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We welcome President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's recent signing of the Sin Tax Reform Law, which raises the excise taxes imposed on alcohol and e-cigarette products.

The enactment of this measure is a manifestation of the administration's full commitment to its mandate of protecting public health and welfare.

As Chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee, I had pushed for substantially higher sin tax rates under my sponsored Senate bill, to be able to meet the funding requirements for universal health care and to effectively deter the consumption of these harmful products.

Nonetheless, I remain confident that the law's passage is a good step forward to discourage Filipinos, especially the youth, from taking up dangerous vices, thereby guiding them towards making healthier lifestyle choices.

Moreover, the revenues to be collected from this measure will go a long way in ensuring our people's access to free and quality health care services. I thank our colleagues in the DOH and DOF, Congress, and pro-health allies for contributing to this landmark legislation.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has expressed alarm over the growing trend of crimes involving Chinese nationals in the country which could worsen if authorities fail to step up their campaign against Chinese offenders.

De Lima said the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the leadership of new PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa should intensify its crackdown against Chinese criminals by running after possible presence of Chinese syndicates in the country.

"Kung hindi magiging maigting ang pagbabantay at pagsugpo sa mga krimen na kinasasangkutan ng mga Chinese nationals dito sa atin, tiyak na dadami pa ito at lalong lalakas ang loob ng mga sindikato na maghasik ng lagim sa bansa," she said.

"Huwag sanang maliitin ang isyung ito ng ating mga awtoridad. Hindi makatarungan na sinasakop at inaangkin na nga ng Tsina ang ating mga teritoryo, patuloy pang inaagrabyado at binibiktima ng mga kriminal at sindikatong Tsino ang mga Pilipino," she added.

In 2019 alone, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recorded the arrest of 421 criminal-foreigners, which included 324 Chinese nationals. In the same year, the Bureau also recorded the arrest of 2,257 erring foreigners, 1,577 of whom were Chinese.

In January to November 2019, meanwhile, the PNP-Anti Kidnapping Group (AKG) recorded six Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO)-related kidnappings, wherein thirty suspects, mostly Chinese nationals, have been arrested.

De Lima noted that Chinese nationals in the Philippines have been involved in various criminal activities ranging from kidnapping for ransom, extortion, rape, torture, illegal drugs, prostitution, tax evasion and large-scale investment scam, and violation of immigration laws among other fraudulent schemes, in the past six months.

The recent reports of crime surge involving Chinese offenders include, among others, the arrest of five Chinese men in Makati City last Jan. 2 for allegedly kidnapping and torturing a POGO employee.

Given these alarming records and reports, the lady Senator from Bicol maintained that the PNP should go beyond establishing a "Chinese desk" to curb the rising crime committed by Chinese nationals in the Philippines.

"Our authorities cannot just designate a 'Chinese desk' to receive complaints. They need to have concrete action plans on how to go after the members of big-time Chinese syndicates here," she said.

Gamboa has announced his plan to establish Chinese desks in which technical working groups from both the Philippine and Chinese governments would be created supposedly to stop the rising trend of crimes involving Chinese nationals in the country.

Last year, De Lima urged the government to order the stop of operations of online gambling or POGO firms in the Philippines that have given rise to several crimes and other illegal activities by Chinese nationals, but it was unacted upon.

In the previous 17th Congress, De Lima also filed Senate Resolution No. 751 to investigate the surge of Chinese workers in the Philippines, notably in the POGO industry.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged her colleagues in the Senate to consider the passage of a bill creating a national council tasked to ensure the welfare of persons with developmental disabilities (PDDs), especially in times of natural disasters.

De Lima made the appeal as she thanked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for rescuing two individuals with developmental disabilities residing in Agoncillo, Batangas after they were left behind by their families locked inside a house.

"Lubos po tayong humahanga at nagpapasalamat sa ating Philippine Coast Guard sa pagsagip sa dalawa nating kababayan na PDD na naiwan at napabayaan nang ilang araw sa kanilang lugar dahil sa pagsabog ng Bulkang Taal," she said.

"Ang insidenteng ito ay patunay na kailangan ng marami sa ating mga kababayan ang tamang pagsasanay at payo para pangalagaan ang mga kamag-anak nilang may developmental disabilities," she added.

Last Jan. 19, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Batangas alerted the PCG after receiving reports that two PDDs were left behind during the evacuation of those affected by the Taal volcano's eruption.

Local rescuers reportedly found these two PDDs starving after not eating for days. Authorities immediately responded and provided them with food and water.

"Lalo na sa mga panahong ito ng pagsubok at trahedya, higit sa anupaman, ang kailangan ng ating mga kababayan na may kapansanan ay gabay, pang-unawa at pag-aaruga ng pamilya at kapwa," De Lima, who chairs the Senate Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development Committee, said.

"This is why I humbly urge my colleagues to consider the passage of Senate Bill No. 855, which, among others, will empower family members and guardians of those with developmental disabilities with proper training and assistance," she added.

SB 855, which De Lima filed last August, calls for the establishment of a Developmental Disability Council that will be tasked, among others, to provide psycho-social training to family members of those with developmental disabilities.

It also calls for the continuing education, information and training programs and lectures on the proper handling of persons with developmental disabilities of family members, guardians and public servants concerned in their own communities.

"Nananawagan po ako sa bawat isa: nawa'y manatili tayong nakatutok sa mga kababayan nating may kapansanan, the Senator from Bicol said.

Once approved into law, the De Lima measure also mandates a databank and information and monitoring system (IMS) on the demographic, socio-economic and incidence, type and prevalence of persons with development disabilities in the country.

At present, the government does not have a national data tracking system that caters to the state of developmental disabilities in the country.



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Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to put schools on alert and ensure that preventive measures are in place to protect students from a new coronavirus strain that has already struck 222 individuals across neighboring China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.

The lawmaker underscored the need for safety measures following an announcement by the Department of Health (DOH), which revealed a suspected case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in a five-year old boy who flew in from Wuhan, China to Cebu City. The child is currently stable but has shown flu-like symptoms such as cough, throat irritation, and fever. The 2019-nCoV was first detected in Wuhan City on December 31, 2019 and it spreads from humans to humans.

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that result in a range of illnesses from the common cold to more severe diseases, including the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

The 5-year old boy, at first, tested negative for MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. However, he tested positive for an unidentified coronavirus. A specimen from the child is sent to Australia to identify the coronavirus strain.

While there are no confirmed cases of the 2019-nCoV in the Philippines to date, Gatchalian said schools should exhaust all measures from information dissemination to intensified sanitary measures to keep students safe, as well as school employees and workers.

"Sa ating pangambang makapasok itong bagong coronavirus sa ating bansa, mabuti nang maging sigurado tayo dahil ang isang kumpirmadong kaso ay maaaring maikalat sa iba," said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

Gatchalian added that schools should have protocols in place if they identify students displaying flu-like symptoms. He also said schools should emphasize preventive measures and practice good hygiene such as frequent handwashing, observance of cough etiquette, distancing one's self from people with respiratory problems, and proper cooking of food, to name a few.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Monday, January 20, said that he will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade the extension of the pilot program for motorcycle taxis as long as they "abide and care for the safety of the passengers."

This comes after the technical working group (TWG) studying the pilot run of the transport service recommended to "immediately terminate the implementation of the pilot study."

"Ngayong umaga po nabalitaan ko na may recommendation ang Technical Working Group na itigil ang pilot program ng Motorcycle Taxis. I will support the continuation of the program and the amendments to Republic Act (RA) 4136 to include motorcycles as an alternative for public transport because I recognize the benefits they provide to the commuting public," Go said during a public hearing of the Committee on Public Services joint with Local Government Committee at the Senate Session Hall.

Under existing laws, motorcycles are not allowed to be used for public transport. An amendment to RA 4136 is therefore needed to allow motorcycles to be used as means of public transport.

"Ang gusto ko lamang, ay gawin lahat ng maayos and, most importantly, maprotektahan ang interest ng commuting public," he added.

Go also urged his fellow senators to prioritize the interests of Filipinos on issues hounding Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).

"When it comes to choosing between public and private interests, it is a given to me--both as a Senator and as a Filipino--to first prioritize the interests of the Filipino people," Go said.

Go further said that public safety should be prioritized when it comes to public services. He added that service providers are responsible for the welfare of their consumers.

"Mahalaga po na public interest at safety ang parating mangunguna. Mahalaga man na hindi mawalan ng hanapbuhay ang mga empleyado at importante man na protektahan din natin ang karapatan ng karamihan na mag-negosyo, hindi po natin dapat isawalang-bahala ang ating mga batas at ang interes ng bawat Pilipino.," Go said.

"Ngunit bilang service providers, may mga responsibilidad din po kayo na dapat gampanan sa Filipino consumers. Trabaho namin na proteksyunan ang kanilang interes at seguridad," he added.

Go also shed light on fake news circulating on social media alleging his involvement in motorcycle ridesharing app and Angkas competitor, JoyRide.

The senator belied the allegations, saying, "Hindi po totoo 'yung kumakalat sa Twitter at ibang social media outlets na ako raw ang may-ari o may interes ako sa JoyRide. Nagsalita na po si Mr. Noli Eala. Isang malaking kasinungalingan po ito, fake news po ito."

"Sa totoo lang, noong lumabas lang ang isyung ito na narinig ko ang kumpanyang JoyRide na iyan," he said.

Go then asked transport regulators to immediately deny applications of groups that use his name and the President's to push their own interests.

