ang daming tumawag sa mga kalihim pero 'yun nga devolved na sa local government, halimbawa ang Department of Agriculture, so mahirap maghagilap ng tao para kunin 'yan kung walang koordinasyon para gumawa ng release. Kaya isa 'yan sa mga bagay na hindi natin kailangang kalimutan dito sa mga probisyon. Tatlo ang magiging bureau sa ilalim nito. Katulad diyan sa DA, may Bureau of Animals, kung anu-anong mga bureau. Ito ang Bureau of Disaster Resilience, tapos 'yung Bureau of Disaster Preparation at saka ang Bureau of Knowledge and Management Dissemination.

Sotto: 'Yan ang sinasabi natin na early warning systems in place 'no?

Poe: Oo early warning, at saka kasama doon sa dissemination, 'yung technical knowledge na sila 'yung talagang mag-aaral ng mga bagong teknolohiya o bagong paraan para maangkop tayo kapag merong ganitong klaseng hamon o kalamidad.

Clavio: Puwede bang maidagdag diyan Ma'am ay imbes 'yung mga evacuee nakatunganga lang sa mga evacuation centers, maglagay tayo ng programa na magkakaroon sila ng kabuhayan. At 'yung evacuation center magiging parang pansamantalang community nila na kumikilos din sila.

Sotto: Pero ang isang nabanggit tungkol sa evacuation center, dapat magtayo na tayo ng permanent evacuation centers, hindi 'yung ganitong laging na lang sa mga eskwelahan, nadidisrupt 'yung education ng mga kabataan. Permanent evacuation centers sa bawat region.

Clavio: Nakapaloob ba 'yun Ma'am sa panukala?

Poe: Oo, alam mo kasama 'yan sa mga maaaring, hindi naman nakadetalye kung ano talaga ang mga evacuation centers na papatayo pero kasama kasi sa disaster preparedness ang pagkakaroon ng tamang evacuation center. Ngayon, alam mo kapag inisip natin ang isang probinsya, hindi naman natin kayang magpagawa ng evacuation center na kakayanin ang ilang daang barangay pero kailangan din may designated areas na nainspeksyon. Halimbawa, kung hindi man eskwelahan na pwede, eh mga iba't ibang lugar na pwede nilang puntahan dahil kung magpapagawa ka ng isang gusali na evacuation center baka hindi naman kasya ang lahat ng tao sa lugar na 'yun. Pero dapat meron pa ring lugar na designated area, kung saka-sakali.

Clavio: Kasi kapag pumunta ka ng probinsya Ma'am, alam niyo naman ang inuuna ng mga mambabatas, convention center. Ang laki, pwede namang evacuation center, nako-convert.

Poe: Pwede naman basta 'yung convention center na iyon ay matibay�

Sotto: How do you reconcile kasi nga kayo ring mga mambabatas ngayon, tinatalakay itong rightsizing dahil nga sinabi itong bloated masyado itong ating burukrasya. Marami nang duplication, redundancy, maraming ika nga ni Senator Lacson, ang daming mga freeloaders na sinusuwelduhan na wala namang ginagawa.

Poe: Oo, tama.

Sotto: So 'yung ano na 'yun, layunin to rightsize yung bloated bureaucracy versus itong gagawa na naman tayo ng bagong department.

Poe: Alam mo, totoo naman 'yun, napakalaki ng ating burukrasya. Pero iisipin din natin, kapag nag-downsize tayo, kaya tayo dapat mag-rightsize, dahil may mga iba namang kagawaran na mas importante sa panahon natin ngayon na hindi natin nagawa noon. Kaya nga itong Disaster Resilience, sinabi na nga sa buong mundo, Pilipinas yata ay number three sa most susceptible pagdating sa natural calamity. So talagang kailangan natin ito sa tingin ko, itong bagong Disaster Resilience Emergency Management Department... Pwede lang siguro palakasin ang mandato ng mga nandiyan na, so 'yun ang mga bagay na. Isa nga 'yung sa aking komite, di'ba sinasabi nila dapat magkaroon ng Department of Water Management, ako sa tingin ko meron talagang merito 'yan. Sapagkat ang MWSS ay para sa Metro Manila lamang tapos merong mga LWUA, may iba't ibang mga water districts at cooperatives na hindi natin alam kung ano ang sentro talaga diyan. Ang problema natin ngayon kulang tayo sa tubig pero kapag bumagyo naman dito sobra-sobra ang tubig, hindi natin naiipon ang ating mga resources kaya may mga bagay talaga na dahil sa panahon talagang maiiba pati na rin ang istruktura ng ating gobyerno.

Sotto: Going back to rightsizing, may binanggit kasi si Senator Koko Pimentel, na kahalintulad sa France, ang government din sana natin, meron din tayong mga officials and employees, 'yung ibang mga ahensya na related din dito sa Disaster Response, ang sinasabi niya pwede mo namang i-transfer dito sa panukalang DDR, anong reaksyon nyo po dito?

Poe: Pwede rin 'yun. Tama rin naman diyan si Senator Koko. Kapag meron nang nakakaalam, kunwari sa Department of National Defense, meron doon na siguro ay 'yung kanilang responsibilidad ay para sa disaster reseponse ay pwedeng ilipat dito sa bagong ano, kasi at least meron na silang, well although short, meron silang knowledge. Now, kukuha tayo ng mga eksperto na nandiyan. Alam ko may mga requirement talaga for retirement pero wag natin kalilimutan na ang mga nakakatanda, mas meron din silang kaalaman doon sa mga naging kaganapan at kung hindi naman pisikal ang trabaho ay makakaambag sila ng karanasan doon sa mga departamento. Katulad niyan, naglabasan ang kasaysayan ng Taal. Siyempre kapag puro mga bago hindi naman nila naiintindihan 'yan. Kaya maganda na rin itong si Usec. Solidum sa Phivolcs siya. Siyempre 'yung experience niya importante ang mga ganun.

Sotto: Actually very knowledgeable nga sila. Sila ni Antonia Bornas na very impressive kapag sila ay nagko-conduct ng mga press conference.

Poe: Oo, totoo.

Sotto: Reaksyon niyo lang doon naman sa sinabi ni Senator Lacson, dito sa isinusulong nga na bagong kagawaran. Sabi niya 'office under the Office the President should do the job.' Parang offhand, ang sinasabi niya hindi na kailangan ng bagong department, opisina lang, pwede na; office under the Office of the President sapat na.

Poe: Actually, dito sa NDRRMC kasi policy body ito, kasama ang Presidente dito. Pero siyempre ang Presidente naman marami talagang kasama sya kahit sa NEDA kasama rin sya. Ako siguro I would respectfully debate Senator Lacson on this point sapagkat para sa akin nga ang importante merong point person at meron talagang ahensya lalung-lalo na ang ating bansa ay nahaharap sa maraming hamon ng kalamidad. Siyempre kung council ka lang eh kahit na sabihin mo under the Office of the President, hindi pa rin pareho 'yan. Tingnan mo 'yung PCOO under the Office of the President, iba talaga 'yung merong secretary na merong cabinet rank at may sarili siyang ahensya, may sarili siyang budget. Hindi siya naka-tuck lang sa Office of the President. Kasi nga, di'ba sabi ko sa inyo, kailangan 'yan talagang dinidepensahan. Pero pakinggan din natin ang ating mga kasamahan, si Senator Lacson baka nga meron siyang masasabing paraan pero sa tingin ko nasubukan na rin natin 'yan. Tignan na rin natin, basta rightsizing tama ka, kunin sa ibang ahensya 'yung mga maaaring ilipat para hindi naman basta gasta tayo ng gasta na hindi naman natin pinag-aaralan.

Clavio: Tama, Ma'am. Kasi naiisip ko simula nang naging mamamahayag ako noong 1987 hanggang 2019 lahat ng resources ng gobyerno napunta lang sa kalamidad, Ma'am. Ang dami talaga tapos paulit-ulit pa sa isang lugar. Hindi ba minsan ganoon?

Sotto: Lindol, bagyo, di'ba?

Clavio: Tapos ibabalik lang natin, sila ulit ang mabibiktima, tutulungan ulit natin pero kapag nakita mo talaga 'yung dami ng resources, Ma'am nauubos talaga.

Poe: Siyempre di'ba kapag gumagawa tayo ng isang bagay na ora-orada, ay hindi naman talaga natin maisasaayos 'yan. Kailangan mahabang pagpaplano dahil, kunyari gumagawa ka ng budget para sa bahay mo kapag may nasirang isang bagay dahil hindi ka gumawa ng preventive maintenance mas mahal ang gagastusin mo, ganundin.

Clavio: Alam ni Senator Lacson 'yan kasi siya ang nag-head ng Yolanda. Kapag binalikan mo ngayon, tulad ng nabanggit mo kailangan after ng disaster meron pa ring programa pero ngayon kapag binalikan mo ang ibang biktima ng kalamidad hindi naibalik sa normal ang buhay nila.

Poe: Hindi at saka talagang mahabang panahon ang gugugulin mo para maisaayos 'yan. 'Yung mga relocation kapag sila pinalipat dahil wala naman silang kabuhayan doon sa paglilipatan ay babalik at babalik sila doon sa lugar na 'yun. Kaya siyempre bilang rehabilitation czar si Senator Lacson, marami siyang maiaambag na mula sa sarili niyang karanasan kaya tignan na rin natin. Isa sa naging problema nya, 'yung wala naman talaga siyang kapangyarihan, noong siya ay naitalaga, sabi nga niya pati ang kanyang tanggapan, ang kanyang opisina gumagastos.

Sotto: Siya ang nagbabayad out of his pocket.

Clavio: Abonado siya.

Poe: So di'ba parang doon lamang nakikita na natin na may kakulangan talaga ng direktiba at direksyon.

Clavio: Tapos ito pang isa, nabubuksan siya sa corruption dahil papasok ang private sector diyan eh.

Sotto: 'Yun nga eh. Parang nakikita mo, more and more.

Clavio: Nananamantala doon sa ano

Sotto: Hindi, more on umaasa tayo sa private donations. Actually dapat ang estado 'yun.

Poe: Oo, alam mo, 'yung sinasabi ni Igan dito kapag hindi maayos ang bidding pagdating dito sa pagbigay ng aid at rehabilitation, palpak talagang magkakaroon ng padding, minsan nga sinasabi ni Senator Villar 'yung housing sa Zamboanga wala man lang toilet. So 'yung mga kalokohan na ganyan pero 'yung sinasabi din naman ni Ali tama rin. Alam mo kapag nakita mo ang pagreresponde, umaasa rin tayo sa pribadong sektor.

Clavio: Nauuna sila diyan.

Poe: Oo, alam mo ang mga kabayanihan natin, nakikita talaga pati pagtulong ng mga tao. 'Yung kanya kanyang pag-ambag kaya importante talaga na merong plano at koordinasyon para kung kunwari ang gobyerno nga ang namamahala, pero maayos ang pag-dodonate. Alam mo may mga nagsasabi, alam mo gusto namin mag-donate pero hindi tinanggap ng lokal na pamahalaan. Kung hindi pa nila kilala 'yung Mayor ng lugar na 'yun, hindi pa tatanggapin. Kasi sinasabi merong central coordinating body, tama naman 'yun pero dapat tama ang impormasyon na ibinibigay natin na dito ninyo ibigay, ganitong lugar...

Clavio: Senador, maraming salamat.

Sotto: Mananatili kaming naka-monitor dahil nga pagbabalik ninyo sa Lunes.

Poe: Oo, meron, pero 'yan ay nasa Committee yan ni Senator Bato ha, kasi sa Defense Committee na 'yun. Pero merong hearing din ang LTFRB pagdating dito sa Motorcycle taxis sa Lunes. Uumpisahan natin.

Clavio: Senador, salamat po.

Poe: Okay, thanks Ali and Igan.



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Senator Sonny Angara called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to utilize the funds under its budget for the assistance to workers displaced by the eruption of the Taal Volcano.

As chairman of the Committee on Finance that went over the 2020 General Appropriations Act, Angara pointed out that the DOLE has over P120 million that it can tap to provide assistance to the displaced workers, particularly those who reside in the areas within the vicinity of Taal in Cavite and Batangas.

There are now over 40,000 evacuees from Cavite and Batangas who were forced to flee their homes because of the eruption of the volcano.

Apart from the lack of food, clothing and shelter, many of the evacuees also have to cope with their loss of employment because of the disaster.

"The impact of the eruption of Taal Volcano is wide-ranging. Most of the affected families have lost everything, including their livelihood and it is the obligation of the government to provide them with support during times like these," Angara said.

"We must do everything to get these communities back on their feet again at the soonest possible time. The entire nation must be behind all those affected by the eruption," Angara added.

Under the 2020 General Appropriations Act, the DOLE has P112.62 million for its Adjustment Measures Program and P6.8 million for its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD.

TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

Under TUPAD, beneficiaries will be provided with basic orientation on safety and health, personal protective equipment, and enrolment in group micro-insurance.

Once the emergency employment program is completed, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or its accredited training institutions will be tapped to conduct the skills training for the TUPAD beneficiaries under its Training for Work Scholarship Program.

As for the DOLE's Adjustment Measures Program, a comprehensive package of assistance will be provided to the workers affected by the eruption of Taal. The program aims to enhance the employability and competitiveness of the displaced workers.

For permanent or regular employees, they are entitled to receive financial relief support equivalent to 50 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in the region for a maximum period of six months.

In the case of non-permanent or casual employees, the financial support will be equivalent to 25 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in the region for a maximum period of three months.

"We urge the DOLE to immediately issue the guidelines for the programs and to reach out to the individuals in the affected areas. For the employers of the affected individuals, we appeal for their understanding. It will give them some peace of mind to know that they will have their old jobs waiting for them once they are able to resume their normal lives," Angara said.



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Senator Leila M. de Lima has lamented lawyer Jude Sabio's decision to withdraw his communication to the International Criminal Court (ICC) linking Duterte and his other officials in the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under the government's all-out war on drugs.

De Lima said Sabio's withdrawal is not only an attempt to discredit the cases against human rights atrocities of the Duterte regime but more so for his betrayal to the victims and survivors of extrajudicial and summary killings in the country.

"I feel sorry for Atty. Sabio. I can understand that he is going through personal issues that forced him to turn his back on the cause of the victims of mass atrocities," she said in his recent Dispatch from Crame No. 702.

"Whatever is the true reason for such an awful move, Atty. Sabio has become very vulnerable to the machinations from the dark forces," she added.

Last Jan. 15, Sabio, who represented self-confessed Duterte Death Squad hitman Edgar Matobato, announced he has written a letter to ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda about his intention to withdraw his earlier ICC communication.

The ICC, however, said in an official statement that communications sent to their office can no longer be withdrawn and Sabio's apparent step-back will have no impact on the ongoing preliminary examination.

De Lima, who has been vocal against summary killings brought about by Duterte's war on drugs, pointed out that she understands that Sabio's personal issues might have forced him to turn his back on the principles he tried so hard to fight for.

According to her, Sabio's withdrawal of his 77-page communication to ICC comes rather "too late a move" and would hardly have any significant dent on the progress of the ICC interventions on the human rights abuses in the country.

"The worst thing we can do is accept the false narrative that resort to the ICC and other global mechanisms for accountability is about politics or propaganda. No, this is about human lives and a quest for justice and accountability which is never a lost cause," she said.

"Atty. Sabio may have fallen, but the fight continues without him and in spite of his betrayal of the victims," she stressed.

The lady Senator from Bicol explained that other communications and information have already been submitted to the ICC regarding the alleged crimes against humanity, specifically, widespread and systematic EJKs first in Davao and then in the war on drugs since 2016.

De Lima said Sabio who was accompanied by fellow lawyer and rabid Duterte supporter Larry Gadon might have faced pressure from "dark forces" who are hell bent to discredit human rights defenders fighting for accountability in the Philippines.

"I'm pretty sure there are forces, desperate ones, behind this development. I don't have to imagine the temptation Atty. Sabio must have faced, urging him to put his own interests ahead of those he is supposed to be advocating for," she said.

"Those voices of temptation could be difficult to resist, and commitments to truth and justice could waver," she added.

In 2017, Sabio was one of the first to ask the ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, to bring charges against Duterte and other government officials for "the terrifying and gruesome situation of continuing mass murder in the Philippines."

Based on news reports, at least 52 communications have been filed against Duterte before the ICC since March 2019, including those filed by opposition figures former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, former Rep. Gary Alejano; human rights lawyers National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, and group of relatives of victims of the drug war, Rise Up.

Bensouda, in a report made public last month, said she is nearing the end of the preliminary examination of the Philippines and will issue a final recommendation to pursue a formal investigation sometime this yea



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Jude Sabio says I was behind the case filed by Edgar Matobato with the Ombudsman against Duterte. "Behind" is such a loaded term. It implies that the charges filed were fabricated.

No, Mr. Sabio. I was not "behind" the filing of the Ombudsman charges. I encouraged and helped Matobato file the charges because he is the person who witnessed the murders he and others with him committed on Duterte's orders.

Alangan namang tulungan ko yun walang kaalam-alam sa mga krimeng ginawa ni Duterte.

It was only proper then that somebody started filing charges against Duterte in light of Matobato's and Lascañas's revelations, after more than 20 years of carrying out Duterte's orders to kill mere suspected criminals, charges that seem to be gathering dust at the Office of the Ombudsman.

I don't know what Jude Sabio hopes to achieve with his supposed "revelation", but everybody already knows I was the one who presented Matobato to testify before the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee. And only rightly so, for Matobato showed the whole world the kind of demon our country is dealing with. Filing murder charges against that devil is only the logical consequence of his Senate testimony.

I am asking Sabio pointblank, does your "revelation" mean that Matobato is not telling the truth? Or that your appreciation of the truth is dependent on your personal issues or circumstances, such as dire financial need?