"Sa LTFRB naman, magkakilala naman po tayo, kilala ninyo naman po ako, Chairman Delgra, General Gardiola, kayong lahat, kapag ginamit po ang pangalan ko, at ginamit ang pangalan ni Pangulo, at ginamit, kahit kaanak ni Pangulo, please deny that application immediately, automatic na po 'yun. Wala ng dapat pag-usapan, matagal ng sinasabi yan ni Pangulo. 'Wag kayong magpapadala."

"Kagaya ng sinabi ng Pangulo, hindi kami sumasali sa anumang government contracts at walang dumadaan sa aming lamesa na ganyan. Ang hangarin namin ay ang interest ng publiko at makapagserbisyo sa bawat Pilipino," he added.

Go also warned the perpetrators of fake news, saying "Sa promotor na nagkakalat naman ng fake news, hindi ko kayo palalampasin. I will surely keep you busy. Huwag mong gawin sa kapwa mo ang ayaw mong gawin sa iyo."

TNVS companies, such as Grab and Angkas, have come under public scrutiny in recent months due to various concerns regarding their services, including legal limitations which restrict their operations, safety concerns, and overpricing. Despite the issues, Go acknowledged the benefits of the services, particularly those of Angkas.

"The service helps ease the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila and other key cities in the country by providing an alternate option to existing public transportation. It provides cheaper and faster services compared to many offered by other 4-wheeled vehicles in the sector. It also helps thousands of previously unregulated habal-habal drivers in our country by enabling them to become part of the formal economy," he said.

Go also mentioned that if he can have his way, he would allow all qualified players to compete in the market so long as they ensure the safety of their passengers.

"Anyway, kung ako lang ang masusunod, lahat ng industry players ay bibigyan natin ng prangkisa para mabigyan ng hanapbuhay ang lahat basta't siguradong ligtas ang seguridad ng bawat pasahero," Go said.

Emphasizing the welfare of Filipino consumers, Go also urged the stakeholders to talk and come up with preventive measures to current issues of safety before untoward incidents happen in the future.

"Huwag na nating hintayin na meron pang di kanais-nais na mangyari--sa mga driver at pasahero--bago tayo mag-iimbestiga sa Senado. Pag usapan na natin ngayon ang safety ng mga pasahero--yun ang importante sa akin at kay Pangulong Duterte," he ended.

After the hearing, Go talked to the Angkas riders protesting outside the Senate building to express his support for their welfare while reminding them to ensure the safety of their passengers.

"Kung maaari lang lahat kayo ayaw naming mawalan ng trabaho. Basta unahin natin ang safety ng pasahero," he said.

The senator also shared with them that he has already discussed the extension of their pilot program with Secretary Tugade, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra.

"Ngayon pinakiusapan ko na si Secretary Tugade at si Chairman Delgra, pati ang TWG, na mag-usap na kayo. Sa ngayon, pumayag sila na wala munang huhulihin," he said.

"Basta makinig lang tayo. Pakinggan nila kayo, pakinggan niyo rin sila. 'Yun lang ang importante," he said.

Go added that the President is also concerned about their livelihood, saying "Si Pangulo, ayaw niyang may mawalan ng trabaho. Pero siguraduhin ninyo 'yung kapakanan ng pasahero ninyo. Ingat kayo parati. Ayaw namin may masaktan," he said.



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With the Philippines being an archipelagic country with numerous entry points and the expected influx of Chinese nationals because of the Chinese New Year this Friday, Senator Richard J. Gordon called on concerned government agencies to put in place this weekend the preparedness plan to stem the spread of the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV).

"I would like to call on the leadership of all government agencies to immediately put in place the preparedness plans for this weekend, a time of high risk - travelling of people from China to all parts of the world - information is critical, and all the mandatory quarantine and contact tracing machinery needs to be in place," Gordon said in a privilege speech

"Let us not wait for this to go out of hand. Let us sound the alarm now and prepare for a worst case scenario. Through timely preparedness we will save lives and protect our people from an unthinkable and preventable illness that could cause serious disease and unexpected death. So what are the plans? What are the protocols for hospitals? What measures are in place to prepare for an outbreak?" he added.

The senator also noted that with the Department of Health (DOH) disclosing that it is now investigating and monitoring four Chinese nationals who have fever, throat irritation, cough and flu-like symptoms and Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent statement that it's "extremely crucial" to take every possible measure to combat a new coronavirus that has infected 217 people in China, it would not be overacting to prepare for the worst. , While commending the DOH for being on top of the situation, Gordon, however, pointed to the need to place all airports and seaports in the country on full alert and to put a "firewall" in the hospitals which can prevent the virus from spreading. He also proposed that hospitals should put up an isolation ward where suspected cases could seek medical attention without having to go inside the main wards or designate specific hospitals to cater this kinds of cases.

"It is our duty to prepare for a possible spread of the 2019-nCOV in our country. Airports and seaports need to be on full alert. Beyond this, every hospital, every health facility public, private or run by local governments - have to put in place contingency plans for patients who are consulting for runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. With more than half a million people also in evacuation sites in Batangas, one could imagine how a contagious virus could wreak havoc on our people who are displaced," he stressed.

The 2019-nCOV is the 7th known type of coronavirus that humans can contract. The World Health Organization said it is "a never-before-seen strain belonging to a broad family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERSCoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Common signs of coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.



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With the Philippines being an archipelagic country with numerous entry points and the expected influx of Chinese nationals because of the Chinese New Year this Friday, Senator Richard J. Gordon called on concerned government agencies to put in place this weekend the preparedness plan to stem the spread of the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV).

"I would like to call on the leadership of all government agencies to immediately put in place the preparedness plans for this weekend, a time of high risk - travelling of people from China to all parts of the world - information is critical, and all the mandatory quarantine and contact tracing machinery needs to be in place," Gordon said in a privilege speech

"Let us not wait for this to go out of hand. Let us sound the alarm now and prepare for a worst case scenario. Through timely preparedness we will save lives and protect our people from an unthinkable and preventable illness that could cause serious disease and unexpected death. So what are the plans? What are the protocols for hospitals? What measures are in place to prepare for an outbreak?" he added.

The senator also noted that with the Department of Health (DOH) disclosing that it is now investigating and monitoring four Chinese nationals who have fever, throat irritation, cough and flu-like symptoms and Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent statement that it's "extremely crucial" to take every possible measure to combat a new coronavirus that has infected 217 people in China, it would not be overacting to prepare for the worst. , While commending the DOH for being on top of the situation, Gordon, however, pointed to the need to place all airports and seaports in the country on full alert and to put a "firewall" in the hospitals which can prevent the virus from spreading. He also proposed that hospitals should put up an isolation ward where suspected cases could seek medical attention without having to go inside the main wards or designate specific hospitals to cater this kinds of cases.

"It is our duty to prepare for a possible spread of the 2019-nCOV in our country. Airports and seaports need to be on full alert. Beyond this, every hospital, every health facility public, private or run by local governments - have to put in place contingency plans for patients who are consulting for runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. With more than half a million people also in evacuation sites in Batangas, one could imagine how a contagious virus could wreak havoc on our people who are displaced," he stressed.

The 2019-nCOV is the 7th known type of coronavirus that humans can contract. The World Health Organization said it is "a never-before-seen strain belonging to a broad family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERSCoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Common signs of coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.



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With monstrous traffic being a perennial problem in Metro Manila and in other cities in the country, Senator Richard J. Gordon said the public should not be penalized for being entrepreneurial in addressing this long-time woe.

"According to reports, Metro Manila's traffic congestion problem may be the worst in the world. Traffic is really so bad that when I was in a school in San Francisco Del Monte in Bulacan, I asked a teacher why a young girl was allowed to go home at noon. She told me that the girl had to prepare lunch for her younger siblings since their parents only go home from work during the weekends to save time and money. Our current traffic woes leave the public without or with very limited choices. Hence, they turn to motorcycle taxis - because they are faster and cheaper too. Motorcycle taxis are used in other countries too, like Indonesia," he noted.

Gordon said the public must be afforded choice on how they will do their daily commute to ease the stress they suffer, however, he underlined the need to provide a legal framework that would allow motorcycle taxis to work but can be adequately regulated with emphasis on safety, comfort and security of the passengers.

He explained that drivers should wear helmets and jackets printed with the driver's name and the company name. Insurance should also be provided.

The senator also cautioned that allowing motorcycle taxis to operate is only an interim solution, adding that the focus should be on the real solution to the traffic congestion, which is to decongest Manila.

"We can decongest Manila by dispersing industries to the countryside, spreading development and economic opportunities by attracting investors to nearby provinces such as those in Central Luzon, and maximizing the use of available infrastructures such as airports, seaports and a network of highways to expedite movement of goods, raw materials and manpower," Gordon said.

"With the vast idle lands in the region, we can create zones for investment, industries, factories, tourism, even improved agriculture or housing for employees, for schools, hospitals, churches, supermarkets and others. It will definitely pave the way for the rehabilitation and urban redevelopment of Metro Manila," he added.

In a report released last September, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) ranked Metro Manila, where it takes a motorist around 4.9 minutes to cover one kilometre, as the most congested city in developing Asia. A 2017 data from the Japan International Cooperation Agency also showed that traffic congestion in the capital costs the country P3.5 billion daily, which could rise to P5.4 billion by 2035 if no interventions are made.