Alam mo naman na kahit pagbabaligtarin pa ang testimonya ni Matobato, pinaninindigan nya na ang kanyang mga sinabi ay pawang katotohanan lamang. Ikaw lang naman ang may problema sa paninindigan, hindi si Matobato, hindi ako. Matobato has already made his peace with God a long time ago. He will never go back again to the hell that the devil Duterte made for him.

There is nothing illegal or wrong with me helping Matobato file the charges. But I anticipate that my oppressors will again file charges against me, on top of the 14 cases (11 pending, 3 dismissed) they already orchestrated to be filed against me. What is one more harassment case, when they have thrown everything at me including the kitchen sink.

As to Sabio's Communication to the ICC, I was not "behind" that, but I was aware of it. While substantially correct, I felt it needed enhancement. That is why I submitted my own Communication to the ICC in October 2017 - four months before ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced the start of a preliminary examination on the Philippine situation - to complement Sabio's, former Senator Trillanes's, and former Congressman Alejano's Communications. All of these Communications were considered by Prosecutor Bensouda when she announced the start of the preliminary examination on the Philippine situation on February 2018. That is why the withdrawal of one, or even of all these communications, will not stop the ICC process as there are several other communications filed by other individuals and groups, and information gathered by the ICC, that were considered as basis for the preliminary examination.

Resort to available global mechanisms of justice and accountability like the ICC, UNHRC and other UN bodies, and the Global Magnitsky Act in the US, is the right thing to do, particularly when local institutions have been rendered inutile.

Sabio's turn-around will hardly have any effect on any of these efforts. It is not only because of him that the world took notice of the crimes against humanity taking place under Duterte. Sabio gives himself too much credit, more than he rightly deserves.

Sa huli, ang mahalagang sagutin ay, hanggang kailan ang kawalang hustisya sa mga biktima ng mga summary killings, noon at ngayon, na utos mismo ni Duterte?

Hangga't hindi napapanagot ang dyablong ito, hindi rin ako hihinto sa paghikayat ng mga karampatang hakbang at tulong sa mundo



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Senator Win Gatchalian underscores the need for a SIM card registration law as a way of running after perpetrators of hoax messages on mobile phones in relation to the Taal disaster.

Gatchalian pointed out how the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) repeatedly flagged the spread of false and unverified information, which causes public panic and confusion. According to the lawmaker, mandatory registration for prepaid SIM cards will make it easier for authorities to track the perpetrators of fake news and make them accountable for their actions.

"Nakita natin nitong mga nakaraang araw na habang nagsisikap tayong panatilihing ligtas ang ating mga kababayan, may ilan namang sadyang nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon na lalo namang nagiging sanhi ng kalituhan at pag-aalala", said Gatchalian.

"Nakakabahala at kailangan nating aksyunan ang mga bagay na tulad nito," he added.

Gatchalian cited Republic Act 10639 or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act which imposes a fine of up to P10,000 and imprisonment of up to six months for persons who spread false or misleading data or information in times of calamities.

Last year, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 176 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act. Under the proposed measure, end users of prepaid SIM cards shall be required to present a valid ID and sign a control-numbered registration form issued by the service provider of the purchased SIM card. Copies of the accomplished forms shall be furnished to the same service provider and the National Telecommunications Commission.

In filing the bill, Gatchalian lamented the unabated rate by which SIM cards flood markets, which he called a magnet for nefarious and illegal activities from untraceable numbers. Gatchalian also took note that SIM card registration is mandatory in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

"Kung maisasabatas ang ating panukala sa pagpaparehistro sa mga may-ari ng SIM cards, mahahanap at mapapanagot natin ang mga nasa likod ng mga maling impormasyon. Masusugpo din natin ang iba pang mga iligal na gawaing ginagamitan ng mga cellphone," Gatchalian said.

Meanwhile, he called on the public to be more vigilant on the messages and information they receive concerning Taal Volcano's activity. He also cited the need to boost digital literacy skills to combat the spread of disinformation.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said that President Rodrigo Duterte has instructed concerned government agencies to fully support the recovery efforts of local government units (LGUs) affected by the Taal volcanic eruption during a radio interview on Friday, January 17.

"Noong Tuesday po ay pumunta kami ni Pangulo, nagkaroon siya ng situation briefing with the different government agencies, at inatasan nya 'yung mga Secretaries ng iba't ibang departamento to support the local government," Go said, referring to the situation briefing conducted by government agencies with the President at the Batangas Sports Complex, Batangas City on Tuesday, January 14.

"Si Pangulo naman ay sabi niya sa Department of Health (DOH), alam ninyo naman po ang trabaho ninyo, siguraduhin ninyo ang pangkalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Pati DPWH, linisin kaagad 'yung mga kalye at nakaharang 'yung mga dumi, at i-restore ang mga nasirang infrastructures," Go said.

"Ang order sa Department of Energy (DOE) naman po, 'yung ibalik 'yong power (supply) sa mga naputol. Pati rin sa komunikasyon po dapat maibalik agad. At sa DILG kay Sec. Año, at sa Department of National Defense (DND), sila naman po itong lead role dito sa ating disaster (relief) kasi under po sa kanila ang Office of the Civil Defense," he added.

Citing the possible health hazards brought by the ash fall in affected areas, the senator also called on the DOH to prioritize the cleaning of health centers and evacuation centers to ensure the safety of residents and evacuees.

"Ako ay nananawagan po sa Department of Health na unahin muna natin ang ating health centers at tsaka 'yung mga evacuation centers. 'Yun po ang ating i-sanitize, i-secure nang mabuti 'yung lugar, linisin dahil kahit saan ka pumunta sa mga lugar, kung titingnan mo sa taas ay kulay gray po ang buong bayan," he added.

According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, he has already informed the Regional Director of DOH CALABARZON to coordinate with the LGUs concerned as regards to cleaning and disinfecting of Barangay Health Stations and Rural Health Units in the area. DOH will be providing the needed technical and logistical assistance to health stations and health units to ensure that affected Filipinos will have unhampered access to primary health care and assistance.

Meanwhile, the senator also mentioned that some private individuals have committed to donate horses as a form of livelihood assistance, especially for residents in Tagaytay City who lost horses they use to earn a living due to the effects of the eruption.

"Nanawagan po ako kahapon sa mga kaibigan kong may mga kabayo na sobra naman o hindi ginagamit. Mayroon kaagad nagbigay kahapon, dalawa. Dinala kaagad sa Batangas at ipinangako ko naman 'yung isa sa Tagaytay," Go said.

He also encouraged those who would like to donate more horses to reach out and help saying, "ibigay natin dun sa mga beneficiaries po na talagang nabiktima rin po ang kanilang kabayo, kawawa din po sila dahil nawalan sila ng hanapbuhay."

In view of the consecutive natural disasters which have ravaged the country the past few months, Go also said that it is high time that the government establishes evacuation centers in all cities, provinces, and municipalities which will cater to the basic needs of the victims.

"Para sa akin na-obserbahan ko, it's the right time po na magkaroon na po tayo ng mga permanent evacuation center sa mga bawat probinsya. Noong nasa Legazpi, Albay po kami, ay sabi ng Pangulo dapat mayroon na tayong mga maayos na mga evacuation centers dahil po kawawa 'yung mga kababayan natin. Pag may biglaan pong nangyari na ganito ay wala pong handang evacuation center," he said.

"Sa sahig lang sila natutulog, 'yung mga bata hindi maayos 'yung kanilang sitwasyon. Syempre 'yung importante 'yung sanitation, 'yung comfort room nila, mayroon silang mattress na pwede nilang higaan, habang hindi pa po sila nakakabalik sa kanilang mga tirahan po," he added.

Go filed recently a bill providing for mandatory evacuation centers in all cities, provinces and municipalities nationwide.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 1228 or "An Act Establishing a Mandatory Evacuation Center in all Cities, Provinces and Municipalities, Appropriating Funds Therefor," provides for the establishment of an evacuation center in every city, province and municipality throughout the country. The bill also provides for the minimum requirements for every evacuation center, such as its location, amenities and accessibility, operation and management, among others.

As for his calls for the establishment of a Department of Disaster Resilience, Go said that his proposed Senate Bill (SB) 205 or the "Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act" is now being deliberated in the Senate committee level.

Go also said that they will study various proposals on what is the best approach in creating an authority solely in charge of disaster resilience. "Kakausapin ko rin po 'yung mga kapwa ko senador para mapag-aralan mabuti, kasi mayroon pong ibang suggestion na i-under na lang po sa Office of the President," he said.

The Senator acknowledged the fact that the government as a whole can do more to educate and inform the public when it comes to Disaster Preparedness. This, he said, is also one of the reasons why he is pushing for the creation of DDR.

"Hindi dapat "adhoc" ang pag-iisip natin pagdating sa kalamidad. "Norm" na sa bansa ang bagyo, lindol, at pati active na bulkan. Dapat palaging handa ang gobyerno para maturuan maging handa ang bawat Pilipino," he said.

The proposed DDR will institutionalize the presence of an empowered government entity with full authority to handle disaster preparedness, mitigation, recovery and resiliency efforts.

"Alam nyo tuwing may mga krisis na ganito, talagang dapat may isang cabinet level na susundin po ng kapwa cabinet secretaries na talagang mayroon s'yang mandato... Siya na po 'yung aatasan ng ating Pangulo to be on top, not only sa mga post-rehab pero para maging proactive tayo, 'yung sa preparasyon rin natin," he said.

Go emphasized that although these natural occurrences cannot be predicted, Filipinos should be more prepared to handle these situations since the country is geographically and historically prone to such calamities or disasters.

"Halimbawa, as early as of March last year sinabing alert 1 na po (ang Taal Volcano). Last year pa po ito, at ngayon, biglang pumutok, at ngayon pa tayo magkandarapa. Kailangan pa bang pumutok ang bulkan at tsaka tayo magmi-meeting at ayusin 'yung dapat ayusin? So dapat handa po tayo, ang buong gobyerno, maging proactive tayo sa mga darating na mga ganitong sitwasyon," he added.



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Senator Richard J. Gordon welcomed the Department of Justice's (DOJ) announcement that it would file charges for violation of the anti-graft law against former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde over the 'ninja cops' case.

However, Gordon pointed out that more serious charges should also be filed against Albayalde aside from violations of Republic Act (RA 3019) or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or the public would view it as molly-coddling the former PNP chief.

"It is a veritably a positive development that the DOJ recognized that Albayalde has done something wrong and wants to prosecute him. He is the first PNP official who has been charged and found guilty by the Blue Ribbon and now by the DOJ. Nevertheless, we feel that the charge is incommensurate with all the offenses he has done. If the charges are made to stand as they are now, and none more serious is added, the DOJ will be seen as mollycoddling Albayalde," he said.

The DOJ filed charges of violation of RA 3019 which is punishable by: 1. imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than ten years, 2. perpetual disqualification from public office; and 3. confiscation or forfeiture of any prohibited interest and unexplained wealth manifestly out of proportion to his salary and other lawful income.

The committee report submitted after the joint hearing conducted by the Committees on Justice and Human Rights and the Blue Ribbon, which the DOJ relied on in reversing the original decision, recommended the following charges: 1. Conspiracy to commit Section 27 of R.A. No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Misappropriation, Misapplication or Failure to Account Seized Drugs) which is punishable by life imprisonment to death; fine ranging from P500,000.00 P10-million; absolute perpetual disqualification from any public office; 2. Violation of Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code. Punishable by prision correccional in its minimum period or six months and one day to two years and four months; and 3. Violation of RA 3019 Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, sections 3(a) and (e).

"We established during the hearing Albayalde's acts of omission and commission which made him liable for the recommended charges. He committed perjury in saying that he did not know about the operation when he already issued a memo dated days before the operation was conducted. He also failed to take to task his men and even tried to use his own connections to get lighter sanctions for them by calling up various generals who also testified against him. He also committed others that could indict him, such as promoting his men and transferring them to choice posts where they continued to conduct the same modus operandi," the chairman of both committees said.

"Remember that the case is filed not merely on behalf of a single person. It is a case against the people - thus, People of the Philippines vs Albayalde. As an elected representative of the people, I urge the DOJ to take another look because the acts of Albayalde are more grave than what they are right now contemplating," he stressed.



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ALFONSO, Cavite -- Government must issue more regular Taal Volcano updates over the twice-a-day situationer that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) releases, Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Saturday.

"Considering that Phivolcs raised alert level 2 to 4 in just two hours last Sunday, we issue an urgent appeal to government to issue bulletins every 1 or two hours to prevent panic and keep the public informed and more aware," said Pangilinan, who was here to distribute relief goods and portalets from his office and the UP community to affected residents.

"An informed people is an empowered people. Mas makakagalaw nang mas maayos ang ating mga kababayan kung alam nila ang nangyayari. Sa sama-sama nating pagkilos rin natin masisiguro na wala o mababang casualty rate sa pagsabog ng Taal Volcano at sa anumang disaster na kinakaharap natin," he added.

Phivolcs said nearly 700 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since Taal emitted plumes of steam and ash six days ago on January 12, indicating continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the volcano.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) initially reported that about half a million people are within the radius of the 14-kilometer danger zone.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has called on the government to draw up a program to rescue and transport pets and livestock left behind upon the onslaught of manmade and natural disasters or calamities.

De Lima made the call after she learned that apart from the pet dogs and cats, other animals, such as horses, carabaos, and other livestock, have either died or suffered severe burns following the recent eruption of Taal Volcano.

"I join the plea of animal rights organizations and rescue volunteers to save the animals left behind in the areas severely affected by Taal Volcano's eruption. It breaks my heart to see these pets and animals helplessly suffering and dying," she said.

"We need to revisit our national disaster preparedness program to include the animals, including strays, who may need to be rescued, fed, and transported to safe grounds, especially those from owners who were forced to leave them," she added.

Animal welfare group, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), has sought for donations of cow feed, chicken feed, dog food, cat food, bottles of water, and pet bowls for their relief operations.

Guardians of the Fur has also appealed for vehicles to transport volunteers and rescued animals, including horses and cattle. In a report, PAWS estimated that only 30 of some 3,000 horses from Taal Volcano Island have so far been rescued.

De Lima, who has taken in and cared for 13 stray cats in her detention cell at the Philippine National Police -- Custodial Center, in Camp Crame, said it is also our duty and responsibility as human beings to take good care of the animals around us.

"We should remember that our shared sense of humanity also calls for the care and welfare of the animals living amongst us," the Senator from Bicol said.

"As these animals, in their whole lives, have given us companionship, joy and even sources of livelihood, it is only just that we exert earnest efforts in ensuring that they also get ample care, especially during calamities," she added.

More than 53,000 evacuees from Batangas and Cavite have reportedly fled the 14-kilometer danger zone around Taal Volcano. These evacuees have sought temporary shelter in only about 220 evacuation centers in the area.

Due to the limited space in these temporary shelters, animals and livestock were housed in makeshift animal camps where volunteers, including veterinarians, are expressing lack of centralized authority and organization.

Sometime in 2018, De Lima called out a condominium management in the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig to revisit its policy of imposing hefty fines to employees and residents who would be caught feeding stray cats in the area.

De Lima once expressed in a handwritten message that she misses the company of her 10 pet dogs. Last year, to ensure their safekeeping and care while she is in detention, she requested her relatives and staff to temporarily adopt some of them.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged her colleagues in the Senate to pass the "Calamity Leave" bill which seeks to allow public and private workers to take care of their families and properties when disasters, such as the Taal eruption, strike.

In a message, De Lima pushed anew for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. (SB) 1123 she authored following the Taal Volcano eruption that spewed smoke and ash, engulfing nearby areas and affecting most of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna.

"With calamities like typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently happening in our country, I am reiterating my call for the passage of my proposed Senate Bill No. 1123, which seeks to provide a five-day special emergency leave for all workers in the public and private sector directly affected by natural disasters," she said.

"Malinaw naman po: Sa mga ganitong di-inaasahang pagkakataon, kinakailangan ng ating mga kababayan ang sapat na panahon upang tutukan ang kaligtasan ng pamilya, at kahit paano'y makapagsimulang makabangon mula sa anumang delubyo," she added.

Under the proposed measure, the five-day special emergency leave may be availed of by employees from both the public and private sectors upon declaration of a state of calamity by the local government or the President of the Philippines.

The Philippines has recently been on the receiving end of a growing number of disasters including volcanic activity, typhoons and earthquakes.

De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, also urged government offices and volunteers to fast-track rescue and relief efforts in the affected areas where thousands of citizens hurriedly left their homes as they were required to evacuate.

"Nananawagan tayo sa ating gobyerno at mga kapwa Pilipino: Ipaabot po sana natin ang mga tulong at ayudang kaya nating maipadala sa kanila--pagkain, tubig, gamot, at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan--sa lalong madaling panahon," the Senator from Bicol said.

"Please keep praying for our affected countrymen. Let us once again show our resilience as Filipinos and strengthen our faith to never waver during these challenging times," she added.

The lady Senator from Bicol also praised the first responders and volunteers who willingly served and shared their resources with those affected by the crisis.

"Mula sa mga nag-aabang sa kalsada para magsaboy ng tubig sa marurumi at malalabong salamin ng sasakyan dulot ng abo para makaiwas sa disgrasya, sa mga namimigay ng libreng mask, sa mga simbahan at tanggapan na nagbukas ng pinto para matuluyan ng mga nagsilikas, hanggang sa mga volunteers at mga kawani ng ating pamahalaan na hindi alintana ang panganib sa pagresponde at pagsaklolo sa ating mga kababayan, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo, pakikiramay at dedikasyon," she said.

"Saludo po tayo sa mga kababayan nating nagkukusang-loob na magbukas-palad. Sa maliit man nilang paraan, napakalaki ng naipagkakaloob nilang lakas, galak at pag-asa para sa marami na bumangon at malampasan ang sakuna," De Lima added.

As of this writing, authorities have not downgraded the Alert Level 4 at the Taal Volcano which, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, means that "hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days."



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged her colleagues in the Senate to pass the "Calamity Leave" bill which seeks to allow public and private workers to take care of their families and properties when disasters, such as the Taal eruption, strike.

In a message, De Lima pushed anew for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. (SB) 1123 she authored following the Taal Volcano eruption that spewed smoke and ash, engulfing nearby areas and affecting most of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna.

"With calamities like typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently happening in our country, I am reiterating my call for the passage of my proposed Senate Bill No. 1123, which seeks to provide a five-day special emergency leave for all workers in the public and private sector directly affected by natural disasters," she said.

"Malinaw naman po: Sa mga ganitong di-inaasahang pagkakataon, kinakailangan ng ating mga kababayan ang sapat na panahon upang tutukan ang kaligtasan ng pamilya, at kahit paano'y makapagsimulang makabangon mula sa anumang delubyo," she added.

Under the proposed measure, the five-day special emergency leave may be availed of by employees from both the public and private sectors upon declaration of a state of calamity by the local government or the President of the Philippines.

The Philippines has recently been on the receiving end of a growing number of disasters including volcanic activity, typhoons and earthquakes.

De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, also urged government offices and volunteers to fast-track rescue and relief efforts in the affected areas where thousands of citizens hurriedly left their homes as they were required to evacuate.

"Nananawagan tayo sa ating gobyerno at mga kapwa Pilipino: Ipaabot po sana natin ang mga tulong at ayudang kaya nating maipadala sa kanila--pagkain, tubig, gamot, at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan--sa lalong madaling panahon," the Senator from Bicol said.

"Please keep praying for our affected countrymen. Let us once again show our resilience as Filipinos and strengthen our faith to never waver during these challenging times," she added.

The lady Senator from Bicol also praised the first responders and volunteers who willingly served and shared their resources with those affected by the crisis.

"Mula sa mga nag-aabang sa kalsada para magsaboy ng tubig sa marurumi at malalabong salamin ng sasakyan dulot ng abo para makaiwas sa disgrasya, sa mga namimigay ng libreng mask, sa mga simbahan at tanggapan na nagbukas ng pinto para matuluyan ng mga nagsilikas, hanggang sa mga volunteers at mga kawani ng ating pamahalaan na hindi alintana ang panganib sa pagresponde at pagsaklolo sa ating mga kababayan, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo, pakikiramay at dedikasyon," she said.

"Saludo po tayo sa mga kababayan nating nagkukusang-loob na magbukas-palad. Sa maliit man nilang paraan, napakalaki ng naipagkakaloob nilang lakas, galak at pag-asa para sa marami na bumangon at malampasan ang sakuna," De Lima added.

As of this writing, authorities have not downgraded the Alert Level 4 at the Taal Volcano which, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, means that "hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days."



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Patuloy pa rin ang karahasan at pagpatay dito sa aming paligid. Kaya habang ipinagdarasal ka namin, sana ay ipagdasal mo rin kami dahil nasa gitna pa rin kami ng mga pagsubok dito," Bishop Ambo David said in his message to opposition Senator Leila de Lima during the mass for the Feast of the Sto. Niño at the San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan today, adding that just this week, there are seven new victims, four of which were confirmed dead, while three are in critical conditions.

Bishop David, who was one of the members of the clergy accused of sedition and other criminal charges, discussed Sen. De Lima's unjust detention in his homily, putting emphasis on the politically-charged nature of her case.

"Alam po ninyo na tatlong taon na siyang nakabilanggo sa salang hanggang ngayon ay hindi mapatunayan sa mga korte... Ipagdasal po natin na siya ay makalaya na at maipagpatuloy ang kaniyang paglilingkod bilang isang nahalal na mambabatas sa ating Senado," the bishop of the diocese of Caloocan said.

The Holy Mass was celebrated in thanksgiving for the strong international solidarity against the Duterte regime's abuses and other developments in the human rights movement.

Special intentions were also offered for all the victims of human rights violations, especially in Caloocan.

"Ang Misang ito'y alay din ng mga kapamilya, mga asawang nabalo at mga batang naulila ng mga nabiktima ng mga pagpaslang, mga biktima ng extrajudicial killings sa ating Diocese," the bishop said.

Bishop David reiterated the importance of keeping our faith strong amid sufferings, emphasizing in his message that, "Huwag nating hayaang lumiit ang ating pananampalataya sa gitna ng mga pagsubok na ito.

Sa gitna ng mga pagsubok, lalo tayong lumalakas at tumitibay ang paninindigan para sa kabutihan, para sa paghahari ng kapayapaan at katarungan sa daigdig."

After the Mass, Bishop Ambo gave a Sto. Niño image to Sen. Leila through her staff.

In a letter, Sen. Leila thanked the bishop for celebrating a mass for EJK victims and their families, saying that with the strong solidarity of the international community, we are now closer to the vindication that has eluded us under Duterte's rule.



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As the registration for the May 2022 polls opens on January 20, Senator Win Gatchalian is urgently calling for the passage of a bill that aims to grant tax exemption to the honoraria, transportation allowance, and other benefits of poll workers, especially public school teachers.

Gatchalian's proposed measure, Senate Bill 1193, introduces amendments to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 so teachers can receive the full amount of their honoraria and other benefits. The Bureau of Internal Revenue started imposing 5 percent withholding tax on poll workers' election service honoraria and other allowances since the 2018 barangay elections.

The bill also aims to exclude their honoraria and allowances from gross income. According to the lawmaker, the proposed measure is the best way to thank teachers and other poll workers for ensuring clean, honest and orderly elections in the country.

Under the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA), chairpersons of electoral boards are each entitled to receive P6,000. Each member of electoral boards receive P5,000. Department of Education Supervisor Officials (DESO) receive P4,000 each while support staff receive P2,000 each. A travel allowance of P1,000 is also allotted to each of these poll workers. The ESRA, though, has no provision for tax exemption.

The lawmaker emphasized that despite the continuous service that these poll workers render to ensure the transmission of results, they still have to pay income tax if their annual taxable income, which includes such honoraria and allowances, exceeds the P250,000 threshold under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

"Mahabang oras ang inilalaan ng mga guro upang siguruhin ang kaayusan at integridad ng ating mga halalan. Kaya naman inihain natin itong panukalang batas na ito upang kilalanin ang kanilang mahalagang papel para pangalagaan ang ating demokrasya," Gatchalian said.

Aside from the necessity of paying income tax despite the poll workers' arduous work during elections, Gatchalian also laments the process that they have to go through to collect their pay. To collect their election honoraria and benefits, poll workers have to go to the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offices and submit a declaration of exemptions if they earn less than P250,000 annually.

"Napapagod na nga ang ating mga guro tuwing halalan, kailangan pa nilang dumaan sa isang komplikadong proseso para makuha lang nila ang kanilang sahod at mga benepisyo. Kung hindi na papatawan ng buwis ang sahod at benepisyo ng mga guro tuwing halalan, hindi lang sila basta makakatanggap ng kabuuang bayad, mas mapapadali din ang proseso para sa COMELEC," Gatchalian said.



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"We should be more proactive when dealing with natural disasters. Dapat maging laging handa sa oras ng sakuna!"

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said this as he urged the government and the public for a change in mindset and approach when dealing with natural disasters and calamities. In line with this call, the senator also pushes for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) and a bill mandating the construction of permanent evacuation centers throughout the country.

Go emphasized the vulnerability of the country to natural calamities, saying "It is high time that we fully recognize that our country is highly vulnerable to ominous disasters given the frequency of natural calamities, like typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, that hit and affect us every year."

Given that such risk constantly poses an existential threat to the country, Go said that fostering a culture of proactivity is necessary to ensure the preparedness and safety of Filipinos in times of natural calamities.

"Equally important na proactive tayo bago ang sakuna. Dapat may magtuturo sa mga LGUs at sa mga tao kung ano ang dapat gawin sakaling may darating na sakuna. Handa tayo dapat bago pa ito dumating," he added.

Go also highlighted the important role of wide information dissemination and educating the public in a community's disaster preparedness effort given the unpredictability and potential severity of natural disasters.

"We should acknowledge the fact that government as a whole can do more to educate and inform the public when it comes to disaster preparedness. Lalo na po sa mga LGUs na malapit sa bulkan o palaging tinatamaan ng bagyo," Go said.

"This is also one of the reasons why I am pushing for the creation of DDR. Parte ng magiging mandate nito ay ang information dissemination and role in educating the Filipinos better on how to prepare for and respond to such natural occurences," he added.

Located in the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire," an area where earthquakes and volcanic activities are more frequent than in any other part of the world, the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to these natural hazards.

Its position in the Pacific Ocean also exposes the country to a high number of typhoons and related weather disturbances annually which, with the onset of climate change, may only drastically worsen and increase in frequency.

Given the considerable amount of effort, coordination and resources involved in disaster preparation, management and mitigation, Go underscored the importance of having a central authority that will be in charge of these matters.

"For example, pag health, DOH ang in charge. Kapag housing, that is why department of housing was created. Kapag may Department for Disaster Resilience po, alam ng tao sino lalapitan at sino in charge. Mas magiging mabilis at maayos ang pagresponde natin para matulungan ang mga kababayan nating apektado ng sakuna."

The senator stressed that the current structure of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) allows it to act as a mere ad hoc inter-agency coordinating body when dealing with disasters.

"Hindi dapat 'ad hoc' ang pag-iisip natin pagdating sa kalamidad. 'Norm' na sa bansa ang bagyo, lindol, at pati mga active na bulkan. More than structural change in the bureaucracy, we are also pushing for a change in mindset and approach. Dapat palaging handa ang gobyerno para maturuan maging handa ang bawat Pilipino," he said.

Go cited his visits to Filipinos struck by both natural and man-made disasters where it has become clear that a proactive and holistic approach is the most effective way to address the catastrophic effects and mitigate the adverse impacts caused by natural disasters.

"Bagama't hindi naman nape-predict ang ganitong mga natural occurences, dapat palaging maging handa ang mga Pilipino dahil geographically and historically, prone talaga sa ganitong mga disasters ang ating bansa," Go said.

The senator filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 205 or the "Disaster Resilience Act of 2019". The measure proposes for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience, "an empowered, highly specialized department with clear unity of command and primarily responsible in ensuring safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities."

The bill seeks to establish a clear system of responsibility for disaster preparedness and response in all levels of the government, given the increasing number of various disasters and the devastation that they bring.

Through the proposed measure, the existing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) offices will be renamed as Local Disaster Resilience Offices. A Disaster Resilience Fund will also be established to finance DDR's operations, disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, response, recovery, rehabilitation and building forward better programs, projects and activities formulated in the national level.

The National Disaster Operations Center will be established, with its corresponding Alternative Command and Control Centers, while a Disaster Resilience Research and Training Institute will also be created to provide training and to collect, consolidate, manage and share knowledge and information resources to boost disaster resilience.

Currently, disaster-related responsibilities are shared among various government agencies.

"Sa totoo lang, si Pangulong Duterte, gusto niya talagang magkaroon ng isang point person na mamamahala sa lahat. Dapat magkaroon ng secretary-level na mayroong authority," Go said.

Go also filed recently Senate Bill (SB) 1228, also known as the Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which mandates the establishment of safe, permanent and dedicated evacuation centers. It will require every city, province and municipality to construct evacuation centers that will be equipped with basic necessities, such as emergency packs and medicines.

"(At least) by province po dapat. Kulang ang by region. Huwag na nating hintayin na magkaroon pa ng mga lindol o baha. Naaantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata. Minsan nagagamit ang eskwelahan. Panahon na magkaroon na ng permanent evacuation centers lalung lalo na po para sa mga apektadong bata," Go said.

"Dapat may higaan, comfort rooms, 'yung sanitation maayos, hanggang sa makauwi sila sa kanilang mga pamamahay," he added.

Urging the country to learn from its past mistakes, Go said it is high time that the nation scales up its preparedness and resilience against natural disasters.

"Huwag na po tayong magsayang ng oras. Huwag na po nating hintayin na may dumating pang matinding kalamidad na tumama sa ating bansa. It is time to scale up our preparedness and resiliency against natural disasters. Panahon na para magkaroon tayo ng ahensyang magbibigay ng buong atensyon sa ating paghahanda at pagresponde sa mga kalamidad at sakuna," Go ended.



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Senator Richard J. Gordon yesterday disclosed that the Philippine Red Cross is studying where best to put up an emergency medical unit in Batangas to accommodate ill residents following the closure of at least six hospitals due to the rage of Taal Volcano.

"We are studying where we should put up a medical tent because six hospitals were already closed down. The way things are going, we have to prepare for a possible increase in cases of respiratory illness. The hospitals there may not be able to accommodate all the patients," Gordon said.

He added Red Cross teams deployed to Batangas assisted other government agencies in evacuating seriously-ill patients from the six hospitals.

Gordon also instructed Red Cross chapters in Metro Manila as well as in Bulacan to send additional staff and volunteers to augment the teams already deployed to Batangas.

"Our chapter in Batangas immediately responded. May 100 staff and volunteers na doon pero magpapadala ako ng additional staff and volunteers from our chapters in Metro Manila and from our Bulacan chapter para may kapalitan sila. We are also getting additional equipment and vehicles from our other chapters," he said.

The PRC chief said staff and volunteers of the organization are assisting the government evacuate residents, who have not yet been evacuated, to the 179 evacuation centers in Batangas, Cavite and Laguna.

Since the volcano's sudden activities last Sunday, the PRC has distributed masks to the affected population, provided hotmeals, distributed hygiene kits, sleeping kits, jerry cans, and multi-purpose cash grants.

It also mobilized four food trucks, a rescue truck, nine ambulances, and four water tankers. The PRC also installed 15 portable toilets, set up 20 welfare desks and 20 first aid stations and constructed temporary shower rooms.

Aside from the Taal Volcano eruption, Gordon has led numerous eruption



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Fans of Filipino singer-actress Sarah Geronimo will partner with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in providing aid for the victims of Taal volcano eruption by organizing and hosting a dance flash mob called "Tala Para sa Taal" on Saturday that took place at the Quirino Grandstand.

The event aims to gather donations for the evacuees and the proceeds will be turned over to the PRC.

Barry Juanico, one of the organizers of the event said, "Dati rin akong volunteer ng Red Cross, Nakita ko 'yung advocacy ng organization sa victims ng mga kalamidad at nakita ko kung gaano ka-dedicated and Red Cross. Ang Red Cross ang isa sa pinaka-respectable at trustworthy organizations sa bansa natin. Hindi ako nagdalawang-isip na dito dalhin ang proceeds at hindi ako nag-isip ng iba pang group dahil alam ko na safe at makakarating talaga ang tulong sa mga taong dapat pagbigayan."

Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman of the PRC, expressed his gratitude to Popsters, Geronimo's fans club, through a Twitter post.

"Thank you, Popsters, for this initiative and for choosing the Philippine Red Cross as your partner in helping the communities affected by Taal eruption," he said.

The PRC has been receiving numerous donations from individuals, groups and companies to help victims of the recent national disasters that hit the country such as the earthquake in Mindanao, typhoons Tisoy and Ursula, and the eruption of Taal volcano.



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BATANGAS - Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros urged for mental health support for families affected by the Taal eruption, especially children and those in evacuation centers.

"Kailangan ng mental first aid," Hontiveros said on Sunday. "Maaaring may dalang trauma ang sakuna. Kasama ang mga relief packs at hygiene kits, bigyang-pansin din natin ang play therapy sa mga bata at counseling sa mga magulang," she added.

"Psychological and psychosocial support should be part of disaster response. I urge the Department of Health to mobilize mental health professionals and volunteers to respond to this need," she furthered.

"Kasama ang mental health response sa disaster response dahil sa Philippine Mental Health Law," the Akbayan Senator, who authored the said law, explained. "Nawalan ng bahay at hanapbuhay ang marami nating mga kababayan. Malaki ang stress na dulot nito. We need to make sure that our survivors are able to cope well," Hontiveros furthered.

"Para naman sa mga bata, maaaring hindi nila lubos na naiintindihan ang mga nangyayari. Ayon sa mga mental health professionals, pwedeng magkaroon ng mga laruan at play therapy sa mga evacuation centers," the Senator said.

The Senator committed to help DOH in deploying volunteer mental health professionals in evacuation centers. "I've been talking to mental health professionals. Gusto nilang tumulong. We will assist in deploying them alongside DOH efforts," Hontiveros committed.

The Senator will visit two evacuation centers in Batangas today to survey the situation



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Equal participation does not necessarily mean fair competition in the government's extended pilot test for motorcycle taxis, Senator Imee Marcos said.

"May dagdag-bawas na nangyayari. Para mukhang patas, binawasan ang mga experienced drivers ng isang kumpanya at baka sakaling mapilitan silang sumali na lang sa mga baguhan na kulang pa ng mga driver. Bakit kaya?" Marcos said.

The Department of Transportation - Technical Working Group (DOTR-TWG) allotted an equal number of drivers to ride-hailing companies Angkas, JoyRide and MoveIt for the three-month extended test run that started this month, each to have 10,000 in Metro Manila and 3,000 in Metro Cebu.

A temporary restraining order has put on hold the DOTR-TWG's rule, but the court order expires at the end of the month and may leave 17,000 of 27,000 Angkas drivers out of work, while newcomers Joyride and MoveIt seek to add to the 6,900 and 2,400 drivers they already have, respectively, as of January 6.