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Amidst reports that the new coronavirus may be present in the case of a 5 year-old boy from Wuhan, China who exhibited flu-like symptoms in Cebu City yesterday, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros reminded the public not to share unverified news so as not to sow panic.

"Health authorities are still verifying if this is the same as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)," Hontiveros said in a statement on Wednesday. The 2019-nCoV is a cousin of the SARS virus that has infected hundreds since the outbreak in Wuhan district in China in December last year. "In the meantime, I'd like to emphasize that sowing panic will be detrimental to public health," Hontiveros stressed.

The Senator reiterated health authorities' call: "I support the advise of the World Health Organization and the Department of Health against sowing public panic," said Hontiveros. "We need correct information to get to the people. Kaya huwag tayong magpakalat ng fake news," Hontiveros further advised. "I-check muna natin kung verified ang source bago natin ito i-share online," she also said.

"I am confident that our Department of Health and Bureau of Quarantine are doing their best to protect public health," the Akbayan Senator expressed. "But I ask our authorities to heighten preparation for the influx of more travelers from China due to the Lunar New Year on Saturday," he also urged.

Hontiveros also asked the government to make resources available for immediate or emergency response. "Unang-una, dapat may sapat na protective gear para sa mga nasa frontline na health and airport personnel natin. At sa pagkakataong may makalusot, resources should be readily available for a prompt response to contain the virus," she furthered.

And the public must still be vigilant, the Senator maintained. "Magsimula tayo sa ating hygiene measures: parating maghugas ng kamay at magtakip ng bibig kapag umuubo," Hontiveros concluded.



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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros wants to extend the benefits of solo parents to spouses of overseas Filipino workers or OFWs. In a statement on Wednesday, Hontiveros said that her Expanded Solo Parents' Welfare Bill, if passed into law, will expand solo parents' benefits to OFW spouses.

"Parang mga solo parents na rin ang ilan sa mga asawa ng OFWs natin," she remarked.

Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 164 to expand benefits of solo parents in the country. Once enacted into law, spouses of semi-skilled OFWs, along with all solo parents in the country, will enjoy seven (7) additional days of parental leave annually, 20% discount on tuition fees, and discounts on medical and other basic needs, as well as discounts on recreational activities.

The bill covers spouses whose OFW partners have been abroad for at least a year without interruption. "Minsan, mahigit isang taon nang nasa abroad ang OFW na asawa. Mag-isa na rin minsang nagpapalaki ng anak. We need to extend the solo parents' benefits to them too," she urged.

"Malaki ang sakripisyo ng mga magulang na OFW. Kung wala man ang isa sa kanila, dapat may sapat na suporta mula sa gobyerno," Hontiveros said.

The Akbayan Senator also said that her bill is a way of giving back to overseas Filipinos for their sacrifice. "Malaki ang kontribusyon ng mga bayaning OFW sa ating ekonomiya. Sapat lang na bigyang-suporta natin ang mga pamilya nilang nandito sa bansa," she urged.

"Kapag mapasa ang Expanded Solo Parents' Welfare Act, mas magiging panatag siguro ang loob ng ating mga kababayang OFW," concluded Hontiveros.



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Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla is pushing for an early passsage of a measure prohibiting bullying in all establishments and offices, whether in government or in private.

Revilla filed Senate Bill 1217, to be known as as "Anti-Office Bullying Act of 2019," which seeks to require all government and non-government offices and establishments to adopt policies to prevent and address the acts of bullying in places of work.

The senator noted that while Congress has already banned bullying in schools, it has yet to enact a similar law covering private and government offices.

"These kinds of acts hamper peace and tranquility in a professional environment and disrupt the delivery of services to the public," Revilla said.

Republic Act No. 10627 of 2013, or "An Act Requiring all Elementary and Secondary Schools to Adopt Policies to Prevent and Address the Acts of Bullying in their Institutions," defined bullying as "any severe or repeated use ... of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another... that has the effect of actually causing or placing the person in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his/her property."

Acts of bullying include actual physical harm, foul language, name-calling, harassment on the internet, commenting negatively on one's looks, clothes or body, spreading rumors, preventing access to the workplace and abusive behavior.

In pushing for his proposal, Revilla said bullying not only affects the physical, mental and emotional health but could also cause long-term career problems to a person.

"Bullying in the workplace is often ignored and overlooked by both employers and co-employees, but its consequences are not only on the victim's emotional health but on his productivity and morale," he explained.

Under the bill, all government and non-government offices, and business establishments, shall adopt policies to address bullying in their respective institutions.

The policies should include prohibition on abusive behavior, slanderous statements or accusations, cyberbullying, and similar acts; and clear procedures and strategies to report and penalize such acts.

If signed into law, the offices shall formulate and submit to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) their anti-bullying policies.

The DOLE and the CSC shall prescribe administrative sanctions for non-compliance with the measure. In addition, erring non-government offices and business establishments may also suffer the penalty of suspension of their permits to operate.

"This bill seeks to achieve a more peaceful and harmonious professional environment towards a more productive economy," Revilla said.

Once passed into law, the measure tasked the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission to prescribe the appropriate sanctions for noncompliance with the provisions of this Act.



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Senior citizens need not wait to reach 100 years old to get cash incentives from the government. According to a proposal from Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr., senior citizens 80 years old and above shall be granted a cash gift and a letter of felicitation by the government.

Senate Bill Nos. 1212 and 295, introduced by Zubiri and Revilla respectively, seeks to expand the coverage of the Centenarians Act of 2016 by amending Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10868.

Under Zubiri's proposal, octogenarians shall be granted P30,000 while an additional P30,000 shall be granted to nonagenarians. Finally, a person will receive P50,000 when he or she reaches 100 years of age or becomes a centenarian. These amounts make up a total of P110,000 given in staggered amounts.

On the other hand, Revilla proposed the granting of P25,000 to senior citizens who reach 80 years old, an additional P25,000 to those reaching 90 years old and P50,000 to those who live to be 100 years old.

"It is unfortunate to note that not so many Filipinos live up to 100 years old and thus, only a few get to enjoy the benefits under the current law," Zubiri said.

To further motivate senior citizens to live longer, Zubiri said SBN 1212 seeks to expand the coverage of Republic Act No. 10868 by granting them additional benefits before they turn 100 years old. "The money could be used to buy medicines and other needs that would ease the financial burden largely shouldered by their families."

"Most of our senior citizens find it difficult to buy basic necessities and even forego expensive medications and procedures," Revilla explained.

"Through this bill, it is hoped that our elderly would be able to enjoy such entitlements and assist them to further prolong their lives beyond a century," Revilla added.



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Senator Joel Villanueva has called on the government to appoint a disaster czar who will oversee the relief efforts in Batangas for residents displaced by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Villanueva broached the idea after reports showed that relief goods such as food and hygiene packs, among others, were unevenly distributed in various evacuation centers where thousands of displaced residents were taking shelter as the restive Taal volcano showed signs of erupting in early January.

"Some evacuation centers have more than other places. If people are expected to stay longer in these evacuation centers, we must be able to manage our available resources well so we can cover the basic needs of our evacuees," Villanueva said in a statement. "For instance, we've observed that there's a lack of portalets to maintain the sanitation around evacuation centers. We need a manager to assess the needs and look after the delivery of relief across affected areas."

The senator, who heads the Senate labor committee, likewise suggested to device ways of spurring economic activity in areas affected by the constant volcanic activities of Taal. He explained that one way to jumpstart the local economy is to generate short-term employment to evacuees at shelters.

"If you're sending relief to certain evacuation centers, why not hire someone there to take charge in the cooking of food for the people there? Or maintain the place for that matter?" Villanueva pointed out. "We should strive to help our people displaced by the eruption of Taal get back on their feet through employment and livelihood."

He asked the labor department to fast-track its emergency employment programs to support evacuees while waiting out for the crisis to end.

Under the 2020 national budget, the labor department's programs for emergency employment like the government internship program and the Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) received a total allocation of P6.8 billion.

Villanueva also called on the officials of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide assistance in the form of scholarships for evacuees who have lost everything when they were displaced. The bulk of Tesda's P12.975-billion budget for 2020 funds the various scholarship programs it offers, the senator explained.

The disaster czar could also fill in the requirement in the meantime as Congress deliberates on moves to create a department specifically handling the government's disaster relief efforts and resilience programs, according to Villanueva.

He also supported calls for Congress to pass a supplemental budget to cover recovery initiatives efforts, as well as resiliency programs and disaster preparedness as the Taal's volcanic activity showed no signs of abating.

"We will support the passage of a supplemental budget, but the proposed amount must be based on reasonable estimates and not ballpark figures. We want to ensure that we will spend for meaningful programs to help Batanguenos get back on their feet," the senator said.



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An estimated 400 nursing mothers have come together in Taguig City on Thursday to donate breast milk for babies affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

Senator Pia S. Cayetano, in partnership with the Human Milk Bank of Taguig City, conducted a day-long breast milk letting event on January 23 at the Lakeshore Tent in Lower Bicutan, Taguig.

The event dubbed, "Breast Milk Ko, Alay Ko," was made open to all volunteer breastfeeding mothers, including residents and non-residents of the city.

The donated milk will be stored and processed by the Taguig City Human Milk Bank, and delivered to different evacuation centers in the province of Batangas.

"The essence of this is mothers helping other mothers," Cayetano said during an ambush interview with media on the sidelines of the event.

The milk letting activity is in response to the appeal of the Batangas provincial government for breast milk donations for families who have been displaced by Taal's eruption. It also follows the Department of Health (DOH) advisory encouraging breast milk donations for areas affected by the disaster.