"Sablay ang sinasabi ng DOTR na binibigyan daw ang mga drayber ng freedom of choice kung anong kumpanya ang sasalihan nila. Hindi freedom of choice yung tatakutin mo yung mga drayber na mawawalan sila ng trabaho sa kanilang kumpanya kaya mag-apply na lang sila sa iba," Marcos said.

No proper consultation or debate was held on the numbers rule because the DOTR-TWG shut out lawmakers from meetings held in November to December, even if the pilot test's final goal is to aid legislation, Marcos added.

"Hindi na kailangang magpalusot ang DOTR na ang patas na bilang ay para sa fair competition at freedom of choice, dahil Kongreso naman ang gagawa ng batas para siguruhin ang mga ito. Ang dapat siguruhin ng DOTR ay mabawasan ang perwisyo sa traffic, kaya mas mabuting isali na ang lahat ng mga drayber na may karanasan na sa trabaho," Marcos said.

Marcos filed Senate Bill 409 at the start of the first pilot test in mid-2019, seeking to legalize and regulate motorcycles for hire as a safe, alternative means of transport for commuters caught in heavy traffic.

Unlike three other similar bills in the Senate, the Marcos bill provides local government units a means of generating revenue through their supervision of companies running motorcycle taxis.



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MANILA - As Taal Volcano remains restive, Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Sunday urged the Secretary Carlos Dominguez and the Department of Finance to formulate a comprehensive inter-agency fund assistance program for affected residents around the volcano.

"This program may include several forms of assistance like outright cash assistance, moratorium on amortization, etc.," said Pangilinan, who participated in a relief operation in Alfonso, Cavite Saturday.

To assist those affected, government financial institutions such as Pag-IBIG, GSIS, and SSS can extend financial assistance to its members and/or interest-free emergency calamity loans, with deferment of loan payments for at least six months, he said.

"Malaking tulong kung magkakaroon ulit ang Pag-IBIG, GSIS, at SSS ng moratorium sa lahat ng outstanding loans para sa pinaka-nasalantang mga miyembro nila. Magagamit ang ipambabayad sa mga utang para itayo ulit ang mga bahay nila at iba pang kagyat na pangangailangan," he added.

"Malaking ginhawa ito, lalong-lalo na sa mga retired na at tumatanggap ng pension," he said.

Pangilinan said that as in the aftermath of the 1991 Pinatubo eruption and the 2013 super-typhoon Yolanda, the entire government can help:

The Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) can relaunch its cash-for-work program;

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) can give affected college students a one-time educational assistance of P5,000;

The Department of Education (DepEd) can offer teachers and non-teaching staff in eruption-devastated areas loan assistance;

The Civil Service Commission can allow government workers to avail of emergency leave;

The Department of Health (DoH) and DSWD can provide food assistance as well as psycho-social trauma management workshops;

The housing agencies, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), can work on temporary housing for the displaced.

"Pag sama-sama tayong magtutulungan, mas madali tayong makakaahon sa kalamidad," Pangilinan said.



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Sen. Grace Poe said she looks ahead to productive discussions when the public services committee which she chairs convenes on Jan. 20, Monday, 10 a.m. at the Senate Session Hall.

Transportation officials, motorcycle taxi operators, leaders of commuters groups and motorcycle suppliers are expected to attend the public hearing that will focus on the four bills pending at the committee on the regulation of motorcycle taxis as a safe and alternative public utility vehicle.

"Tandaan natin na iisa ang ating mithiin-ang magkaroon ang ating mga kababayan ng alternatibong masasakyan na maginhawa at ligtas," Poe stressed.

Among the resource persons who have confirmed attendance to the hearing are Asst. Sec. Mark Steven Pastor and Engr. Bert Suansing of DOTr; LTO chief Asec. Edgar Galvante; TWG chairperson Antonio Gardiola; George Royeca of Angkas; Eric Torres of Move It Philippines; Neil Sherwin Yu of JoyRide; Brian Cu of Grab, and other operators of motorycle taxi and representatives of commuters group.

The results of the pilot run, the supply cap set by the government inter-agency regulator and the ownership of motorcycle taxi firms are among the topics to be tackled in the hearing.

Poe said the panel would also focus on some of the specific regulations relating to safety, such as the requirement to declare one's weight when booking for a ride.

"We are pleased with the commitment of government officials and all concerned stakeholders to sit down and discuss key matters. This will be a big leap towards regulating motorcycle taxis," Poe said.

"Seen as time-savers, motorcycle taxis must pass the strictest standard of safety, and this is where regulation will play a critical role," she added.

Poe is the author of Senate Bill 128 or the proposed Motorcycles-for-Hire Act of 2019, one of the four bills that will be discussed by the committee, alongside SBN 1025 of Sen. Sonny Angara, SBN 409 of Sen. Imee Marcos and SBN 50 of Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto.



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A bill has been filed in the Senate making mandatory the imposition of 20-percent ad valorem tax on idle lands, ensuring funds for the local government units' (LGUs) public health services.

Sen. Bong Revilla filed Senate Bill No. 1202, appropriating funds generated from the additional ad valorem tax on idle lands to the special health fund (SHF) of the city or municipality where the land is located.

Under Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, the annual tax on idle lands is five percent of the assessed value of the property, in addition to the basic real property tax.

Currently, the imposition of the idle land tax is optional on the part of the local government units (LGUs) concerned.

The bill aims to encourage real property owners to put idle lands into productive use, considering that land resources are getting scarce, Revilla said.

"Land owners and developers that opt to keep private lands idle and unproductive should, in exchange, share in the burden of the public health care delivery through an enforced tax contribution," he stressed.

Under the measure, Revilla proposed that the local health boards manage the SHF to be collected from ad valorem tax on idle lands.

"The SHF shall be exclusively used to upgrade the facilities and equipment of local hospitals, rural health clinics, lying-in clinics, emergency hospitals, nursing homes and other health institutions found in cities and municipalities," Revilla said.

The SHF under Section 20 of RA 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, finances population-based and individual-based health services being implemented city-wide or province-wide by LGUs. It also covers the operating costs, capital investments, and remuneration of additional health workers and incentives for all health workers.

In case of component cities and municipalities, 20 percent of the proceeds of the additional ad valorem real property tax on idle lands shall be allocated to the SHF of the province in which the land is located.



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The Senate buckles down to work as it resumes session tomorrow, Monday, after a month-long break.

"Coming from a long break when devastating typhoons, earthquakes and the Taal eruption struck the country successively, we will do our best to pass vital legislation, foremost of which is the Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019 filed by at least ten senators," Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said.

"Alert Level 4 remains since it was raised last week as Taal rumbled to life. Its steam, sulfuric ash and temblors forced thousands of people to evacuate to the nearest towns many thought were safe. Now, those same towns need to be evacuated also. The risks to life, health and damage to livelihoods are mind-boggling, especially because, the severely damaged areas are rich croplands, pastureland, aquafisheries and tourist destinations," Zubiri explained.

"We laud the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) for its diligent monitoring of Taal and warning us since last year when it issued Alert Level 1. The same appreciation goes to scientists in PAGASA. But, we need to create an agency that is quick-footed, scientific, focused and well-equipped. The creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience will ensure a more efficient, coordinated, and complete system of disaster management--from risk assessment to emergency response right down to reintegration assistance and rehabilitation. The Office of Civil Defense is stretched to the limit. We now realize that to fully utilize their skills, capacities and leadership, the creation of an appropriate government agency is at hand," Zubiri said.

Typhoon Ursula displaced nearly 85,000 Filipinos in the Visayas on Christmas eve, killing at least 50 people and wreaking heavy damage to properties and livelihoods in its path.

"Equally grave situations are being experienced by areas hit successively by earthquakes in Mindanao. The resources and planning that must go into rehabilitation and resettlement of our fellow Filipinos have multiplied greatly, so must government response improve greatly. Our response should be led by a Department unhampered by bureaucratic red tape which no one intentionally wants," Zubiri stressed.

Zubiri also called for the passage of the National Hazard Mapping Act of 2019.

"Once enacted, resources can be directed to concerned agencies for the identification of high risk areas and pinpoint possibilities of occurrence, magnitude, and location of potential earthquakes, volcanic activity, and other natural hazards," Zubiri said. "Likewise, SBN 902 (Lapid) and SBN 527 (Zubiri) mandates Local Government Units to implement Multi-Hazard and Flood Hazard Mapping and use them well in their planning, disaster management and emergency response."

"We cannot stop natural calamities, but we can prepare for them, and with disaster preparedness and resiliency, we can minimize losses in terms of human lives and properties. Let us not wait for the next one to hit before we take action. Three bills also tackle the gargantuan need for decent, sanitary and secure temporary shelters and evacuation centers filed by Senators Gatchalian, Recto and Bong Go," he added.

The Senate is also set to move on several priority measures such as the proposed Separate Facility for Heinous Crimes Inmates (approved on Third Reading, pending in the House of Representatives), Anti-Terrorism Act (SBN 1083, pending Second Reading), the Philippine High School for Sports Act (SBN 1086, pending Second Reading), Upgrading the Salary Grade Level of Teachers (SBN 131, pending in the Committee), the Teaching Supplies Allowance Act (SBN 1092, pending Second Reading), Solo Parents Welfare Act (SBN 164, pending in the Committee), Security of Tenure Act (SBN 806, pending in the Committee), Coconut Farmers & Industry Development Act (SBN 31, pending comments by the Department of Finance), Creation of A Philippine Water Commission (SBN 20, 44, 195, and 208 pending in the Committee), the Potable Water Supply for every Barangay Act (SBN 103, pending in the Committee), and the Anti-Single Use Plastic Act (SBN 40, 333 and 557), among others.

"The legislative table is full at any time, but, more so when natural and man-made calamities strike the whole country and our fellow Filipinos suffer the wrath of nature to no one's liking," Zubiri concluded.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has warned the public against unscrupulous individuals who are using the generosity of others to steal donations and contributions intended for relief and recovery efforts to those affected by Taal volcano's eruption.

De Lima made the statement after she received reports that certain unscrupulous individuals are capitalizing on the miseries of thousands of families, including farmers and fishermen, who were badly hit by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

"It is very heart-warming to learn that people are volunteering for rescue and relief operations being organized to assist the victims of Taal eruption and help them get back on their feet," she said.

"But let us also exercise some due diligence in welcoming these solicitations and sending our donations to fly-by-night organizations and shadowy individuals who want to profit from such tragedy," she added.

Netizens have reported of alleged scams of personalities pretending to be affiliated with charities, religious organizations and celebrities claiming that they are gathering funds for evacuees affected by the Taal volcano eruption last Jan. 12.

Similar scams were also reportedly happening outside the country. In Vancouver, Canada, users of social media website Reddit reported that Filipinos "working in two's or three's" have been seen soliciting funds in stores and malls in the area.

Recently, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) warned against a similar scam using the name of several bishops to solicit donations for a gift to be given to Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle who was recently appointed to a Vatican post.

De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, reiterated her call for her Senate colleagues to repeal and replace the 40-year-old solicitation law to penalize these unscrupulous individuals and organizations.

"With your kind indulgence, allow me to renew my call on my colleagues to expedite the passage of Senate Bill No. 851 that would require stringent requirements for solicitation permits and impose stiff penalties for violators," she said.

The proposed measure aims to institutionalize the issuance of solicitation permit during calamities or disasters, implementing more stringent monitoring and validation of permits, and reportorial requirements for exempt organizations.

"The bill ultimately seeks to safeguard the welfare of the most vulnerable by ensuring that proceeds raised for the benefit of our disadvantaged countrymen will rightfully be translated to programs that will help their causes," she pointed out.

The lady Senator from Bicol also urged those who are looking for ways to contribute to ongoing relief and humanitarian efforts for Taal evacuees, to donate to reputable charities and organizations.

"I also urge the public to be more vigilant when approached by those who are soliciting funds for charities linked to causes or disasters. It will be safer to send donations, whether it be in cash or in kind, directly to legitimate charities or organizations instead to those claiming to be their intermediaries," she added.

Under SB 851, individuals or organizations shall be held accountable if they solicit without securing a solicitation permit from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, or the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office.

Among the other prohibited acts punishable under the measure also include soliciting beyond the allowed area of coverage as indicated in the approved solicitation permit, using a falsified or tampered permit, and using the solicited funds for purposes other than those indicated in the application form.

Any individual, organization or agency who commits any of the prohibited acts shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than three years or a fine of not less than ₱100,000 but not more than ₱500,000, or both at the discretion of the court.

If the offender is a foreigner, the offender shall, after serving sentence, be immediately deported and barred permanently from entering the country.



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In my humble view, the reported invitation of US President Trump to President Duterte simply means that the US Government is not yet implementing the entry ban as this could still be undergoing some internal process. Hence, it remains the prerogative of the US President to extend anew a standing invitation.

This invitation should not affect the implementation of the Global Magnitsky Act. The recently signed pieces of US legislative measures, namely, the 2020 US Appropriations Act which includes the Prohibition on Entry provision, and S. Res. 142, refer to particular matters involving the United States' commitment to human rights. I understand it will take some time to operationalize this policy and anticipate that we will see this implemented in the near future, regardless of any standing invitation.

I also understand that subsection (c) of the pertinent provision of the 2020 US Appropriations Act gives the State Department the discretion to waive visa restrictions in accordance with the conditions allowed by the US Congress.

It is completely up to President Duterte whether to go to the US on the strength of President Trump's invitation.



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After prodding from Senator Win Gatchalian, representatives from telecommunication companies Globe, Smart and new player Dito committed to rollout Mobile Number Portability this year and in phases.

This means subscribers will be able to switch networks or change subscriptions without losing the mobile numbers they currently use.

"They should implement the Mobile Number Portability Act (MNPA), even by phases, as long as it will be done within the first six months this year," Gatchalian said.

"Telcos may opt to implement mobile porting for postpaid subscribers first within this year and after that, they can focus on the mobile number portability of pre-paid subscribers next," Gatchalian explained.

Gatchalian, principal author of the MNPA, better known as the Lifetime Cellphone Number Act, has recently met with representatives from telcos and global technology service provider Syniverse and discussed how to expedite the implementation of mobile number portability services in the country.

Telcos earlier estimated that the process of integration, interoperability and other technical preparations would take some time and will make number portability services ready by the second half of 2021. But the lawmaker stressed that stretching the deadline that long is a disservice to Filipino consumers who are already fed up with the underwhelmingly poor and expensive services.

"Sinabi nila noong nagkaroon tayo ng pagdinig na ang teknolohiya ay nandiyan na at madali nang maimplementa ang batas. Kaya nagulat ako noong nalaman ko rin sa kanila na isa't kalahating taon pa ang kailangang hihintayin ng ating mga kababayan," Gatchalian reasoned out.

The law also removes the interconnection fees charged to subscribers for calling or texting across different networks. "Tututukan natin at sisiguraduhin natin na maipapatapud kaagad ang MNPA. Within the year, iyon ang kanilang commitment at yun ang ating tututukan," the lawmaker said.



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PART I

SEN WIN: Maraming Salamat Madam Chair, Madam Chair gusto ko lang ho sundan yung mga tanong na hindi ho nasasagot. Usec. Gardiola, ilan ba ho talaga yung aksidenteng nangyari na nanggaling po sa Angkas since nagumpisa yung pilot study dito?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Thank you po Honorable Senator, ito nga po yung problema ng unang report dahil hindi po ma-identify. Ang report pong nakukuha namin sa MMDA at Highway Patrol are generic accidents, motorcycle lang po ang nakalagay, hindi po naka-indicate kung Angkas po yun that's why with this new guidelines we are setting, coordinating with MMDA at least for the enforces na pag mag-iissue ng citation iindicate doon kung ride hailing po involved in accident or traffic violation.

SEN. WIN: Hindi po ba kapag naaksidente kinukuha yung pangalan, may description sa aksidente? basic information ho to bakit hindi niyo ho to--

USEC. GARDIOLA: Tama ho Sir--

SEN. WIN: Kanina po yung sinasabi niyo ho na 99%, sabi ng Angkas 99% ho safe sila, natural sasabihin nila dahil nanggaling sa kanila, hindi ba trabaho ho ninyo na mag validate? At meron naman tayong mga institusyon tulad ng PNP na nakasulat ho doon, kagaya sa Valenzuela kapag naaksidente ho nakikita ko may description po doon eh kung anong kumpanya yung nakasulat doon. Bakit hindi niyo ho kinuha yun? basic ho to, basic ho na dapat malaman namin kung itong motorcycle taxi ay safe or hindi pero hanggang ngayon hindi masagot sagot ng TWG. Bakit hindi niyo ho kinuha yun?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Tama ho Sir, kasi yung mga hinihingian ko ng mga records sa TWG ng mga names na nasabing 27,000, wala hong names na sinusubmit yung company, mga figures lang po yung sinasabi--

SEN WIN: Eh ang tanong ko bakit hindi niyo kinuha sa PNP, bakit hindi niyo kinuha sa PNP para ma-validate?

USEC. GARDIOLA: yung 27,000 po galing po sa record ng Angkas but then we were asking for the names wala pong sinu-submit na names na 27,000, we don't even know kung 27,000 talaga yan so how can we validate the record kung figure lang po. Sinabi mo May 27,000 riders so how can we validate with MMDA and Highway patrol? Kasi may pangalan po dun ng mga violators kahit po sabihin natin hindi naka indicate doon kung Angkas rider ito or any motorcycle hailing kasi generic nga po ang report ng MMDA and Highway Patrol--

SEN. WIN: Usec. Dapat kinuha natin ito sa PNP, we have to validate dahil meron po silang impormasyon at basic po to para malaman natin kung ito ay safe or hindi safe--

USEC. GARDIOLA: Tama ho--

SEN WIN: Pangawala dito ho sa resolusyon, merong nakasulat dito na; following the "activities of the TWG never executed", meron ho dito "deployment of mystery passengers," sino ho yung mag dedeploy nito?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Yung technical working group sir precisely para malaman natin yung--

SEN WIN: Yung visitation and conduct--

USEC. GARDIOLA: TWG Sir--

SEN WIN: Nagawa niyo ho to?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Hindi po Sir.