"Nobody will dispute that breast milk is best for babies. But what do we do when, for some reason, a mother cannot provide that for her baby? There are moms who breastfeed but during a state of stress, their milk supply gets affected. That's why we are trying to help out to those in need," the senator explained.

"That is my challenge for all nursing mothers in Taguig and in other places, I hope they can also contribute. For those who have reached out and expressed interest to donate, we will assist. If we can collect those milk from different mothers, we will do so," she added.

Meanwhile, the senator also pointed out that all donated breast milk collected from the event will be properly pasteurized to ensure that it is safe and clean.

"We want to be sure that the donated breast milk will be in good condition for the babies who will receive them," Cayetano noted.

A breastfeeding advocate, the senator authored the Expanded Breastfeeding Act (RA 10028), which encourages health institutions to establish human milk banks.

Cayetano also authored the Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act (RA 10821), which requires breastfeeding areas to be set up in evacuation centers to enable mothers to feed their babies in private.

"I have been a breastfeeding advocate for over 10 years now. I did my very first milk bank activity in Makati, and we've done it in Cebu and other places, including Taguig. I also personally breastfed my children," the senator shared.

Furthermore, she encouraged other local government units (LGUs) in the country to initiate their own breast milk letting activities for the benefit of mothers who cannot nurse their children.

"It would also be great for other LGUs to have similar activities like this. Even if there are no calamities, breast milk letting remains a good practice," she said.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has reintroduced a measure seeking to protect licensed and qualified volunteers from liability in the performance of their noble duties and functions in times of emergency situations, including disasters.

In filing Senate Bill (SB) No. 1285, De Lima said the government should provide a conducive and enabling legal environment for volunteers by placing mechanisms that will protect their rights and award them with privileges for their contribution to society.

"These volunteers deserve to be protected and be given due recognition because of their contribution to society, especially in crisis situations," she added.

"By setting up a conducive and enabling legal environment for volunteers, it is hoped that this will encourage more volunteers to participate and to take an active role in nation-building," she added.

While there are existing laws promoting volunteerism in the country, the lady Senator from Bicol explained that none of these legislations ensure specific protection for qualified and registered volunteers responding to disasters and emergencies.

"The current body of legislation does not provide safeguards which can protect the volunteers from liability which may range from fines, detention and even criminal liability, depending on the gravity of the act or omission done by the volunteer in responding to an emergency situation," she said.

Under De Lima's measure, no volunteer shall be liable for harm caused by an act or omission if he/she was acting in an emergency, was properly licensed or accredited, acted within the scope of his/her responsibilities, and acted under orders or direction of appropriate government authority.

To be exempted from liability, volunteers must be properly licensed, certified or authorized by the appropriate government authorities or accredited by and registered with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency prior to deployment.

De Lima, however, pointed out that spontaneous volunteers or untrained persons performing voluntary work who acted in an emergency situation, where there are no government authority or trained volunteers present, in order to assist or care for persons who are in imminent danger, injured, or suffering from an illness, should also not to be held liable for harm under SB No. 1285.

In her proposed measure, to be known as the "Emergency Volunteer Protection Act of 2020," the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development also sought to grant an additional insurance coverage to all qualified volunteers for disability, medical attention, and even death benefits should they perish in the line of duty.



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I am, of course, disappointed by the Supreme Court's junking of my Petition for Habeas Data, filed way back on Nov. 7, 2016.

While I respect the Resolution, I cannot help but think that the Supreme Court has allowed Mr. Duterte to hide, like a coward, behind the protection of the "Office of the President" for his personal and despicable words and deeds. I cannot help but think that the Supreme Court's decision has the effect of emboldening attacks against women by undermining the acts of two branches of government that passed a law protecting women, and stripping Filipino women of the protection that the judiciary is mandated to afford them.

I've always believed that the presidential immunity from suit is meant for the Office, not the man who abuses its powers and destroys its dignity. And the acts of the occupant of that Office attacking a woman, contrary to the explicit protections under the Magna Carta of Women--a law validly passed by two branches of Congress, including the Office of the President--may not fall within the ambit of that legal shield. Sadly, our Supreme Court held otherwise.

The timing of the belated release of the 15 October 2019 Resolution, penned by then Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, is serendipitous. Just today, CNN has released an article, entitled "Troll armies, 'deepfake' porn videos and violent threats. How Twitter became so toxic for India's women politicians." It describes how women politicians and activists receive "nonstop harassment" for being outspoken critics of the ruling administration, and that "Against this backdrop, prominent women politicians routinely find themselves subject to manipulated online posts, a worrying trend in a country where fake news has led to violence."

The article is based on data and analysis by Amnesty International India, which states, in part, "It's what women have long been telling the world. We now have the data to back it up."

Thus, Amnesty called for changes, particularly those that concretely provide "a 'safe space' to women and marginalised communities;" otherwise, "the silencing effect of abuse ... will continue to stand in the way of women's right to expression and equality."

Politics is NOT an excuse or a get-out-of-jail-free card for abusing women. No one is above the law. Not even if your surname is Duterte. Because Duterte the man, who harassed a woman for daring to exercise her right to participate in public discourse, is not Duterte the President. The Office of the President signed a law protecting women; it is the man who violates it. And for that he deserves no protection.

If anything, this development only makes it clear to me that accountability for the wrongs done to me and being done to me by my chief oppressor, while he remains in power, lies in the global sphere, as exemplified by the recent actions from the US Congress and, earlier, the Opinion rendered last Nov. 2018 by the UNHRC Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD).

Impeachment, as naively suggested in the SC Resolution itself, in a Congress that is overwhelmingly stacked in favor of Mr. Duterte, is a futile remedy for me or anyone who dares speak truth to power.

Still, I shall not relent until I attain justice. ###



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"He is a leader who doesn't want his people treated unfairly. I don't deserve this bargain, but it is not all about me. It is about a one-sided foreign relations. Ok lang mga sundalo nila labas pasok sa ating teritoryo while a senator of this republic is barred from entering their territory due to their intentions of tinkering with our domestic affairs."

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Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a resolution calling for an inquiry that will review the impact and effectiveness of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10121).

The lawmaker highlighted the urgency of the inquiry considering that implementation drawbacks and other shortcomings still exist during and after disasters, which is evident in the devastating effects of Taal Volcano's activity and the government response that followed.

According to the World Risk Report, the Philippines ranked 3rd in 2018 among 172 countries and ranked 9th in 2019 among 180 countries in terms of disaster risk. Gatchalian stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters since the country is exposed to multiple hazards, such as typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, drought and volcanic eruption, among others, due to its geographic location.

"Halos sampung taon na ang lumipas simula nang maisabatas ang Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, ngunit marami pa ring mga kakulangan sa ating sistema na kailangang bigyan ng pansin," Gatchalian said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that as of January 20, a total of 53,716 families in the provinces of Batangas, Quezon, Laguna, and Cavite have been affected by Taal's eruption. Almost thirty thousand of them are now in evacuation centers.

Approximately 21,000 children remain in the 14-kilometer danger zone, according to the organization 'Save the Children'. The NDRRMC also reported that agriculture damage already reached more than P3.2 billion.

"Nais nating maisagawa itong pagdinig hindi para magturo kung sino ang mga may pagkukulang sa pagsabog ng Taal at sa mga nagdaang sakuna. Ang ating layunin ay malaman kung paano natin lalong mapapalakas ang ating sistema ng pag-responde sa panahon ng kalamidad," said Gatchalian.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian has also filed in July 2019 Senate Bill No. 746 (SBN 746) or An Act Expanding the Application of The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund which proposes to use the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) in funding infrastructure projects designed to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. The bill will also allow Local Government Units (LGUs) to use the LDRRMF to pay for obligations incurred in funding projects related to disaster preparedness and mitigation



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Based on recommendations by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, President Rodrigo Duterte stressed the need to capacitate the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) to perform liver transplants so that Filipino patients need not go abroad for such medical operations.

The President expressed this when he met with the parents of a child with biliary atresia on Wednesday, January 15. He encouraged Ronald Naval and Kendy Aguilo to have their daughter Sophie undergo liver transplant in the country instead in India, which they prefer due to the lower cost of the operation there.

"Subukan natin dito. Ako, naniniwala ako. Hindi ako nambabarat--may pera at tutulong ako," the President said.

A liver transplant in the Philippines is at least three times more expensive than the P1.2 million needed in India, but the cost is expected to go down once NKTI has the sufficient number of specialists and the necessary equipment and facilities.

The President and Go also prefer the procedure to be done in the Philippines so that the patient can receive better pre-operative and post-operative care and has easier access to financial assistance from relevant government agencies.

Go cited the unfortunate case of Eren Arabella Crisologo, the daughter of a Philippine Army soldier from Butuan City. The President and the senator first met the baby, who had biliary atresia, when they visited the wounded-in-action soldiers in a hospital in Cagayan de Oro City in March 2019. They sent the 11-month-old baby and her parents to India in June 2019, but the operation did not succeed.

"Sa kasamaang palad, nagkaroon ng komplikasyon si baby Eren kaya hindi na-survive ang operasyon," Go said during a meeting in August 2019 with key government officials and private health care professionals to discuss the growing cases of biliary atresia in the country and the high cost of liver transplant.

Short-term and long-term solutions

It was during the meeting that the senator, upon consultation with health officials and practitioners, came up with short-term and long-term solutions to the problem that were presented to the President.