SEN WIN: Bakit hindi niyo nagawa?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Sa kakulangan ng oras at sa pag restrain ho sa amin.

SEN WIN: Yung restraining order is limited to the cap? Tama ho ba?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Yes.

SEN WIN: So ibig hong sabihin yung pagbisita niyo, mystery passenger, hindi na-restrain? Yung TRO ay dahil ho sa cap tama? Wala hong TRO sa mystery passenger visitation and conduct fulfilled study?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Tama Sir.

SEN WIN: Eh bakit hindi niyo ginawa to kung walang restraining order?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Dahil sa batas yan yung mystery rider yung naka rehistro po ngayon dahil tinanggal yung cap, ibig-sabihin yung 27,000 tatakbo yun so kahit--

SEN WIN: Hindi, ang ibig kong sabihin ginawa niyong basehan nang hindi nagawa itong mga TWG activities pero kayo ho ang may responsiblidad para gawin itong TWG activities--

USEC. GARDIOLA: Ginawagawa po--

SEN WIN: Yung kulang niyo ho pinasa niyo ho--

USEC. GARDIOLA: Ginagawa ho namin, in fact, ginagawa ho namin yung mga hindi sinusunod diyan through yung mystery passengers sa Cagayan De Oro po nakapaghuli kami ng mga hindi sumusunod sa guidelines. Ito po sana Honorable Senator, malalaman po yun kasing proseso namin sa guidelines, pinapa-register po namin yung mga players ng mga riders na mag participate, yun po ang basehan ng mystery passenger. Halimbawa ako yung sumakay sa isang motorcycle hailing, ichecheck ko po yung pangalan niya sa Techinal Working Group kung registered siya. So doon po kung registered siya, aalamin po kung safe po ba siya magpatakbo, is he following the right gears being required by the TWG tapos is he disciplined rider, so yun po ang basehan namin but then tinanggal po yung cap eh ibig-sabihin, ang dami, ibig-sabihin free for all, 27,000 tatakbo, wala po hindi naka register yan mga yan, how will my mystery passenger know yung che-check po nila?

SEN WN: With all due respect Usec. Naguguluhan ho ako sa sagot ho ninyo, very simple lang naman ho eh, gawin niyo ho yung mystery passenger, gawin niyo yung visitation, do your field study then wala naman restraining order ho to pwede naman natin gawin ito dahil ito ang ginagawa ninyong dahilan para po pigilin yung operations ng Angkas. Pangalawa ho, ano ho yung basehan nung cap? Ano ho ang naging basehan ng cap?

USEC. GARDIOLA: Kagaya po ng sinabi ko kanina, dati po sa unang TWG is 27,000 ngayon sa pagsali ho ng dalawang participants tinulak po natin ito sa 39,000 para sa Metro Manila po, tag sampung libo po sila, sa Cebu tag tatalong libo po sila kaya 39,000 po. Ang purpose po nito kasi study po ito para po magulo mag kwan namin ng mga datos, ipaparegsiter namin yung mga, sa ten thousand papa-participatin nila, ireregister po namin kasi po yung cap po hindi naman daw po ito about competition, para po makakuha tayo ng tamang datos, para hindi po magulo and datos na kukunin namin for evaluation--

SEN WIN: Pero ang ginagawa niyo pinipilit niyo yung pasashero sumakay sa mga ibang motorcycle taxi na hindi naman po natin alam kung sila ay maayos or hindi. Hayaan niyo na lang maglaban-laban sila, pagalingan ho sila. Yan ho ang spirit ng competition kung lalagyan ho natin ng cap ito eh parang ang kawawa yung pasaherong pumunta doon sa mga hindi naman ho subok, hindi naman ho kabisado, kaya wala basehan itong cap ninyo. Chair, ako naman ho I was listening intently at gusto ko lang segundahan yung sinabi ho ni Mr. Deakin na hindi ho to yung pinaka ideal na mode of transportation pero ang daming nagdudusa ho talaga at sinesegundahan ko yung sinabi si Dean Laviña na karamihan hong sumasakay dito ay mga estudyante. Pagikot ko sa mga kolehiyo, ito ho talaga yung sinasakyan ho nila at mabilis at mura pa. ngayon kung huhuliin niyo sila isa-isa, ang kawawa ho dito yung mga estudyante na wala na man hong basehan. Ito ho, tama po yung sinabi ni Senator Recto, paghihigante ho tong ginawa niyo eh, paghihigante ho to. Wala ho kasing basehan itong lahat eh. At narinig niyo naman yung mga sinabi ng ating Senador, at lahat kami sumasangayon na hindi ho tama itong resolusyon na ginawa ninyo dahil kawawa at nagdudusa ang ating mga pasahero.

PART II

SEN WIN: Itong cap na inilagay ng TWG, ito ba ay isang sound competition policy? Ito ba ay tatama kung titingnan natin from the standpoint of competition?

PCC: Sa perspective po ng PCC, generally, we don't recommend setting caps on players to enter the market. Ang gusto po natin, kung sino ang may abilidad, may kakayanan na mag-participate sa merkado, mabigyan po sila ng kakayanan. Kumbaga, let the best man win. Kaya nga siya kompetisyon. Gusto natin na kung sino ang pinakamagagaling at tama ang presyuhan, sila ang pipiliin ng consumer. Para po sa PCC, in general po talaga, we don't like setting caps. On the other hand, the PCC, on its mandate to review regulations, policies, ang bills, we do have to balance out our competition policy with equally important policies of other regulatory agencies. That is why we also give way, of course if the question is on safety or on the security of our consumers. We would give way only if there is efficient empirical data, scientific basis for us to consider other regulations.

SEN WIN: For this particular industry, looking at the entire sector at narinig niyo naman ang mga comments, tama ba ang cap na inilagay ng gobyerno from a competition standpoint? Dahil kayo ang guardian ng competition eh. Kahit ang gobyerno meron silang ganitong policy, meron kayong kakayahan at kapangyarihan na sabihin sa kanila na hindi tama ito.

PCC: Siguro po i-explain ko po na last week nga po, nagpunta sa amin ang LTFRB para i-explain sa amin ang reason behind this regulation. They explained to us that this is merely an experiment, this is something that's supposed to be short lived and because of that, the PCC, as of now, has not dealt into the policy in itself.

SEN WIN: So ang suggestion ko sa PCC ay tingnan itong sitwasyon dahil nag-ooperate na itong mga motorcycle taxis at kung hindi tama itong policy na iyon, ang kawawa rito ay ang commuters natin so time is of the essence. Since nagmeeting na ho kayo, dapat tingnan niyo na ho kung tama ba ito o hindi. Ito po ay kung tawagin ay legalized cartel. Nililigalize natin ang cartel, hinahati-hati natin ang merkado sa kanila. Kung ako ang bago, tuwang-tuwa ako dahil kahit na hindi pa ready ang app ko, hindi pa ako ready ay meron na akong assurance na sampung libong riders. Sino ang kawaw doon? Yung mga commuters. So tignan agad natin to dahil tingin ko, legalized cartel tong ginagawa natin.

PCC: I will relay to my principals po.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go urged his fellow Senators on Monday, January 20, to support the bill that he filed that seeks to amend Republic Act No. (RA) 8972 or the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000.

"I am pushing for these amendments to be included in the existing law to cater to as many solo parents as possible, to help them build a stronger family despite their situation, and to support them as productive members of society," Go said during the public hearing that the Committee on Women, Children and Family Relations and Gender Equality conducted with the Senate Committees on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development; Finance; Health and Demography; and Ways and Means.

"Solo parents are both the breadwinners and caregivers of their families, and they should be acknowledged appropriately. As the law now stands, the privileges and benefits awarded to them are insufficient and show a lack of understanding for the complexity of their needs," the Senator explained.

"The enhancements I have introduced to the Solo Parents' Welfare Act aim to provide redress for some 14 million solo parents who are saddled by the double hardship of raising their children. They will infuse more benefits and privileges to the solo parent which will ease the burden of single-handedly raising his or her children," he added.

If passed into law, Go's Senate Bill (SB) No. 206 will give solo parents amnesty or reduction in real estate and inheritance taxes and add P50,000 to their exemption from individual income tax.

The bill will also grant them additional special discounts in purchases, such as ten percent from clothes for babies up to two years old, fifteen percent from baby's milk and food up to two years old, and fifteen percent from medicine up to five years old.

According to the proposed amendments of Go, children of solo parents will also enjoy ten percent tuition fee discount from public and private schools from grade one to college and twenty percent discount from school supplies until 21 years old.

Before solo parents could avail themselves of the privileges, however, they must apply for a Solo Parent Identification Card from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office and present the card to the companies and establishments from whom discounted purchases are made.

The companies and establishments are likewise allowed to claim the discounts as part of their business expense.

"Employment benefits are also included in my proposal. Under the existing law, solo parent employees who have rendered service of at least one year shall be granted parental leave of not more than seven working days. My proposed measure lowers the required length of service to six months instead and specifies that the leave should be granted 'with pay,'" Go said.

"Further, I included penal provisions among my amendments in order to ensure compliance with the dictates of the law. Para mas makatulong talaga itong batas sa mga solo parents natin," he added.

A fine of P200,000 or imprisonment of up to two years is proposed to be imposed on "any person, corporation, entity or agency which refuses or fails to provide the benefits granted to solo parents."

Wanting the bill to benefit as many deserving Filipinos as possible, Go expanded the definition of solo parent in SB 206.

Solo parent is defined under Section 3 as any individual who falls under any of the following categories:

"A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity, even without a final conviction of the offender; provided, that the mother keeps and raises the child;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due death of spouse;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood while spouse is detained or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least six (6) months, provided he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church, provided he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of spouse for at least six (6) months;

"Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear his/her child/children; who has actual custody of the said child/children, instead of having others care for them or giving them up to a welfare institution;

"Any other person who bears sole parental responsibility a child or children, including a foster parent duly-recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, a legal guardian appointed by the court or a legal single adoptive parent; and

"Any family member who assumes the responsibility as the head of the family resulting from the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent."

Under RA 8972, parents who are covered are those who have been left solo due to separation from the spouse or abandonment of the spouse for at least one year. The required time is reduced to six months in SB 206.

The inclusion of duly recognized foster parents is another amendment introduced in SB 206.

Go also reminded his colleagues that President Rodrigo Duterte called for the passage of the measure in his State of the Nation Address in July 2019. "Ito ay isang priority measure ng ating mahal na Pangulo na binanggit niya noong SONA niya, kaya hinihikayat ko ang aking mga kasamahan dito sa Senado na ipasa ito sa lalong madaling panahon," Go said.



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If passed into law, the Expanded Solo Parents' Welfare Act or Senate Bill No. 164 will grant solo parents seven (7) additional days of parental leave annually, on top of leave privileges under existing laws.

"Raising a child is daunting, but raising a child alone constitutes a specific set of challenges and difficulties," said Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, principal author of the measure and the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, on Monday said.

A solo mom herself, Hontiveros said that her bill recognizes the difficulties and challenges of being a solo parent. "Sheroes' ang mga kapwa ko solo moms," Hontiveros added, combining the words 'she' and 'hero.' "Ganun din ang mga tatay na mag-isa lang. Solo parents play multiple difficult roles," she further said.

Aside from the paid parental leave of 7 days annually, Hontiveros' bill will also entitle solo parents to 20% discount on goods and services in private establishments, costs of childcare, and on tuition fees per child. It also mandates government and private companies with more than 100 employees to create daycare facilities.

"Para sa mga solo parents, maaaring mag-isa ka lang na kumakayod. My proposal is to ensure that our solo parents are given enough support to take care of our children well," Hontiveros explained.

The Expanded Solo Parents' Welfare Bill also seeks to expand the definition of solo parents to include spouses of low-income overseas Filipino workers who are away from the Philippines for an unbroken period of twelve (12) months.

"Parang mga solo parents na rin ang ilan sa mga asawa ng OFWs natin," said Hontiveros. "Minsan, more than a year na nasa abroad ang asawa. Kailangang suportahan ang mga asawa ng ating mga OFWs. We need to extend the solo parents' benefits to them too," she urged.

The bill also pushes for the creation of a Solo Parents Affairs Office by the local government, and requires every barangay to have a Solo Parents' Help Desk that can immediately assist solo parents and their children.

"Gusto kong malaman ng mga single tatay at single nanay na katulad ko na may nakikinig sa kanilang mga hinaing. We want to support our solo parents the best way we can. Ang isinusulong nating mga benepisyo ay mga konkretong solusyon," Hontiveros committed.

Today's committee hearing in the Senate also discussed the passage of the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Bill (Senate Bill No. 161) which aims to establish a national policy that prevents teenage pregnancies, the Girls Not Brides Bill (Senate Bill No. 162) that aims to eradicate child marriages in the Philippines, and the Domestic Adoption Act which seeks to fast-track the adoption process in the country.



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"As I celebrate my 56th birthday, I thank God for my life, for many blessings, including the chance to serve our country and people, for many good friends, and for the greatest gift of all - MY FAMILY. For these, I am forever grateful."

- Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III



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BANGON BATANGAS!

Mr. President, my dear colleagues:

Sabi nila ang Bulkang Taal daw ay ang puso - at pusod - ng Batangas. And that umbilical cord has not been cut off.

No other force, nature or nurture, has shaped Batangas history more than this "riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma," or make that inside a magma.

It has altered our landscape. What man can put together, Taal can put asunder. The present location of Tanauan is its 3rd. Where Bauan is today, is actually its 3rd. And Lipa is on its 5th settlement.

Now it can be told: Batanguenos pioneered the Build Back Better scheme.

Eruptions change the color of the landscape temporarily, but permanently, they can alter the contours of the land. Kung hindi kinain ng lawa, tinabunan ng abo. One bustling town, Sala, was never seen again.

Taal also defined the Batangueno character. From it we probably got our volcanic temper, a tongue as sharp as a balisong forged in volcanic silica, and the art of keeping a romance as hot as a red lava.

Living constantly in the line of fire has made us resilient, adaptive, innovative, fatalistic. And brave. We have no windmills to tilt, but in Taal, we have a more formidable fates and foe to tempt. This dwarf volcano makes all our enemies Lilliputian.

So we fought the Spanish, one ray of the sun in our flag honors our forebears, from Mabini who was the brains of the revolution, to the thousands who shed blood for freedom.

When the Americans came, it became Ground Zero of resistance that what they did in Vietnam half a century later was first tried in the towns that ring Taal. It was also opposition country during Martial Law.

Pero kapag nag-alburuto si Taal, walang matapang na Batangueno.

So when Taal began acting up two Sundays ago, Batanguenos living in its shadows read the signs and knew what to do. They self-evacuated. Living in the mouth of the beast have made them the best early warning device.

And they fled, in minutes, thousands of them, on boats, without a single loss of life.

Batangueno chivalry made sure that women, elderly and children boarded first.

Batangueno hospitality made sure that not one of the hundreds of tourists on the island will be hurt.

Batangueno men launched the flotilla of boats as if they were veterans of Dunkirk. (The boats would return later to rescue the animals left behind, to redeem the tearful promise of "I shall return" that was whispered to them by their humans.)

Maliit man daw ang Taal, ang abo naman nito ay nakakapuwing.

And so it did.

Its January 12 eruption was short by Taal standards, a burp, when compared to its 1754 cataclysmic behavior, when it vomited ash and lava for almost 7 months.

Yet it was able to displace 500,000 people, at least 104,377 of whom are in 408 evacuation centers in four provinces, turned 11 towns into no-go zones, halted activity in the Tagaytay ridge which is the most visited tourist area in the Philippines.

The fallout extended further, and upward. Metro Manila schools and offices closed for days and shut down NAIA and Clark, marooning hundreds of thousands of passengers in 643 flights cancelled.

Farms whose soil was made rich by past volcanic eruption took a beating as well. And so are the waters from which the best tasting tawilis, maliputo, tilapia and bangus are farmed and fished.

The DA pegged an initial estimate of three billion peso bill in crops and animals were lost. Even the bean counters in government was able to tally the P1.35 billion lost to Kapeng Barako farms by Taal's toxic brew.

This toll of misery and Taal is not having a blast yet.

Because still buried in its bowels is the force of hundreds of Hiroshimas.

The resilience of the Batanguenos and their fellow classmates in the revolution and neighbors around Taal - the people of Cavite and Laguna - in the face of the eruptions have been romanticized in viral memes, witty poems, and moving songs that only Batanguenos could weave together.

So are the continuing heartfelt response of Filipinos from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, the Red Cross and from every time zone in the world. They are so earnest and endless, this human pipeline of help, that they have left many macho Batangas men to tears.

This compassion is as thick as Taal's ashfall. And what makes them truly human is that most of donations poured in anonymously, and we know that kindness without credit is the most sublime.

Mula po sa kaibuturan ng aming puso, maraming, maraming salamat po.

But citizen resilience should not stand as a substitute for government response. Whatever the disaster is, the toughness of survivors does not excuse government from showing total care.

I will later describe the hows of possible government response, but let me first tell you the whys.

The electricity we use in this building was most probably dispatched from Batangas. Base plants in the province supply half of Luzon's power supply.

Some of the steel bars and sheets and cement being used by the construction around us originated from Batangas, too.

Most of the cars in showrooms that dot our neighbourhood rolled off from Batangas port. And so are visitors from MIMAROPA shopping in the malls nearby.

Speaking of vehicles, many of their parts, together with many export items, are made in the manufacturing corridor in the Batangas gateway.

The tilapia and bangus grilled in the riverside row of eateries a stone's throw from here probably came from Taal Lake.