The short-term solution is forming a consortium among the Office of the President (OP), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) and The Medical City (TMC), a private hospital.

The long-term solution involves acquiring equipment for and developing the facilities of NKTI and sending its specialist staff to Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital (KCGMH) in Taiwan for training.

Under the consortium, the estimated budget for each beneficiary is P3.6 million, P2.9 million of which will be spent on the operation at TMC and the rest will be for pre-operation and post-operation care at the PCMC.

Considered to be the most feasible immediate solution to the problem, the consortium takes advantage of an existing partnership between the PCMC and TMC and will last until NKTI is capable of solely performing pediatric and adult living donor liver transplantation.

The government will spend P58.1 million for the equipment that NKTI needs and P1.3 million for a batch of twelve specialists who will be trained for one to two months in Taiwan. Each specialist will have to serve at NKTI for two years in exchange for the training.

The long-term solution, expected to raise the standards of health care and elevate the morale of Filipino medical practitioners, also takes advantage of an established relationship between NKTI and KCGMH.

"Nais natin na ang mga pasyente ay magtiwala po sa kakayahan ng ating mga doktor. Gusto natin sabihin sa kanila na hindi na nila kailangan pumunta ng ibang bansa para sa liver transplant. Magtiwala sila sa ating local doctors," the Senator said.

"'Yun po ang objective natin dito, as soon as possible sana. Sana ay maging at par tayo sa ibang bansa," he added.

Based on Go's suggestions, the PCMC will work out a possible assistance arrangement with the DOH through the agency's Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) Program. The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) will also map out other sources of assistance and arrange a meeting with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and private partners.

Go also said that the patients can avail themselves of the services of Malasakit Centers, one-stop shops that streamline medical and financial assistance from PhilHealth, DOH, DSWD and PCSO.

NKTI's commitment

In a position paper, NKTI Executive Director Rose Marie O. Rosete- Liquete affirms that the hospital, "being the lead government agency for organ transplantation, is now ready, with the help of the Office of the President, to provide accessible liver transplantation to the Filipino people."

She also said that NKTI used to have a liver transplant program but was not sustained, and she supports its revival. "It is our thrust to gain back the trust and confidence of the patients who are now traveling abroad for liver transplant," she added.

The first adult liver transplant at NKTI was performed in 1988. The hospital was also the first in Asia to perform a simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant in 1988 and liver-kidney double transplant in 1990.

The first pediatric liver transplant at the hospital, wherein a mother donated a segment of her liver to her child, was performed in 1996 with the help of specialists from KCGMH.

"Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to sustain our liver transplant program due to lack of government support, financial reasons, refusal of family members to become living donors and lack of cadaver donors," Liquete explained.

For the past years, Filipino pediatric patients have been traveling abroad for liver transplants, mostly in Taiwan, Hongkong and, recently India, but Liquete said that NKTI provides many of their post-operative follow-up and care.

"As of the present, we have more than 30 pediatric patients who were transplanted abroad and have their post-operative laboratories done at NKTI," she said.

"We want to reinvigorate the liver transplant and revive the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program," she added.

Patients sent to India

With their affordable medical services, hospitals in India have been a primary option for Filipinos who need to undergo liver transplant, especially children with biliary atresia.

As of January 2020, Senator Go helped 46 such children receive assistance from the Office of the President for their families' round-trip tickets and accommodation in New Delhi in India. Go also provided the families allowance for their food and basic necessities.

The Senator has kept close contact with at least two of the patients. He met Dionifer Zephaniah Itao when he visited the victims of a fire in Cebu. She was sent to India with baby Eren, but unlike baby Eren's, the operation of 10-month-old Dionifer was successful.

In October 2018, Go met Xia Kazumi Ngo at a gathering in Taguig City, and he helped her undergo the needed operation in India. Baby Xia has been in good health since, and Go took her to Malacañan for a meet-and-greet with the President on June 2019.

When Indian President Ram Nath Kovind visited the Philippines for five days in October 2019, he spent some of his time with at least 40 Filipino children who had successfully undergone liver transplant in his country.

Biliary atresia is a condition in infants in which the bile ducts outside and inside the liver are scarred and blocked. Bile cannot flow into the intestine, so bile builds up in the liver and damages it.

Recent scientific literature indicates that biliary atresia occurs in approximately 1 for every 18,000 live births in Western Europe. In the world, the reported incidence varies from 5 to 32 for every 100,000 live births and is highest in Asia and the Pacific region. The cases in the Philippines cannot be determined because the country has yet to start its own registry.

"Maraming lumalapit, humihingi ng tulong para maoperahan ang mga bata. Namamalimos sila para maka-raise ng funding for the operation," Go observed.

"Kung mayroon tayo dito sa Pilipinas ng mga kailangang equipment, mas maraming well-trained specialists at mas murang operasyon, hindi na kailangang magpagamot pa sa ibang bansa ang mga pasyenteng ito," he added.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go led the groundbreaking ceremony for the P776-million development of the Lucena Fish Port Complex in Lucena City, Quezon Province on Thursday, January 23.

"Congratulations sa inyo sa inyong bagong fish port dito. Alagaan ninyo ang inyong karagatan, lalong-lalo na ang fishing industry dito sa Quezon," Go told the residents of the province in his speech.

The fish port, located in a 7.8-hectare reclaimed area at Barangay Dalahican, is being developed under the Nationwide Fish Ports Project Package III of the government.

The development includes the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of the fish port's existing facilities, such as pier, market hall, cold storage, ice plant and waste water treatment plant. New facilities will also be established, and new equipment will be procured.

"Alam niyo, 1991 pa huling na-repair itong fish port. Panahon na po para ito magkaroon ng rehabilitation," Go told reporters during an interview after the ceremony.

"Para po itong bagong fish port sa mga taga-Quezon, sa mga (mangingisda) natin dito, sa fishing industry," he added.

The Lucena Fish Port Complex, managed by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), was established as part of the Nationwide Fish Ports Project Package I and was completed in September 1991 and inaugurated in February 1992.

Documents from the PFDA indicate that sardines, milkfish, round scad, skipjack tuna and bullet tuna are the top five fish species unloaded at the fish port. Both commercial and municipal fishing vessels use the facilities for unloading and trading.

The other services offered in the fish port are use of facilities for harbor operations, such as dry docking and repair; provision of fuel, oil, water and ice supplies for product transshipment; lease of raw land for establishment of fishery-related factories; and refrigeration and other post-harvest services, including freezing through contact freezer and product preservation using cold storages.

In his speech, Go also shared that he is supportive of similar projects in other parts of the country. "Asahan niyo po na sa abot ng aking makakaya, magkakaroon na rin po ng fish port na bago sa Navotas, Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga at sa iba pang lugar," he said.

He also reminded the residents of Quezon that they can avail themselves of the services of the Malasakit Center at the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for patients who need medical and financial assistance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

The Senator also asked them to continue supporting the government's campaign against illegal drugs, crimes and corruption.

"Salamat po sa inyong suporta sa administrasyong Duterte. Magtulungan po tayo para maipagpatuloy ang magagandang pagbabago na nangyayari sa ating bansa," he said.

"Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung anumang kabutihan ang magagawa natin para sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin ngayon," he added.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Go also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a 12.5-meter patrol boat of the Philippine Coast Guard.



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Senator Richard J. Gordon stated on Thursday that the Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, is still reviewing and studying the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the Mamasapano case before deciding whether or not to conduct another probe.

Gordon's statement came following the dismissal of the anti-graft charges against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima and former Special Action Forces (SAF) head Getulio Napeñas.

Gordon added that he is consulting with the Blue Ribbon and his staff to know whether there is a probable cause to reopen the case.

"Sa ngayon, pinag-aaralan pa naming mabuti ito sa Blue Ribbon bago gumawa ng anumang hakbang kaugnay ng muling pagbubukas sa naturang kaso," he said.



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Amid reports that the new Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) is now in the country, Senator Richard Gordon proposed having a separate lane in all ports for travelers who are coming from China for them to be properly checked for any symptoms of the deadly virus.

"Dapat 'yung ating airports, kapag napadaan ka o galing ka sa China, dapat may investigation," he said in the interview.

Gordon urged the government to put stricter quarantine areas or "firewalls" for individuals who will test positive for the virus. The Department of Health (DOH), he added, should have isolation wards where suspected carriers of Coronavirus can stay "without having to go inside the main wards."

"Every hospital, every health facility public, private or run by local governments have to put in place contingency plans for patients who are consulting for runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever," he said. Gordon also stated that the public "should not panic but take all the necessary precautions" and called on the government agencies to immediately put in place the preparedness plan to stem the spread of the virus.

"Let us not wait for this to go out of hand. Let us sound the alarm now and prepare for a worst-case scenario. Through timely preparedness, we will save lives and protect our people from an unthinkable and preventable illness that could cause serious disease and unexpected death. So, what are the plans? What are the protocols for hospitals? What measures are in place to prepare for an outbreak?" he said.

The Coronavirus is in the same family as the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Currently, the death toll has risen to 17 and 500 more cases were reported across China, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Macao, Taiwan, and the United States, according to reports.

The Department of Health (DOH) said, there is no confirmed case yet of the virus in the Philippines.



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I urge the government to impose a temporary travel ban on all individuals for at least 30 days who came from or have passed through Wuhan, China, in light of the asymptomatic nature and lengthy incubation period of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), as determined by health authorities. This call is on top of the Civil Aeronautics Board's recent suspension of all flights from Wuhan to the Philippines.