So are the pineapple in the hotel buffet tables, the coffee beans that baristas brew.

The Filipiniana store balikbayans love to visit in our neighboring mall showcases Batangas made products whose names begin with B - balisong, burdang Taal, bagoong, barakong kape, buko pie.

Near it are travel shops that package tours to another B which dot Batangas - beaches - because its coastline is abundant in Vitamin Sea.

Ano man ang type n'yo sa pagkaluto ng itlog n'yo - poached, fried or scrambled - ang itlog na yan ay t'yak galing Batangas.

And for smokers who cough up taxes and for alcohol-proof drinkers who leave a hefty tip to the BIR whenever they order their favorite drink, many of these sin products are also made in Batangas

But Batangas is just one cog in the economic powershouse that is CaLaBarZon, the highest GDP contributor, next to Metro Manila.

The provinces affected by Taal eruption - Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon is some sort of a mini-European Union, four provinces linked by commerce.

A Batangueno may live in Batangas, works in Laguna, and shops in Cavite. Or a Cavite family has business in Batangas but sends their kid to college in Laguna. Or a Laguna family has a farm in Batangas and a small business in Cavite.

So while a factory in Laguna may remain unscathed by volcanic ash, it is as if it was dealt a direct blow if many of its Batangueno employees cannot report for work because their homes have been affected by the eruption.

The same is true with Tagaytay establishments, as many of their workers are residents of the lakeshore towns below.

The reality is factories are not like driverless-cars that can navigate on their own, and orders are not taken by robots in restaurants. When the workforce is displaced, the workplace is, too.

Kung Batangueno ka, malamang may kamag-anak ka sa Cavite, Laguna at Quezon. Na sila ngayong kumukupkop sa mga daang libong bakwit.

At gusto kong espesyal na pasalamatan ang mga taga-Laguna, taga-Quezon at mga Kabitenyo. For this is true: Many evacuees have been taken in by private homes in Cavite, Laguna and Quezon.

This makes the radius of the desolation - and help - wider. In plotting the coordinates of assistance, including the other provinces is a must.

May kasabihan ito sa Batangas: Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, dama ng buong katawan.

Harinawa'y tapos na ang pag-alburuto ni Taal. Sapagkat ang kirot nito ay dama ng buong sambayanan.

'Ika nga ng isang liham ng isang ka-Batang na nagsusumamo kay Taal :

Kamusta na ga, ikaw ga e galit pa din?
Kalma na ikaw, nasisira na ang iyong ganda pag ikaw e gay-an.
Tahan na. Nang kami'y makabangon na.
At nang ikaw e bumalik na ulet sa iyong ganda.

Pero kahit mag The End pa ang pyrotechnic show ni Taal, malaking trabaho ang ating kinahaharap. The hard work is after the dust has settled.

Houses to be rebuilt, schools to be repaired, streets to be cleaned and those with cracks to be replaced, animal farms to be restocked, orchards to be rehabilitated, livelihood to be resurrected, interrupted business to be started again.

And if there are areas that need to be placed under prolonged danger zone, the hard work of resettling their residents, not to mere dumping grounds of Taal refuse, but to places where they can earn a living.

The latter is important because the benchmark of resettlement is that displaced people must not be deprived of dignity.

Taal's waking up is a wake up call for all us. Protocols have to be dusted up, from how NAIA can cope with a shutdown, to the need for more evacuation facilities in a region crammed with people, in a country prone to calamity.

The people affected by this calamity deserve help for they have religiously amortized their volcanic eruption insurance over the years through the taxes they pay from their business, trade and jobs.

Also chipping in are remittances from Batangueno workers abroad, from Japan to Jamaica, from Italy to Iceland, from UAE to USA. Those who speak with "ala eh" accent form the biggest subset of the Filipino Diaspora.

Until Taal quiets down, the final cost of relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction cannot be tallied yet.

But that does not immobilize us from identifying and readying the sources of assistance. And luckily the 2020 national budget is a raft of aid that can be tapped.

To name a few:

There is the Calamity Fund.

There are other funds in the budget which can be frontloaded so that their use will not only help in rebuilding lives, livelihood and infrastructure, but generate local jobs and stimulate the local economy as well.

The best form of relief does not come in grocery bags, but in fund infusion that will give work to the people. The Batangueno people are ready with their sweat equity.

For example, while the fishermen of Taal are thankful for the donation of canned sardines, what they actually look forward to is the normalcy to fish for freshwater sardines called tawilis.

It is also time for government to accelerate and advance the grant of welfare assistance - from 4Ps, senior pension, sustainable livelihood program, shelter assistance, supplementary feeding program, protective services for individuals in difficult circumstances, etc. Kung ano ang para sa buong taon, pwedeng ibigay na rin. There are off-budget items that can be tapped as well.

Yung bilyun-bilyong travel tax na matagal nang binuro, i-ayuda sa mga nasa industriya ng turismo sa Taal at palibot nito, at unahin ang mga nasa laylayan ng lawa, yung mga bangkero, mga may-ari ng kabayo sa isla.

Isa pang binagoong na pondo which can be tapped for Taal rehabilitation is the MVUC fund which stands at P46.25 billion.

I have also filed a bill today, for consideration of the administration, establishing the Taal Reconstruction Commission so that rehabilitation is done in an organized, programmed, predictable, transparent, inter-agency manner, with the robust participation of local governments, civil society and the private sector.

Why do we have to prepare early? Because we do not wait for our neighbor's house to be on fire before we post bidding notices for a water hose.

I also believe, based on our history, that it is only through a chartered, one-stop-shop, government body that the rehabilitation of a devastated land can be successful.

If many of our calamity areas are dotted with the carcasses of failed, delayed and unneeded projects, it is because the approach in rebuilding has been scattered and sporadic.

Sa mahabang kasaysayan nito, maraming unos ang dinanas at nalampasan ng Batangueño.

Ang pagsabog ng Taal ay bahagi lamang ng mga pagsubok. Kung gaano kasigurado ang pagdating ng trahedya, ganun din ang aming pagbangon. Itaga n'yo sa bato: Babangon ang Batangas.

Ang nakakataba lang ng puso at nakakapawi ng lungkot, ay anumang hirap ang pinapasan namin ngayon, napapagaan sa pagdating ng tulong ng aming mga kababayan.

Halos buong sambayanan ang umaalalay sa amin. Pinawi ny'o ang aming uhaw, binigyan n'yo kami ng saplot, nilatagan ng mahihigaan, ipinagluto ng pagkain, binigyan ng gamot, pati aming mga hayop inaruga nyo. Binuksan ang inyong mga bahay at inilikas kami sa ligtas na lugar.

Kung gaano kakapal ang abo, ganun din ang kwento ng tapang at dalamhati na aming naramdaman.

Sumuong kayo sa panganib, hindi alintana ang pagod, makapiling lang kami sa aming oras ng pangangailangan.

Wala na kaming masasabi kundi maraming, maraming, maraming salamat po.

Bilang pagtatapos, let me share with you some questions the evacuees ask of me, lalo na doon sa mga bayang sobrang naapektuhan ng Taal.

Sabi nila, "Sir, pagkatapos nito ano na? Paano na kami? Wala na kaming babalikang bahay at kabuhayan. Lahat ng pinaghirapan at pinundar namin, naglahong parang bula."

Back to zero daw sila.

Sagot ko, "Huwag kayong mag-alala. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan."

Tulad ko, alam kong hindi n'yo rin sila pababayaan.

Thank you, Mr. President.



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The abrupt decision of the Technical Working Group (TWG) to cancel the study on motorcycle taxis as a viable public transportation is illogical. The TWG's findings would have provided both houses of Congress a clearer perspective on the issue at hand, as its primary mandate should be.

In outlawing motorcycle taxis with its decision to cancel the study, the TWG placed a portion of the riding public dependent on motorcycle taxis at risk because they will patronize an illegitimate form of transportation. From what we have gathered, our workers are reliant on motorcycle taxis to get to their jobs on time given the worsening traffic conditions here in Metro Manila.

For service providers that motorcycle taxi firms tap, the cancellation of the study means adding an estimated 27,000 riders back to the unemployment column. We should create more jobs, not take away means of getting an honest day's pay.

The fact remains that the public needs an alternative mode of transportation, more choices for mobility; and with traffic congestion choking our streets, motorcycle taxis are one of the most viable solutions. To reduce the demand for ride hailing transportation services, we need to provide the public with better, cheaper, more efficient alternative. We need to fix the public transportation system. Otherwise, prohibiting the motorcycle taxi service without providing an alternative is simply ridiculous.

While we are supportive of a free market and we welcome the entry of more players, these new players should also keep in mind the convenience of the public- the riders and passengers. The new players should be able to provide an app that is easy to use and efficient, and more importantly, accredited drivers that are properly trained in road safety precautions.

Our transport agencies should definitely abide with Article XIII, Section 3, Paragraph 1 of the 1987 Constitution which mandates the State to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. The current policy of the TWG to limit the number of riders to 30,000 and to limit them to one ride hailing app per rider is a burden to achieving productivity and employability of our citizens who wish to use their motorcycles for a living. These agencies should definitely reconsider their arbitrary and capricious policies for the benefit of our citizens.



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The New Year started with a bang! Unfortunately, this is not the bang that we all wanted. I am referring to the tantrums of the once sleepy Taal Volcano, which, on January 12, 2020 went into phreatic eruption or a steam-driven explosion that occurs when hot volcanic materials come in contact with water. The eruption spew plumes of ash into the atmosphere as high as 15 kilometers and reaching Metro Manila and as far as the provinces of Central Luzon. It caused the evacuation of more than 200,000 people from several towns in Batangas, the home province of our President Pro Tempore, Senator Ralph Recto and even in Cavite, the home province of 3 of our colleagues, Sen. Francis Tolentino, Sen. Ping Lacson and Sen. Bong Revilla. Hours after the Taal eruption, we could see the devastation it brought to the towns surrounding Taal that prompted authorities to declare a 14 kilometer radius permanent danger zone and ordered the lockdown of several towns in Batangas. Social media is replete with photos and videos of the devastation as well as the spirit of bayanihan and heroism among our fellow Filipinos. Fortunately, there was no direct human casualty from the Taal eruption. I will not delve too much on the Taal eruption as some of my colleagues will tackle this issue on their privilege speeches today. I will discuss the other natural disasters that hit the country at a time when people should be on merriment or celebrating the holidays.

The turn of the decade should have been a time of joy and celebration for Filipinos all over the nation. We should all have been safe in the comfort of our homes, enjoying our time with our families. Unfortunately, this was not the case for thousands of Filipino families, who spent the last months of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 in a state of turmoil, reeling from the back-to-back devastation of earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions.

In October and December, a series of high-magnitude earthquakes hit Mindanao, particularly North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. It began with a 6.3-magnitude earthquake that had its epicentre inTulunan, North Cotabato, on October 16, 2019.Not long after, on October 29, Tulunan once again suffered a quake, this time at 6.6 magnitude. And then it happened again, on October 31, when Tulunan was once more shaken by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake.

Apart from Tulunan, the Municipality of Makilala in North Cotabato, the City of Kidapawan, the Municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Matanao, Magsaysay, and Bansalan, and the City of Digos in Davao del Sur were on high alert, experiencing Intensity VII shaking on the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS).Intensity VII, as you might know, is marked "Destructive" on the scale, and indeed, the combined earthquakes have left terrible damages. According to reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the North Cotabato earthquakes damaged 56,779 structures, of which 47 are schools, 39 are health facilities, and 27,183 are houses. Worse still are the statistics on human casualties--there are at least 30 dead, 11 missing, and 220 more injured.

And as communities affected by the North Cotabato earthquakes were slowly trying torecover from the disaster, Mindanao was once again hit by a massive one--this time, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake with its epicentre in Matanao, Davao del Sur. The earthquake, which happened on December 15, 2019, affected 218 barangays in Regions XI and XII.Itleft 13deaths in its wake, with 210 more injured. There were 45,860 structures damaged, of which 98 are health facilities, 397 are schools, and 45,085 are houses.

December was particularly disaster-struck, because that same month, the nation was hit by its final two typhoons of the year. In all, we experienced 21 typhoons in 2019--Amang hit us in January; Betty in February; Chedeng in March; Dodong in May; Egay in June; Falcon and Goring in July; Hanna, Ineng, and Jenny in August; Kabayan, Liwayway, Marilyn, Nimfa, and Onyok all in September; Perla in October; Queil, Ramon, Sarah, and Tisoy in November; and finally, Ursula in December.

Some of these typhoons have been more destructive than others. Typhoon Amang hit CARAGA hard. Ineng left considerable damages in North Luzon. Tisoy and Ursula countamong them as some of the more destructive typhoons to enter the nation last year.

Typhoon Tisoy stormed through CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, CARAGA, and Regions III, V, VI, and VIII in early December, resulting inat least 4 deaths and 561,445 structures damaged. Of that overwhelming number, a total of 63,466 houses and 2 health facilities were left completely and irreparably wrecked.

Not long afterTisoy,as if outof some twisted holidaynightmare, Ursula came, wreaking havoc on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself. Ursula ravaged many of the same places as Tisoy, hitting MIMAROPA, CARAGA, and Regions VI,VII, and VIII.Ursula left at least 57 people dead in its wake, with 369 injured.It also resulted in 531,304 damaged structures, with 530,696 of those being houses, 467 schools, and 32 health facilities.

And now, in what should be the bright start of the decade, provinces in South Luzon are clouded over by ash-darkened skies, with Taal Volcano on Alert Level 4and fear of a more violent eruption has sent people panic-buying for supplies, even beyond immediately affected areas.

The nation is gripped by unrest. Even with disaster preparedness strategies in place, the sheer intensity of these calamities has rendered many Filipinos completely devastated. The Mindanao earthquakes, Typhoon Ursula, and TyphoonTisoy left a combined 157,168 houses totally damaged,apart from the many more that are in dire need of repair. About 87,000 thousand Filipino families have been left effectively homeless.

During our break, I was able to survey some of these calamity-ravaged areas and conducted relief operations in Kidapawan and Cotabato in November, and in Davao del Sur and Capiz in early January. In those efforts, I gained some learnings which I would like to share with this August Chamber for possible legislative solutions.

I saw the dire situation of evacuees, many of whom have hadto live out of tents in the wake of the disasters that hit them. Hirapnahirapna po ang mgakababayannatin. Marami po sakanila ang hindimakabaliksamgalugarniladahilhindi pa na-assess ng mgaopisyal kung ligtasnaba ang kanilangmgakabahayan. And the people told me the reason why, it is because the local disaster risk reduction management councils have not yet been convened to assess the damaged on residential buildings, whether a residential building is partially or totally-damaged, to which government financial assistance to the affected families will depend on. As a result, many find themselves stuck in limbo, not even knowing if they have homes to go back to. As a typical response of government agencies in situations like this, nagtuturuan po kung sino ang primarily responsible sapag-assess ng damage samgakabahayan ng atingmganasalantangkababayan.

(post destroyed houses here in Kidapawan or Davao del Sur.)

Another, concern is the engineering design of our school buildings. The DPWH designed our classrooms and school buildings to be typhoon resistant or at least can withstand strong typhoons. Typically, these classrooms and school buildings will have concrete flooring and walls, and galvanized roofing, and if the school building is two-storey or multi-storey, even the flooring for the upper floors are concrete. This is appropriate for the typhoon-belt or typhoon-hit provinces in the country. These are the provinces from the Visayas and Luzon and even the eastern part of Mindanao or the CARAGA region. However, there are provinces in Mindanao which are not typhoon-prone. These are the Southern, Central and Western Mindanao provinces. These provinces are more prone to earthquakes and other natural calamities. So, when we use engineering design for classroom or school-building suitable to withstand typhoons in an earthquake prone area, the result is when powerful earthquake struck the area, the classrooms easily collapse on their own weight. As you can see from these photos in Davao del Sur. (post photos here of Davao del Sur school-buildings.)

The local authorities and DPWH district engineers, aware of this development as a result of the series of strong earthquakes that hit Mindanao in recent months, could not just redesign or revised the design of classrooms or school-buildings appropriate in their areas, meaning, that can with stand strong earthquakes, such as using engineered wood --plywood, cement board or High Density Fibreboard (HDF), as walling for these classrooms, or other durable but lighter materials. It is because the design for our classrooms and school-buildings have to be approved by the DPWH and deviations or revisions from the DPWH-approved designs would warrant a negative COA findings or even an Ombudsman cases. Thus, there is a need for the DPWH to consider the topography or the geo-hazards particular in the area in designing our classrooms and school-buildings.

I learned, for instance, that in the US, structures near the San Andreas Faultwere regulated to be made mostly oflighter materials such as dry walls, while refraining from stone andless flexible structures, keeping earthquake damage in mind. As we have learned in the recent earthquakes in Mindanao, it cannot be "one design fits all" for our classrooms and school-buildings.

In these trying times, we rely upon the timely release of our calamity funds to help our people get on track to recovery.If the funding situation for Tisoy and Ursula is anything to go by, then it seems we need speedier mobilization systems for the release of funds. As of the most recent NDRRMC reports, the cost of assistance provided by the government after Tisoy is at Php95.7 million. That is against the devastating Php5.9 billion cost of damages wrought by the typhoon. The situation for Ursula is much the same--we have provided affected communities Php94.4 million in assistance against a Php3.4 billion cost in infrastructural and agricultural damages. These do not include the social cost resulting from trauma and displacement of our kababayans from their residence and place or work or livelihood.

Apart from the national budget's apportioned Calamity Fund, which is held and released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) with approval from the President, we call on our agencies to utilize their Quick Response Funds (QRF) with utmost urgency. The longer assistance is delayed, the longer our people will be forced to endure day-to-day living in untenable conditions.

The Calamity Fund, which is at 16 billion pesos this year, is helpful only in conjunction with QRFs, which do not need to be approved by the DBM for release. The Department of Public Works and Highways, the Office of Civil Defence, the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Agriculture all have built-in QRFs that will serve to address relevant emergency and rehabilitation operations under their agency's purview. If the P16 billion allocated for Calamity Fund for the year 2020 will not be sufficient to alleviate the sufferings of our kababayans as a result of these natural disasters and help them get back on their feet, these government agencies can tap on their respective offices' savings from 2019 and even from the Calamity Fund. If that will not even suffice, I am prepared to file, and I believe many of our colleagues, are willing to support the passage of a supplemental budget.

But even with the timely release of funds, we still need a more coordinated disaster response body in place to tightly manage disaster-related operations, from preparedness to rehabilitation. Our agencies do have disaster response plans in place, but without an agency to lead their efforts, disaster response becomes haphazard and ineffective. The NDRRMC is not set up to fulfil the all-encompassing function of overseeing all agencies in times of disaster.Example is Capiz on damaged houses. What we need is a Department of Disaster Resilience, which will ensure a more efficient, coordinated, and complete system of disaster management--from risk assessment to emergency response right down to reintegration assistance and rehabilitation.

The United States has a similar office called the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA, which was organized after the disastrous Hurricane Katrina that hit Southern US in 2005.

The Department of Disaster Resilience will take on the functions of the Office of Civil Defense, the Climate Change Office of the Climate Change Commission, the Geo-Hazard Assessment and Engineering Geology Section of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Health Emergency Management Bureau of the Department of Health, the Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Program Management Office for Earthquake Resiliency of the Greater Metro Manila Area. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) will also be attached to the agency. By having this Department of Disaster Resilience, our people will easily know where to go to in times of calamities and which agency is responsible in providing assistance and guidance to them.

Given how many natural disasters hit the nation every year, it is absolutely necessary for us to bring disaster resilience up to the level of the cabinet. That is why we need the Department of Disaster Resilience now, more than ever. And with this department, we will be able to finally formulate a National Disaster Resilience Framework, a National Disaster Resilience Plan, and a National Continuity Policy.

The creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience will also emphasize the need to pre-empt disasters, and not just respond to them.If we want to face these disasters head-on, it may beequally important torevisitjust how indeedour buildingsand structuresare designed and built;are the existing structures designed for different types of disasters; how ourcities and communitiesare planned and developed.

With a Department of Disaster Resilience, we can begin to really develop the same design and development studies here as in the area in San Andreas Fault in the US, which will be essential in updating our 43-year-old national building code as well as the geo-hazard mapping of the country.

It costs to be reactive in our approach to natural disasters. We lose money; worse yet, we lose lives. As such, I really believe that it is time to strengthen our disaster management system and establish a Department of Disaster Resilience. I enjoin my colleagues to see to the passage of a Department of Disaster Resilience bill.

Thank you Mr. President.



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Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon proposed to increase the minimum amount of damages that the court may grant for the wrongful death of a person caused by a crime or negligence.

In Senate Bill No. 1276, Drilon sought to amend the Civil Code by increasing the minimum amount for death indemnity, whether caused by crime or quasi-delict (negligence) to P300,000 from P3,000.

Drilon said that while the old Civil Code, which was enacted in 1949, set the amount for death indemnity to P3,000, the amount has increased in jurisprudence over time to P50,000 in 1990. The amount remained stagnant, however, at P50,000 until 2013 when the Supreme Court, in People v. Gambao, raised the minimum amount to P100,000.

Drilon noted that while it is clear from the wording of the law and the decisions rendered by the Supreme Court that the amount provided is only the minimum, it has become common practice for our courts to award death indemnity as well as moral and exemplary damages only within the minimum amount.

"It has been lamented that the gruesome nature of deaths subject of recently decided cases would have warranted a higher award but that courts have been hesitant to depart from the amounts fixed by jurisprudence," Drilon said.

The former justice secretary cited as an example the recent decision on the Maguindanao Massacre where the court only granted compensation payout of P100,000 for death indemnity, P100,000 for moral damages, and P100,000 for exemplary damages.

"We are proposing these amendments to emphasize that the amounts provided in the law are only the minimum and that the courts are empowered to use their discretion in granting a higher amount, based on the rate of inflation and circumstances unique to the case," he explained.

"Without saying that human life or human suffering has an equivalent price or cost, the indemnity for death should be at least P300,000," he added.

Quoting from the words of the Court in People v. Oandasan, Drilon explained: "There can be no sufficient reparation or indemnification for loss of a human life which has immeasurable value. However, civil indemnity for death is compensatory in nature and must be adjusted to existing economic realities; otherwise, the objective to justly indemnify the victims will be rendered meaningless."

Under the same bill, Drilon also sought to set the minimum amount for moral and exemplary damages at P200,000.

The former justice secretary said that Article 2216 of the Civil Code does not provide a minimum amount for moral and exemplary damages and leaves it entirely to the discretion of the courts. Jurisprudence similarly pegs the amount at P100,000.00, he noted.

Moral damages are awarded to compensate for physical suffering, mental anguish, serious anxiety, besmirched reputation, wounded feelings and social humiliation. Exemplary damages are imposed by way of example or correction for highly outrageous or reprehensible conduct and to vindicate undue suffering.



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To help them rebuild their lives amid the calamity, Senator Win Gatchalian is calling for the imposition of a one-year moratorium on loan amortizations for residents affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

Immediately upon Congress' resumption of session on Monday, Gatchalian has filed Senate Resolution No. 289 (SRN 289) urging the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Social Security System (SSS) and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) to extend calamity or emergency loans to and/or impose a one-year moratorium on loan amortizations of members who are residents of the Taal volcano eruption calamity areas.

Gatchalian made this promise to affected residents when he visited Batangas to check the condition of the evacuees and to personally turn over cash assistance to affected towns, while a hazardous explosive eruption might still happen in hours or days.

SRN 289 also urges Local Government Units (LGUs) to be more lenient to affected businesses on the payment of real property taxes, renewal of business permits and imposition of penalties. Simultaneously, it calls on both private and government banks to defer loan payments of affected borrowers.

The lawmaker said that the GSIS, SSS and Pag-IBIG Fund have not yet issued a moratorium with a term longer than 6 months on the loan amortizations of their respective members and/or pensioners residing in the said calamity areas, nor have these agencies extended calamity assistance or emergency loans to affected members.

Records from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) as of January 18 showed that 37,355 families or 162,728 individuals were staying in various evacuation centers in the Province of Batangas.

"Kami po ay nakikiramay at nakikiisa sa ating mga kababayan sa Batangas. Nandito ho kami para tuloy-tuloy na sumuporta sa mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan at sisiguraduhin po naming sa loob ng Senado na maibibigay po ang pondo para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasirang gusali," Gatchalian said.

By imposing a one-year moratorium on loan amortization and suspending the imposition of penalties by LGUs to calamity-affected business establishments will not only help affected citizens to recover and rebuild, it will also facilitate and reinvigorate the economy of the affected areas.



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President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, led the distribution of relief assistance to victims of the Taal volcano eruption in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Monday, January 20.

Aside from the distribution of relief goods to affected families and individuals, the Office of the President also gave financial assistance to disaster-stricken local government units (LGUs) to help in their recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Senator Go also gave away dust masks to affected LGUs for distribution to residents to protect them from the effects of the ashfall.

During his speech, Duterte said that he would ask Congress to pass a supplemental budget to reinforce the government's efforts in response to the volcanic eruption.

"I will ask Congress to expedite to cover P30 billion. Iyong tulong, pati sa livestock," he said "Dadating ang tulong sa inyo, maghintay lang kayo, and we will act fast. Sa tamang panahon, dadating ang tulong sa inyo," he added.

The President also called for the construction of permanent evacuation centers in disaster-prone areas across the country.

"I'm urging Congress sa lahat ng areas na prone sa disaster na magkaroon ng mga evacuation center na malalaki lalo na 'yung mga probinsya na nakaharap sa Pacific Ocean," Duterte said.

On his part, Senator Go filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1228 in December last year which provides for the establishment of an evacuation center in every city, province and municipality throughout the country.

According to the senator, it is necessary to build permanent evacuation centers nationwide to ensure the safety of Filipinos in times of natural calamities and other disasters given the geographic location of the country.

Go, who has now visited Batangas for the third time since the eruption, also joined the President on January 14 at the Batangas Sports Complex for a situation briefing with key government officials.

The senator returned on January 16 when he distributed financial assistance, relief goods and packed meals to evacuees at Bauan Technical High School in Bauan, Batangas, and Barangay Kaybagal South in Tagaytay City.



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President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, led the distribution of relief assistance to victims of the Taal volcano eruption in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Monday, January 20.

Aside from the distribution of relief goods to affected families and individuals, the Office of the President also gave financial assistance to disaster-stricken local government units (LGUs) to help in their recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Senator Go also gave away dust masks to affected LGUs for distribution to residents to protect them from the effects of the ashfall.

During his speech, Duterte said that he would ask Congress to pass a supplemental budget to reinforce the government's efforts in response to the volcanic eruption.

"I will ask Congress to expedite to cover P30 billion. Iyong tulong, pati sa livestock," he said "Dadating ang tulong sa inyo, maghintay lang kayo, and we will act fast. Sa tamang panahon, dadating ang tulong sa inyo," he added.

The President also called for the construction of permanent evacuation centers in disaster-prone areas across the country.

"I'm urging Congress sa lahat ng areas na prone sa disaster na magkaroon ng mga evacuation center na malalaki lalo na 'yung mga probinsya na nakaharap sa Pacific Ocean," Duterte said.

On his part, Senator Go filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1228 in December last year which provides for the establishment of an evacuation center in every city, province and municipality throughout the country.

According to the senator, it is necessary to build permanent evacuation centers nationwide to ensure the safety of Filipinos in times of natural calamities and other disasters given the geographic location of the country.

Go, who has now visited Batangas for the third time since the eruption, also joined the President on January 14 at the Batangas Sports Complex for a situation briefing with key government officials.

The senator returned on January 16 when he distributed financial assistance, relief goods and packed meals to evacuees at Bauan Technical High School in Bauan, Batangas, and Barangay Kaybagal South in Tagaytay City



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Despite persuading concerned government agencies and the technical working group (TWG) of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to extend the pilot testing program for motorcycle riding app Angkas, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go reiterated in an interview that the company still needs to follow the law and comply with regulations, particularly on foreign ownership restrictions of the Constitution.

This comes after DOTr said that the ride-hailing firm is allegedly 99.9% owned by a Singaporean. Angkas, on their part, has also announced that it has rectified this ownership issue.

"About the ownership issue, of course, they have to prove it. Sumunod sila sa ating batas. Kung ano ang allowable, sundin nila. If not, magkakaprublema tayo," Go said in an interview during his visit to fire victims in Las Piñas City.

The senator, however, also expressed his concern for riders who could lose their jobs if Angkas is forced to halt its operations. As a remedy, Go said that he has already discussed with the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) the extension of Angkas' pilot testing run.

"Sabi ko po kahapon, nakiusap ako kina Secretary Art Tugade at Chairman Martin Delgra na tingnan ng mabuti," Go said.

"Ayaw nating may mawalan ng trabaho sa ngayon. Ang atin dito, tuloy muna ang kanilang pagpapasada as long as sumusunod sila sa safety measures," he added.

Go also stressed that the interest of Filipino consumers should come first, and that Angkas guaranteed that it is following a set of measures to ensure the safety of their passengers.

"May sinusunod naman silang safety measures. 'Yun po ang importante sa akin, ang kapakanan ng pasahero. 'Wag basta-basta tumanggap ng nagmamaneho kung hindi nag-comply sa safety measures," he said.

"'Yung mga namamasada riyan, ang iba galing pang probinsya. Nagpunta rito para magtrabaho para sa mga pamilya nila. Nakakatulong naman sila sa trapiko, lalu na ang sikip ng daan sa Metro Manila. Basta safety ng pasahero at interes ng mga Pilipino ang unahin natin," he said.

Go also mentioned the need to amend the law to legalize the operations of motorcycle taxis, saying "Yes, we have to amend the law para payagan sila."

However, he also urged stakeholders to refrain from resorting to accusations or legal remedies and focus on coordination and dialogue instead.

"Sabi ko, while waiting to amend the law, 'wag muna hulihin. Tuloy muna ang pilot run. Pag-usapan ninyo. Do not resort to legal remedies. Hahaba lang ang usapan," he said.

"Sit down and talk. Maraming apektado kung mag-aaway sila. 'Yung mga maliliit ang apektado rito. Kawawa sila," he added.

The senator was at Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City to provide aid to 190 families affected by a fire that occurred on January 14. While no casualties were reported, five individuals were injured as a result of the incident. Around 80 houses were also affected by the fire.

Go distributed financial and relief assistance to victims during the visit. He also told students affected by the fire incident that he will provide them new sets of uniforms and school supplies so they can immediately go back to school.

"May dala po akong konting tulong sa inyo. Lahat kayo makakatanggap ng financial assistance. Mayroon din ako grocery packs para sa inyo. Sa mga estudyante rin na nandito na nasunugan ng gamit, ako na ang bibili ng school supplies para sa inyo," he said.

The victims also received various forms of assistance from representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP). Some local officials were also present during the visit.

"Nandito rin ang mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno. Ang DSWD, may dalang financial assistance. Iba yung dala ko, iba rin yung dala ng DSWD. Ang NHA naman babalik sila para magbigay ng pambili ng housing materials sa inyo," Go said, adding that the NHA also provides low cost housing programs to victims of fire disasters.

"Kung sinuman ang gusto ng murang pabahay diyan, kung sino ang mag-qualify, may sarili na kayong pabahay sa Cavite. Makipag-coordinate lamang po kayo sa NHA," he said.

"Ang DTI naman po, nandito para magbigay ng livelihood assistance sa inyo. Ang PCUP nandito rin. Babalik rin ang PAGCOR at PCSO para magbigay ng tulong pinansyal sa inyo," he added.

As for sick residents who wish to seek medical treatment, Go said that he is also willing to assist them.

"Kung sino naman sa inyo ang gustong magpagamot, ako na po ang magpapagamot sa inyo. Ako na sasagot sa pamasahe, pagpapagamot, hanggang sa makauwi na kayo sa inyong bahay."

Go also expressed his willingness to shoulder the fare of those who want to go back to their home provinces, saying "Sinong mga Bisaya rito? Ako na ho ang mamamasahe sa inyo kung gusto niyong umuwi ng probinsya. Ang Maynila, traffic masyado, dikit dikit ang mga bahay kaya nagkakasunog dito. Kaya kung sino gusto umuwi ng probinsya, ako na ang mamamasahe sa inyo."

The senator also explained to the fire victims the concept of Malasakit Centers--one-stop shops for all Filipinos, particularly the poor and indigent patients, where they can ask for assistance from the different government agencies.

"Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Centers. Inyo po 'yun. Hindi niyo na po kailangan magpa-laboy laboy pa para lang humingi ng tulong. Zero balance po ang target ng Malasakit Centers," Go said, adding that these centers have designated priority lanes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

During his visit, a teary-eyed resident approached Go and expressed her gratitude to the senator for his willingness to help her seek medical treatment. Go also met Denmark Gulani, a 31-year-old PWD, who is an avid fan of his.

The senator also visited the health and daycare centers of Brgy. Almanza Uno and greeted the barangay workers there. He also received a warm welcome from senior citizens in the area.

Ending his message to the residents, Go encouraged them not to hesitate to seek his help during difficult times.

"Huwag kayong mahiyang lumapit sa akin. Ituring niyo lang ako na inyong kapitbahay. Tawagin niyo lang ako na Kuya Bong Go ninyo," he said.

"Katulad ni Pangulong Duterte, probinsyano na ginawang Pangulo, ako po probinsyano na ginawang senador. Wala na kaming hihilingin pa sa Panginoon, ibabalik na lang namin sa inyo ang serbisyong para sa inyo," he added.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go urged his fellow Senators on Monday, January 20, to support the bill that he filed that seeks to amend Republic Act No. (RA) 8972 or the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000.

"I am pushing for these amendments to be included in the existing law to cater to as many solo parents as possible, to help them build a stronger family despite their situation, and to support them as productive members of society," Go said during the public hearing that the Committee on Women, Children and Family Relations and Gender Equality conducted with the Senate Committees on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development; Finance; Health and Demography; and Ways and Means.

"Solo parents are both the breadwinners and caregivers of their families, and they should be acknowledged appropriately. As the law now stands, the privileges and benefits awarded to them are insufficient and show a lack of understanding for the complexity of their needs," the Senator explained.

"The enhancements I have introduced to the Solo Parents' Welfare Act aim to provide redress for some 14 million solo parents who are saddled by the double hardship of raising their children. They will infuse more benefits and privileges to the solo parent which will ease the burden of single-handedly raising his or her children," he added.

If passed into law, Go's Senate Bill (SB) No. 206 will give solo parents amnesty or reduction in real estate and inheritance taxes and add P50,000 to their exemption from individual income tax.

The bill will also grant them additional special discounts in purchases, such as ten percent from clothes for babies up to two years old, fifteen percent from baby's milk and food up to two years old, and fifteen percent from medicine up to five years old.

According to the proposed amendments of Go, children of solo parents will also enjoy ten percent tuition fee discount from public and private schools from grade one to college and twenty percent discount from school supplies until 21 years old.

Before solo parents could avail themselves of the privileges, however, they must apply for a Solo Parent Identification Card from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office and present the card to the companies and establishments from whom discounted purchases are made.

The companies and establishments are likewise allowed to claim the discounts as part of their business expense.