In addition, authorities must place residents of Wuhan presently in the country and those with flu-like symptoms who have traveled through China in the past 14 days under health surveillance. I also strongly urge these individuals to self-quarantine and to report to health authorities any sign of sickness for appropriate medical observation and proper treatment.

This is a global concern that needs international cooperation. It is of the utmost importance that we consider similar precautionary measures being taken by Taiwan, Singapore and our other neighboring countries. I urge that we immediately implement measures that support the Chinese authority's decision to ban travel to and from Wuhan to contain the virus as much as possible.



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More at: https://pinglacson.net/2020/01/24/on-the-presidents-threat-to-terminate-the-ph-us-visiting-forces-agreement/

The Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and United States is a BILATERAL accord that went through some back-and-forth diplomatic discussions prior to ratification by the Senate, after some intense plenary deliberation.

On the other hand, the US visa is a conditional authorization UNILATERALLY given to a visiting foreigner which may be granted, canceled or even denied outright, without need for explanation or justification.

In the absence of a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the President's power to unilaterally break a treaty or bilateral agreement like the VFA without the consent of a 2/3 supermajority vote of the members of the Senate, the President can do that without the Senate's approval or consent.

Having said that, the Supreme Court should act soonest on whether the Senate's consent is needed before the executive department can terminate a treaty or bilateral agreement - an issue raised in a petition filed before it by members of the Senate.



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"It would be better for Malacañang to focus on the welfare and suffering of millions of our countrymen affected by the Taal Volcano eruption and the threat of the coronavirus outbreak than the cancellation of one US visa."

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Re VFA, that agreement should always be subject to review. The President may cancel it with or without a reason. He can even say that times have changed and it is no longer needed by the country.

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Senator Leila M. de Lima has proposed a 15-day paid leaves from work to be granted to disaster response volunteers to allow them to participate in specialized disaster-related operations for government-led and government-accredited institutions.

De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1284 seeking to grant disaster service volunteers up to an aggregate of 15 days of paid leave from work within a year to allow them to perform their duties when called upon to render disaster response service.

"As a country who has suffered increasing levels of calamity, it behooves our government to continue to rise to the occasion. One such measure is to activate our civil servants as reserve emergency responders in times of extraordinary disasters," she said.

"Legislation must be made not only to allow our government employees to join the disaster response contingent but to encourage them to do so by protecting their tenure and granting paid leaves to those who are truly qualified," she added.

De Lima pointed out how the Philippines has always been vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters, becoming the third most disaster-prone country in the world due to its proximity to the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire".

"These natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides and fires exposes the country and our people to a wide range of risks, billion-worth destruction and losing the lives of our citizens," she said.

According to her, a proactive approach to disaster-response, which includes increasing the required number of competent volunteers with the necessary support and developing an up-to-date disaster-response plan, among others, is imperative.

"These volunteers play an important role in increasing the government's response capacity especially at the community level," said De Lima, who chairs the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development in the Senate.

Under SB No. 1284, to be known as the "Disaster Response Volunteer Leave Act of 2020," the disaster response volunteer leave with pay shall be subject to approval by the government department or agency in which the covered employee is employed.

The employee who was granted leave must be compensated by the employing agency at the employee's regular rate of pay for those regular work hours during which the employee is absent from work due to volunteer service.

"A covered employee who is granted leave hall not lose any seniority or any already accumulated vacation time, sick time or earned overtime due to such leave," De Lima noted, citing a provision in her proposed measure.

The De Lima bill also mandates the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to enter into an agreement with the Government Service Insurance System to provide for insurance coverage for all covered employees rendering disaster response services.

Last Jan. 21, the lady Senator from Bicol also filed SB No. 1285 which seeks to protect licensed and qualified volunteers from liability in the performance of their duties and functions in times of emergency situations or disasters.



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Senator Leila M. de Lima has proposed a 15-day paid leaves from work to be granted to disaster response volunteers to allow them to participate in specialized disaster-related operations for government-led and government-accredited institutions.

De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1284 seeking to grant disaster service volunteers up to an aggregate of 15 days of paid leave from work within a year to allow them to perform their duties when called upon to render disaster response service.

"As a country who has suffered increasing levels of calamity, it behooves our government to continue to rise to the occasion. One such measure is to activate our civil servants as reserve emergency responders in times of extraordinary disasters," she said.

"Legislation must be made not only to allow our government employees to join the disaster response contingent but to encourage them to do so by protecting their tenure and granting paid leaves to those who are truly qualified," she added.

De Lima pointed out how the Philippines has always been vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters, becoming the third most disaster-prone country in the world due to its proximity to the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire".

"These natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides and fires exposes the country and our people to a wide range of risks, billion-worth destruction and losing the lives of our citizens," she said.

According to her, a proactive approach to disaster-response, which includes increasing the required number of competent volunteers with the necessary support and developing an up-to-date disaster-response plan, among others, is imperative.

"These volunteers play an important role in increasing the government's response capacity especially at the community level," said De Lima, who chairs the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development in the Senate.

Under SB No. 1284, to be known as the "Disaster Response Volunteer Leave Act of 2020," the disaster response volunteer leave with pay shall be subject to approval by the government department or agency in which the covered employee is employed.

The employee who was granted leave must be compensated by the employing agency at the employee's regular rate of pay for those regular work hours during which the employee is absent from work due to volunteer service.

"A covered employee who is granted leave hall not lose any seniority or any already accumulated vacation time, sick time or earned overtime due to such leave," De Lima noted, citing a provision in her proposed measure.

The De Lima bill also mandates the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to enter into an agreement with the Government Service Insurance System to provide for insurance coverage for all covered employees rendering disaster response services.

Last Jan. 21, the lady Senator from Bicol also filed SB No. 1285 which seeks to protect licensed and qualified volunteers from liability in the performance of their duties and functions in times of emergency situations or disasters.



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Senator Leila M. de Lima has proposed a 15-day paid leaves from work to be granted to disaster response volunteers to allow them to participate in specialized disaster-related operations for government-led and government-accredited institutions.

De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1284 seeking to grant disaster service volunteers up to an aggregate of 15 days of paid leave from work within a year to allow them to perform their duties when called upon to render disaster response service.

"As a country who has suffered increasing levels of calamity, it behooves our government to continue to rise to the occasion. One such measure is to activate our civil servants as reserve emergency responders in times of extraordinary disasters," she said.

"Legislation must be made not only to allow our government employees to join the disaster response contingent but to encourage them to do so by protecting their tenure and granting paid leaves to those who are truly qualified," she added.

De Lima pointed out how the Philippines has always been vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters, becoming the third most disaster-prone country in the world due to its proximity to the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire".

"These natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides and fires exposes the country and our people to a wide range of risks, billion-worth destruction and losing the lives of our citizens," she said.

According to her, a proactive approach to disaster-response, which includes increasing the required number of competent volunteers with the necessary support and developing an up-to-date disaster-response plan, among others, is imperative.

"These volunteers play an important role in increasing the government's response capacity especially at the community level," said De Lima, who chairs the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development in the Senate.

Under SB No. 1284, to be known as the "Disaster Response Volunteer Leave Act of 2020," the disaster response volunteer leave with pay shall be subject to approval by the government department or agency in which the covered employee is employed.

The employee who was granted leave must be compensated by the employing agency at the employee's regular rate of pay for those regular work hours during which the employee is absent from work due to volunteer service.

"A covered employee who is granted leave hall not lose any seniority or any already accumulated vacation time, sick time or earned overtime due to such leave," De Lima noted, citing a provision in her proposed measure.

The De Lima bill also mandates the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to enter into an agreement with the Government Service Insurance System to provide for insurance coverage for all covered employees rendering disaster response services.

Last Jan. 21, the lady Senator from Bicol also filed SB No. 1285 which seeks to protect licensed and qualified volunteers from liability in the performance of their duties and functions in times of emergency situations or disasters.



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Senator Leila M. de Lima has proposed a 15-day paid leaves from work to be granted to disaster response volunteers to allow them to participate in specialized disaster-related operations for government-led and government-accredited institutions.

De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1284 seeking to grant disaster service volunteers up to an aggregate of 15 days of paid leave from work within a year to allow them to perform their duties when called upon to render disaster response service.

"As a country who has suffered increasing levels of calamity, it behooves our government to continue to rise to the occasion. One such measure is to activate our civil servants as reserve emergency responders in times of extraordinary disasters," she said.

"Legislation must be made not only to allow our government employees to join the disaster response contingent but to encourage them to do so by protecting their tenure and granting paid leaves to those who are truly qualified," she added.

De Lima pointed out how the Philippines has always been vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters, becoming the third most disaster-prone country in the world due to its proximity to the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire".

"These natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides and fires exposes the country and our people to a wide range of risks, billion-worth destruction and losing the lives of our citizens," she said.

According to her, a proactive approach to disaster-response, which includes increasing the required number of competent volunteers with the necessary support and developing an up-to-date disaster-response plan, among others, is imperative.

"These volunteers play an important role in increasing the government's response capacity especially at the community level," said De Lima, who chairs the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development in the Senate.

Under SB No. 1284, to be known as the "Disaster Response Volunteer Leave Act of 2020," the disaster response volunteer leave with pay shall be subject to approval by the government department or agency in which the covered employee is employed.

The employee who was granted leave must be compensated by the employing agency at the employee's regular rate of pay for those regular work hours during which the employee is absent from work due to volunteer service.