"Employment benefits are also included in my proposal. Under the existing law, solo parent employees who have rendered service of at least one year shall be granted parental leave of not more than seven working days. My proposed measure lowers the required length of service to six months instead and specifies that the leave should be granted 'with pay,'" Go said.

"Further, I included penal provisions among my amendments in order to ensure compliance with the dictates of the law. Para mas makatulong talaga itong batas sa mga solo parents natin," he added.

A fine of P200,000 or imprisonment of up to two years is proposed to be imposed on "any person, corporation, entity or agency which refuses or fails to provide the benefits granted to solo parents."

Wanting the bill to benefit as many deserving Filipinos as possible, Go expanded the definition of solo parent in SB 206.

Solo parent is defined under Section 3 as any individual who falls under any of the following categories:

"A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity, even without a final conviction of the offender; provided, that the mother keeps and raises the child;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due death of spouse;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood while spouse is detained or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least six (6) months, provided he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church, provided he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;

"Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of spouse for at least six (6) months;

"Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear his/her child/children; who has actual custody of the said child/children, instead of having others care for them or giving them up to a welfare institution;

"Any other person who bears sole parental responsibility a child or children, including a foster parent duly-recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, a legal guardian appointed by the court or a legal single adoptive parent; and

"Any family member who assumes the responsibility as the head of the family resulting from the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent."

Under RA 8972, parents who are covered are those who have been left solo due to separation from the spouse or abandonment of the spouse for at least one year. The required time is reduced to six months in SB 206.

The inclusion of duly recognized foster parents is another amendment introduced in SB 206.

Go also reminded his colleagues that President Rodrigo Duterte called for the passage of the measure in his State of the Nation Address in July 2019. "Ito ay isang priority measure ng ating mahal na Pangulo na binanggit niya noong SONA niya, kaya hinihikayat ko ang aking mga kasamahan dito sa Senado na ipasa ito sa lalong madaling panahon," Go said.



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We will have to find out how much is readily available in calamity funds of the national government (NDRRMF, or National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund) and the LGUs affected (LDRRMF, or Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund). As per the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 or RA 10121, LGUs are mandated to allocate at least 5% of their regular sources of income, including their IRA, for their LDRRMF. If unexpended since there are no calamities, the cumulative LDRRMF are kept in a special fund to be used in situations like the Taal eruption.

The same provision of RA 10121 applies to all the municipalities and barangays affected or not by calamities.

Batangas province in this instant case had allocated P183 million in their 2019 annual budget alone for their PDRRMF although it appears 70% has been allocated for overhead expenses like MOOE, and only P55 million was for calamity. The same is true for the different municipalities and barangays within the province.

Counting five years backwards from January 2020 when Taal erupted, as RA 10121 mandates that unexpended LDRRMF shall accrue to a special trust fund solely for the purpose of supporting disaster risk reduction and management activities of the LDRRMCs within the next five years, I can imagine they may still have sufficient funds. That, and to be augmented by the national government, should all be taken into account when we deliberate on the P30-billion supplemental budget being pushed by the President.

There is no saying that I am not supporting the expeditious passage of the budget measure. I'm only saying we have to find out if P30 billion is a bit more or even not sufficient to help the LGUs affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.



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We will have to find out how much is readily available in calamity funds of the national government (NDRRMF, or National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund) and the LGUs affected (LDRRMF, or Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund). As per the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 or RA 10121, LGUs are mandated to allocate at least 5% of their regular sources of income, including their IRA, for their LDRRMF. If unexpended since there are no calamities, the cumulative LDRRMF are kept in a special fund to be used in situations like the Taal eruption.

The same provision of RA 10121 applies to all the municipalities and barangays affected or not by calamities.

Batangas province in this instant case had allocated P183 million in their 2019 annual budget alone for their PDRRMF although it appears 70% has been allocated for overhead expenses like MOOE, and only P55 million was for calamity. The same is true for the different municipalities and barangays within the province.

Counting five years backwards from January 2020 when Taal erupted, as RA 10121 mandates that unexpended LDRRMF shall accrue to a special trust fund solely for the purpose of supporting disaster risk reduction and management activities of the LDRRMCs within the next five years, I can imagine they may still have sufficient funds. That, and to be augmented by the national government, should all be taken into account when we deliberate on the P30-billion supplemental budget being pushed by the President.

There is no saying that I am not supporting the expeditious passage of the budget measure. I'm only saying we have to find out if P30 billion is a bit more or even not sufficient to help the LGUs affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.



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The influx of Chinese vacationers celebrating the Lunar New Year this weekend may spread a new strain of pneumonia-causing virus in the Philippines, Senator Imee Marcos said.

Marcos added that lax immigration procedures for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) also increased the country's health risk to the virus that Chinese officials have traced to an animal and seafood market in Wuhan, the capital of the central mainland province of Hubei.

Although the World Health Organization (WHO) said that human-to-human transmission of the new virus remains inconclusive, Marcos said that preventive measures in the country's international airports and seaports will minimize the risk of spreading the virus, particularly in Manila, Kalibo, Cebu and Davao which have direct travel links with China.

Besides health scans at ports of entry, standard operation procedures for a possible quarantine of infected persons should already be put in place by the Department of Health and airport authorities, just in case WHO announces an epidemic, Marcos said.

"Ganyan kasi nangyari sa atin sa HIV. Nagulat na lang tayo na biglang exponential na ang increase dahil hindi tayo naging maagap. Sa Pilipinas ang may pinakamabilis na paglaganap ng sakit sa buong Southeast Asia," Marcos warned.

"Dapat maging alerto at magpatupad ng precautionary measure ang Department of Health, Manila International Airport Authority at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno para di makalusot ang Coronavirus na maaaring manggaling sa China, Thailand, o Japan", Marcos said.

Chinese health authorities have already reported four deaths caused by the virus and more than 200 cases of infection have been recorded in the mainland, with a few cases detected in Thailand and Japan, but the UK estimates that the actual number could reach about 1,700 globally



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MANILA - Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Tuesday expressed his support for the establishment of a Taal Commission -- a body that would solely focus on aiding, rehabilitating, and rebuilding communities affected by the ongoing eruption of Taal Volcano.

"We should immediately shift our focus to providing the needs of those affected by the ongoing eruption. We're not going in this blindly. Alam na natin ito. There have already been several lessons learned from the 1991 Pinatubo eruption. It worked then, it should work now. We just need to adapt it to respond to the current situation," Pangilinan said.

A P50-billion appropriation would be needed to fund the commission, as filed by Senator Ralph Recto on Monday, January 20. Citing NDRRMC figures, over half a million people have already been affected.

"This is our reality: the Philippines has always been a disaster-prone country. What we need to do is ensure that we are faster in our response, and are quicker to make decisions relevant to the situation. We believe that having a Taal Commission would ensure more cohesive rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts that include not only government and multi-sectoral participation, allowing the people and community to take part," Pangilinan said.

The senator earlier stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in providing for the needs of the Taal victims. He called on various government agencies to extend assistance, particularly the Department of Social Work and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment to relaunch a cash-for-work program; educational assistance from the Commission on Higher Education; emergency leaves as approved by the Civil Service Commission; food and nutrition assistance, and psycho-social trauma management workshops from the Department of health; and temporary shelter and housing from the housing agencies and the Department of Public Works and Highways; among many others.

"This is an all-hands-on-deck situation. Not only the government and the private sector should be involved in the efforts. We also need to treat those affected by the eruption not simply as evacuees and recipients of donation but as active participants in the rebuilding efforts. We need to empower them so that they are able to take part in rebuilding their own lives once given proper assistance," Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan also called on the government to provide alternative livelihood and funding assistance for farmers and fisherfolk affected by the Taal eruption.



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The continuation of the pilot operation of motorcycle taxi is a triumph for commuters in need of alternative mode of transportation.

Traffic congestion and the rising demand for mobility are pressing reasons for us to consider regulating the motorcycle taxi industry.

We hope the concerned agencies will devote adequate time and effort to thoroughly study its viability and safety, and come up with a comprehensive report that could aid Congress in legislating appropriate law.



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Persons and business establishments caught selling or distributing alcohol or tobacco products, commonly known as sin products, to minors face stiffer penalties under a proposed bill filed by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto.

Recto said he filed Senate Bill No. 1208, otherwise known as the Protection of Minors from Sin Products Act, last November to "further protect minors from the hazards of alcohol and tobacco products, including heated tobacco and vapor products."

He said that while there are existing laws such as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and taxation on sin products that regulate the use, possession, and sale of these products, these seem not effective deterrents to the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products.

Recto said the imposition of stiffer penalties to any person or establishment who facilitate the use, possession or access by a minor and who sells or distributes sin products to minors is necessary for the protection of the youth.

Under the proposed law, any person or establishment who violates the act will be fined P100,000 but not more than P500,000 and imprisoned not less than six years but not more than 12 years.

In case the violator is an establishment, imprisonment shall be imposed on the manager, representative, director, agent or employee.

Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 imposes a P5,000 fine to any person or any business entity or establishment selling to, distributing or purchasing a cigarette or any other tobacco products toa minor, an imprisonment not more than 30 days on the first offense will be imposed.

In addition to the penalties, business entities or establishments face revocation of business licenses or permits on succeeding offenses.



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Sen. Bong Revilla on Tuesday expressed high hopes that the formal turnover of supervision and control of the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital from the City Government of Bacoor to the Department of Health will improve health and medical services, and cater to a wider clientele especially the marginalized sector.

The veteran legislator also complimented incumbent Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla and Cavite 2nd District Representative Strike Revilla for ensuring the smooth operation of the district hospital utilizing funds from the local government unit.

He likewise commended the two officials for pushing the passage of Republic Act 11233 upgrading the Bacoor District Hospital to a Level III General Hospital, to be known as the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital, under the direct supervision and control of the Department of Health.

"Kasabay niyan, tuloy-tuloy na itinulak ni Mayor Lani at Congressman Strike sa Kongreso ang pagpapalawak nito to a 100-bed hospital ran by the DOH. At dahil sa pagtutulungan na 'yan, nandito na tayo ngayon," Revilla said.

"Sinigurado po natin na may nakalaan na additional budget ito sa 2020 General Appropriations Act para sa pagbili ng karagdagang lupa at pagtatayo ng karagdagang pasilidad ng hospital. Lalo pa nating pagagandahin at palalawakin ang serbisyo ng ating ospital," the senator added.

Level III is the highest category among general hospitals in the Philippines according to the guidelines set by the DOH. A hospital under this category offers high-level specialty in Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Surgery. It must also have Dialysis Treatment Facilities, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Ambulatory Surgical Clinic, Blood Bank, a DOH-licensed tertiary clinical laboratory with standard equipment/reagents/supplies necessary for the performance of hispathology examination, and a DOH-licensed level 3 imaging facility with interventional radiology.

Prior to the establishment of the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital, there is only one DOH hospital in CALABARZON located in Batangas Province.



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Ito po ang sinasabi natin sa pagdinig kahapon tungkol sa motorcycle taxis. Huwag po tayo magpadalos-dalos ating mga desisyon, lalo na kung makakaapekto ito sa maraming tao.

We're glad that the technical working group studying the viability of motorcycle taxis as public transports has come to its senses. We caution them against resorting to childish tactics against participants in the study. Their mandate comes from the LTFRB, and their purpose is to help create a regulatory framework. Let bygones be bygones, and the TWG must buckle down to work.

Let the study rise and fall on its merits, not on childish tactics.



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To better equip the government for a world that is fast becoming more digital and interconnected, the budget of the Department of Information and Communications (DICT) was granted an increase of P6.2 billion under the 2020 General Appropriations Act, Senator Sonny Angara said today.

From the P3.7 billion in the National Expenditure Program that was submitted by Malacañang to Congress last year, the DICT's 2020 budget was hiked to close to P10 billion in the P4.1 trillion GAA.

Angara, the chairman of the Committee on Finance, noted how the budget of the DICT has been increasing over the years--from P2.9 billion in 2017, it increased to P4.7 billion in 2018 and to P6.2 billion in 2019.

"The world is quickly moving towards the digital age. The government has to keep up with the demands brought about by this shift. Tech-savvy Filipinos demand this, which is why the DICT, as the agency in charge of all things related to IT, was granted a bigger budget to undertake the programs needed to make this happen," Angara said.

The DICT will be tasked to make classrooms, workforces, workplaces and communities digital, meaning they have access to the Internet and mobile forms of communication. Funding for the establishment of infrastructure for a national government data center will also be made available.

The national government data center will serve as the launching point for many government services such as cloud computing, web hosting, server colocation and other operations.

"When agencies and offices are able to communicate with each other real time, more work can be accomplished at a faster pace and all of this will mean better service for the public and the taxpayers in particular," Angara said.

The budget will also support the implementation of the Government Emergency Communications System (GECS).

The GECS is intended to provide emergency communication systems in disaster-stricken areas because when earthquakes, typhoons or even volcanic eruptions strike, one of the biggest problems faced by aid responders is that the lines of communication are down.

"One of the most important things that we need when disaster strikes is constant communication with the affected areas. The responders need to know the situation on the ground and what is needed by the communities," Angara said.

As part of the efforts to streamline government procedures, the DICT budget will also contain funding for the development of the National Government Portal (NGP).

The NGP will serve as a one-stop gateway for all web-based government content so that citizens and businesses in particular will be able to have access to information useful to them without having to navigate through different and often unintuitive web pages.

Implementation of the Free Wi-Fi in public places and in the state universities and colleges will continue and will cover more areas.

Connectivity will not be possible though without a fast and reliable internet connection in all parts of the country, which is why funding was also provided for the DICT to implement the national broadband program.

The National Telecommunications Commission, which is under the DICT, was also granted an additional P3.321 billion for its general administration and support, the implementation of its National Emergency Communication Resiliency Program, and ICT modernization program.



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Senator Nancy Binay called on the Department of Health (DOH) and other government agencies to prepare an emergency response plan and ensure that the government is fully equipped to address a possible outbreak of a mysterious respiratory disease from China.

Binay filed Senate Resolution 293 which aims to determine appropriate measures and necessary funding requirements to ensure quick and efficient government response to address a possible outbreak.

"It might be best for the DOH to review the protocols in place and check if the necessary people are prepared to implement these if needed," Binay said.

"Preemptive measures will always the better option. Kailangan natin paghandaan na dahil actionable ang impormasyong hawak ng DOH. We must act immediately to monitor reports of the disease or sightings, and abate the possibility of an outbreak," the senator added.

The DOH had earlier ordered the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to intensify checks on all travellers coming to the Philippines after reports of an "unknown form of viral pneumonia" is spreading in China.

"Mabuting maging handa, hindi lamang ang DOH at ang pambansang pamahalaan, kundi pati na rin ang mga local na pamahalaan hanggang sa lebel ng barangay," she added.

According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the DOH is currently investigating a suspected case of the mysterious respiratory disease that involves a 5-year-old Chinese boy who arrived in Cebu City from Wuhan, China.

The DOH referred to the case as "non-specific pancoronavirus," which means it could be the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or any of the 4 other existing coronaviruses that can infect humans.

The SARS-like viral disease was initially reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan and Chinese health officials said it could be transmitted between humans.

Cases have since been reported in the cities of Beijing and Shanghai and the province of Guangdong. South Korea, Japan, and Thailand have also reported cases of the disease, which was found in people who visited Wuhan. So far, a total of 218 people have been diagnosed with the virus.



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Senator Pia S. Cayetano today said industries in the country should be persuaded to innovate into producing more eco-friendly products and packaging to encourage sustainable consumption among consumers, and help achieve the country's zero waste goals.

Such is the main takeaway of Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Innovation, and Futures Thinking, from the panel's third public hearing on Wednesday (January 22).

Following through on the committee's earlier hearing that focused on Goal 12 of the SDGs, Cayetano led another discussion with government agencies and civil society members to track the country's action plan towards sustainable consumption and production.

Goal 12 of the SDGs calls on nations to ensure sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns, particularly through the promotion of consumer information and education for sustainable development and lifestyles.

Also discussed in the hearing were the best practices being implemented towards SCP at the national and the local level.

While stressing the importance of influencing consumer behavior to encourage waste reduction, Cayetano said industry manufacturers carry the bigger responsibility of shifting towards more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for their products.

"How do we push producers to innovate? That's one of the challenges we have. If we want citizens to shift to more sustainable products, how can they [do so] if they are [presented] with [products that] are not sustainable?" she pointed out.

"Many young people are so game to embrace new sustainable practices. But what kind of change will we make if the producers themselves refuse to adjust their mindset," she added.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) also cited during the hearing that a change in the behavior of both consumers and producers is necessary for sustainable waste reduction. This, according to the agency, can be done by conducting public education campaigns on SCP.

In addition, Cayetano stressed the importance of codifying and harmonizing the best practices towards SCP, following the lead of local communities that are already implementing sound policies on sustainability.

"We have isolated provisions on the efficient use of resources per area of life; but as regulators and lawmakers, we are having difficulty following up and assessing those provisions. It's difficult to look at the overall picture because [our plans] are not yet harmonized. Hopefully, the cities and communities can help us put it all together," the senator said.

"I also hope that our committee can make it easy to codify these best practices towards SCP, which other communities can follow and prioritize," she added, as she expressed support for NEDA's intention to come up with a budget codification for certain priority SDGs in the next six months.

Furthermore, the concept of zero waste management was also among the highlights of the panels' discussion on SCP.

Representatives from the Mother Earth Foundation and Ecowaste Coalition particularly stressed that achieving zero waste requires community responsibility - through reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting wastes - as well as industrial responsibility - through re-designing and shifting into alternative, sustainable products.

Cauayan, Isabela Mayor Bernard Dy was also invited as a resource person in the hearing, where he shared the city's best practices on localizing SDGs through various sustainable initiatives like the Cauayan City Food Bank and the conceptualization of e-vehicles in their community, among others.



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