"A covered employee who is granted leave hall not lose any seniority or any already accumulated vacation time, sick time or earned overtime due to such leave," De Lima noted, citing a provision in her proposed measure.

The De Lima bill also mandates the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to enter into an agreement with the Government Service Insurance System to provide for insurance coverage for all covered employees rendering disaster response services.

Last Jan. 21, the lady Senator from Bicol also filed SB No. 1285 which seeks to protect licensed and qualified volunteers from liability in the performance of their duties and functions in times of emergency situations or disasters.



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Apparently triggered by the cancellation of the US Visa of his favorite minion, Duterte has resorted once again to his usual slut-shaming and vicious attacks against me.

This is what the Supreme Court has legitimized in dismissing my Petition for a writ of Habeas Data against Duterte: the unmitigated, conscious, and deliberate commission of criminal acts by a sitting President who chooses to treat his office like a toilet. Because of this SC decision, any future president, as crazy as the current one, can now subject any Filipino to absolute ridicule, shaming, and oppression using the most powerful office in the country without any restraint or viable legal remedy whatsoever.

Duterte, huwag mo nang masyadong ipagyabang ang mga kaso mo laban sa akin. Dahil kapag lumabas na ang katotohanan sa pagmamaniobra mo sa mga kaso ko, mapapahiya ka lamang. Malalaman ng lahat na ang mga akusasyon mo laban sa akin, kasama na ang pang-aalipusta, panlalait, paninira, at pang-aabuso mo sa akin -- na pinayagan ng Korte Supremang tumiklop sa isang pangulong lasing sa kapangyarihan -- ay pawang mga gawa-gawa lamang at kagagawan lahat ng isang baliw at sira-ulong tao na sinuwerteng maging pangulo.

Maaaring napapaniwala mo, Duterte, ang panatiko mong mga tagasunod, pero hindi mo maloloko ang mundo.

I am not a criminal. You are! A mass murderer and a pathological liar.



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Military and uniformed personnel facing any charge arising from an incident related to the performance of their work shall be provided with free legal assistance, according to the bill filed by Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go.

Go said he filed Senate Bill No. 393 because the cost of litigation often proves to be too burdensome for any enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

"With the meager livelihood earned by our soldiers and police officers, the State must do its part to ensure that those tasked with the duty to serve and protect are adequately served and protected," Go said.

"Our peacekeepers, the members of our Armed Forces and PNP, are seen as dispensers of justice who place their lives on the line on a daily basis so that we may enjoy the peace and freedom envisioned under the Constitution," he added.

Like any other sector of the society, Go said, the military and police should not be denied access to legal assistance which they may need as a consequence of the faithful performance of their official duties.

Under the bill, the AFP chief of staff, the chairperson of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) or the PNP chief shall authorize the legal office of their respective agencies, with the assistance of the Public Attorneys Office (PAO), to provide free legal assistance to any officer or enlisted personnel of the AFP and PNP within 24 hours from the official receipt of the information or charge sheet.

Go said the amount needed to effectively carry out the measure shall be sourced from the government's Legal Defense Fund (LDF) through the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The LDF provides for reimbursement or financial assistance to government officials and employees, including police officers, in relation to the cases filed against them as a result of the performance of duties.



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Because he was bringing his daughter to a basketball tournament, then it can be said that Kobe died with his sneakers on, for the love of the game.

In his prime, he was a superstar waited on by a staff of hundreds. In retirement, he was happiest as coach-cheerleader of the most important ball player in his life.

The streets of heaven are now full of people attending the ticker-tape parade of a player who soared like an angel in court, and with his good heart acted like one off it. They're now hanging '24' jerseys in the rafters up there.

Thanks Kobe for bringing joy to this basketball nation, for visiting us, and for telling your Filipino fans never to get tired in chasing their hoop dreams.

As a Celtics fan, I wish you what residents of that city bid those who embark on their final journey: "May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, and may the sunshine warm upon your face."



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Senator Leila M. de Lima today questioned the notable pattern in the yearly decreases of the calamity fund since the Duterte government took over, noting at the same time the huge increase in the confidential and intelligence funds.

De Lima specifically lamented the P4-billion budget cut for this year's calamity fund which greatly affects the pre-disaster operations and rehabilitation efforts to communities affected by calamities or disasters.

De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, said the massive reduction in the government's calamity fund shows the administration's failure to consider and prepare for the country's vulnerability to disaster.

"Sa kabila ng dinanas at patuloy na dinadanas na mga kalamidad ng ating bansa nitong mga nagdaang taon, pati na ng matinding pangangailangan para paghandaan ang sakuna, paano kaya naatim ng ilan na kaltasan ng apat na bilyong piso ang calamity fund ngayong taon?" she asked.

"Ngayon ngang may panibagong delubyong dumating dulot ng pagsabog ng Bulkang Taal at sunod-sunod na paglindol, na naglagay sa buhay ng libo-libong Pilipino sa peligro, nagpaguho sa mga tahanan at sumira ng mga kabuhayan, hindi naman pupuwedeng umasa na lang tayo sa mga donasyon ng pribadong sektor at ng ibang bansa para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga komunidad," she added.

In the 2020 national budget, the administration only allocated P16 billion for the calamity fund, also called the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) fund, which is a P4-billion decline from the P20 billion in 2019.

The calamity fund was also slashed by P23 billion, or more than half, to just P15.7 billion in 2017 from P38.9 billion in 2016 under the Aquino administration. It also saw a decline in the 2019 budget as it was reduced further by P11 billion to P20 billion.

It may be recalled that Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año drew flaks from some quarters for appealing for public donations of essentials for Filipino families adversely affected by Taal Volcano's eruption.

Amid the annual decrease in calamity fund under the present administration, the lady Senator from Bicol also lamented how the confidential and intelligence funds for the Office of the President (OP) increased almost yearly.

"Sa pagbawas sa calamity fund at paglobo naman ng intel fund--na wala pa rin tayong malinaw na pruweba kung saan napupunta--malinaw kung ano ang mas pinahahalagahan ng gobyerno ni Duterte," she said.

Mr. Duterte reportedly spent P2.5 billion in confidential and intelligence funds in 2017, compared to the P705 million that OP spent in 2016. He was allotted another P2.5 billion in confidential and intelligence funds for 2018 and 2019.

Meanwhile, the P4.5-billion budget allocated for confidential and intelligence funds for 2020 is almost double the budget it asked for in the previous three years.

De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, pointed out that the government should "set its priorities straight and prioritize its people over selfish interests."

De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1284 seeking to grant disaster service volunteers up to an aggregate of 15 days of paid leave from work within a year to allow them to participate in specialized disaster-related operations.

She also reintroduced SB No. 1285 seeking to protect licensed and qualified volunteers from liability in the performance of their duties and functions in times of emergency situations, including disasters.



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1/27/20

Your apology is so kind Sec. Locsin. But I am minded to correct you that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being fat. "Fat"-ness being a bad thing is just another construct of the misogyny that your boss Duterte propagates to attack women of conviction. It attacks ideas and principles on the basis of the advocate's physical appearance. Fat-shaming, like slut-shaming, is just another one of the many weapons in the arsenal of misogynists to attack women.

Nevertheless, since you have apologized, I am willing to accept your apology on the condition that you desist from any further misogynistic and insulting statements against me, aside from spreading fake news about my physical appearance, especially nowadays, since your boss's actions of detaining me has caused me to be conscious of my weight, hence, shed several pounds, and stay healthy to survive the persecution. I am not thanking him for it. I'd rather be fat and free than be slim but shackled.

One more thing. You commend me for my feistiness. Yes, I am feisty and fearless because I am INNOCENT.



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The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) should prompt the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to have systems in place for the evacuation of Filipinos in Wuhan, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

It is important, he noted, that these Filipinos should be located ahead of a possible evacuation, adding that the DFA should constantly monitor the situation in Wuhan of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) so that the government can address their needs.

The DFA has reported that there are around 150 Filipinos in Wuhan City in China, the source of coronavirus that has already killed 56 people around the globe.

The lawmaker cited the example of the United States, which initiated an evacuation of American citizens from the epidemic-stricken city.

"We have to prepare for any eventuality", said the lawmaker, who expressed alarm that Filipinos are not spared from being infected if the virus is not contained.

"Nakakabahala ang mabilis na pagkalat ng coronavirus sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo at mahalagang may regular din dapat na ibinibigay na balita ang DFA tungkol sa kaligtasan ng ating mga OFW", said Gatchalian.

Gatchalian added that the DFA should coordinate more closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to ensure that overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are protected from the threat of the 2019-nCoV.

According to the January 26 situation report of the World Health Organization (WHO), a total of 2,014 cases of 2019-nCoV have been reported globally, 1,985 of which were from China. Twenty-nine cases were confirmed in ten other countries such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, the United States, and France.

The 2019-nCoV was first reported in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. Symptoms of this new strain include fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. As a type of coronavirus, the 2019-nCoV belongs to a large family of viruses that include the common cold, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

Authorities warn that the virus is mutating and can be transmitted through human contact.

The Department of Health recently revealed that 11 persons are under investigation for suspected 2019-nCoV. Two are in hospitals in Metro Manila, one in Mimaropa, one in Northern Mindanao, three in Western Visayas, one in Eastern Visayas, and three in Central Visayas.



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Delivered by Hon. Win Gatchalian, Senator of the Republic:

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, a pleasant afternoon to you all.

During the time I served as the Chair of the Senate Energy Committee of the 17th Congress, I had the privilege of studying the best case practices of well-performing energy sectors in developed countries across the world. One element they had in common was the presence of academe-based energy institutes.

Energy is one of the most research-intensive fields within the public policy arena, characterized by rapidly evolving technologies which redefine the parameters of the game at a blistering pace. Institutes such as the Stanford Precourt Institute for Energy of Stanford University, the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore at the National University of Singapore, and the Energy Institute at Haas Berkeley in the University of California Berkeley engage in research and development, training and education, and policy development. These independent, multidisciplinary, and collaborative institutions serve as the backbone for innovation and progress in the energy sectors of their host countries. These institutes play essential roles in the field of energy by contributing to knowledge creation and industry development, disseminating policy recommendations backed by rigorous empirical evidence, and training the students of today to become the key decision makers of tomorrow.

Unfortunately, no such institute exists in the Philippines at the present. Hence, Mr. President, the bill I am sponsoring today - Senate Bill No. 1296 under committee report 34 - seeks to establish the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute or PERPI. PERPI will perform critical research and policy development, and capacity building work to steer the Philippine energy sector towards greater energy security, equity, and sustainability. We envision PERPI to stand at the forefront of Philippine energy research and policy development, as an institution solely devoted to these pursuits.

To be established at the country's national university, the University of the Philippines PERPI will serve as an independent body which will undertake multidisciplinary research, explore and develop cutting-edge technologies, and provide autonomous and objective policy output for the benefit of private and public energy players alike. PERPI will be a think-tank, a laboratory, an innovation incubator, and a sparring partner of the government energy policy apparatus, all in one. As a publicly-funded institute, PERPI will be charged with ensuring that the results of its energy research and policy development activities can be utilized to craft energy sector reforms for the benefit of the national economy and the lives of the Filipino people.

To achieve the worthy motivations for its establishment, PERPI will exercise the following function:

Number one, formulate and conduct research and development on energy, energy technology, public policy issues in energy markets, and other pressing issues and problems all backed by rigorous empirical evidence,

Number two, Establish linkages with government agencies, other universities, and private and public institutions on existing energy research and policy studies,

Number three, Establish research and policy development programs and capacity building trainings on energy,

Number four, Enhance the masters and doctoral pool of researchers and faculty in the field of energy,

Number five, Establish local and foreign linkages in energy research and policy development, and

Seven, serve as the repository of all energy-related researches, studies, and data to be generated by the Institute and other academic, public, and private groups, organizations, and institutions.

Mr. President, the functions of the Institute will be carried out by an illustrious team of seasoned academicians and energy sector professionals under the direction of a full-time Executive Director, who will be a recognized expert in energy policy and research development. Further guidance will be given by the Executive Board, composed primarily of representatives from the academe and the private sector from the fields of engineering, law, science, statistics, economics, and public health.

To fund PERPI's research, a special account for energy research shall be established, which will recognize and accept grants, contributions, and donations for such purpose, while PERPI's operations shall be initially funded through a budget of one hundred million pesos.

Mr. President, it is my sincere belief that the development of a stable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply will be critical to meeting the country's ambitious long-term socio-economic goals. The research output of the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute, in turn, will be essential to turning this vision into a reality.

With this in mind, Mr. President, distinguished peers, I urge you to support the passage of this legislation.

Thank you Mr. President.

Maraming salamat po.



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For his dedication and passion for public service, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go was given the Golden Wheel Award by the Rotary International District 3780 during a ceremony held on Saturday, January 25, at Novotel Hotel in Quezon City.

Rotary International--a global humanitarian organization which aims "to advance goodwill and peace around the world"--confers the Golden Wheel Awards to outstanding individuals who best exemplify the Rotarian spirit of "Service Above Self" and the guiding principles of the Four-Way Test.

As the main awardee, Go delivered a speech during the event, saying that he has always been reluctant to receive awards because he is only doing his job as a public servant.

"Sa totoo lang, ayaw kong tumanggap ng award kasi ginagawa ko lang naman ang trabaho ko bilang public servant," he said while expressing his gratitude to the organization for the award he has received.

Go, who served as aide to President Rodrigo Duterte for more than twenty years when the latter was still Davao City mayor, also recounted how the past few years has changed his life.

"From being a relatively unknown individual serving a city mayor, I was thrust into a position of serving the country's most powerful leader and our beloved nation," he said, adding that he now has greater responsibilities to fulfill as Senator of the republic.

"I am not just the bridge that connects the Filipino people to the President. As a duly elected Senator, I also now serve as their voice in the Senate," he said.

Go then shared with the audience his plans and accomplishments during his first year as a lawmaker, including the progress of some of his priority measures in the upper house of the 18th Congress.

"Isa po sa mga pinakamahalagang polisiya na ito ay ang Malasakit Center," he said. "Pinursige at pinaglaban ko na maisabatas ito sa Kongreso dahil alam ko na ang karamihan nating mga kababayan, lalo na ang masang mahihirap, ang matutulungan nito.

"After the lengthy hearings and deliberations in the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Malasakit Center Act of 2019--which I authored--is now a full-fledged law. It is also one of the first legislations to be approved by the 18th Congress," he added.

Republic Act (RA) 11463, otherwise known as the "Malasakit Center Act of 2019", provides for the establishment of Malasakit Centers in 73 hospitals that are run by the Department of Health (DOH) all over the country and in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

The center consolidates the medical and financial assistance that patients may apply for from four government agencies, namely, the DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Go also shared his other priority bills, including Senate Bill (SB) No. 206 which seeks to amend RA 8972 or the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000 to expand the discounts, benefits, exemptions and privileges that solo parents are entitled under the law.

"We know how hard it is to take care of children even with the help of our spouses, so imagine the immense difficulty and social stigma that solo parents must be facing every day," he said.

"To help improve their circumstances, I am also pushing for several amendments to the Solo Parents' Welfare Act, which would expand the discounts, benefits, exemptions and privileges that they are entitled under the law.

"I believe it is our duty to help them or else we will be setting them up for a future of failure and poverty," he added.

Citing the country's vulnerability to natural disasters as manifested by the recent eruption of Taal volcano and the series of earthquakes that hit Mindanao late last year, Go also shared his proposed bills which seek to reinforce the country's disaster preparedness, management and mitigation efforts.

"I have filed Senate Bill 205 or the 'Disaster Resilience Act of 2019' which proposes for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience or DDR," he said.

The senator stated that he envisions the proposed executive department to become "an empowered, highly specialized department with clear unity of command and primarily responsible in ensuring safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities."

"Sa oras ng sakuna, ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap ang tunay na apektado at nagdurusa. Hindi man po natin malaman kung kailan eksaktong oras tatama ang mga kalamidad na ito, mahalaga po na manatili tayong handa sa mga ito," he said.

Go is also pushing for SB 1228 or the "Mandatory Evacuation Center Act" which mandates the establishment of safe, permanent and dedicated evacuation centers.

"If passed into law, this will require every city, province and municipality to construct evacuation centers that will be equipped with basic necessities, such as emergency kits and medicine," he said, adding that it is high time for the government to take a proactive approach to disaster resilience.

"Wakasan na natin ang kultura na kikilos lamang kapag nariyan na ang problema. Huwag na nating hintayin na magkaroon pa ng isang mapanirang sakuna bago natin tugunan ang pangangailangan nating ito," he added.

In congruence with the government's fight against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality, Go also mentioned his move to file a bill which seeks to re-impose capital punishment for certain heinous crimes involving dangerous drugs and plunder.

"This law will not only serve as an effective deterrent against would be criminals; it will also establish that the Philippines is committed to building a better future for the majority of good, productive and law-abiding citizens," he said.

Go then assured the audience that he and the President will continue to serve the welfare and interest of the people and the generations of Filipinos to come.

"Gusto naming hindi na maging problema ang pagpapagamot ng mga mahihirap. Gusto naming labanan ang droga, korapsyon at kriminalidad. Gusto naming mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang susunod na henerasyon," he said.

Amidst various criticisms thrown at them, the senator also reiterated that he will continue to stay behind the President, saying "Gagawin namin ang lahat para sa ikabubuti ng bawat Pilipino. Kung ang mga sakripisyo at mga ipinaglalaban naming ito ang maging dahilan ng pagbagsak ng ating Pangulo, babagsak din po ako kasama niya."

"Kailanman hinding-hindi ko iiwan ang ating Pangulong Duterte," he added

Go also vowed not to waste any opportunity to do good, particularly to those who really need help.

"Meron lang akong gustong sabihin, English po nakasulat sa aking speech pero tatagalugin ko po ito. Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong ang ibibigay natin sa ating kapwa tao gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito," he said.

Ending his speech, Go said that while he never expected to become a senator, he will continue to use the opportunity given to him to be of service to the people.

"Sa mga fellow servants ko sa gobyerno, yung mga governors dito, 'Gov' rin po ang tawag sa inyo para na rin po kayong mga public servants. Alam n'yo noon kapag nakikita ko ang Rotary governors, naiinggit po ako sabi ko sana maging governor din ako," he said.

"Ako naman po hindi ko akalaing magiging senador ako, kami ni Pangulong Duterte patuloy po kaming magse-serbisyo sa Filipino dahil para sa amin ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos," he ended.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Sunday, January 26, that the government is keeping tight watch on foreign tourists and returning Filipinos to make sure that the deadly novel coronavirus that originated in Wuhan City in China will not spread in the country.

"Bantay sarado ang ating mga medical workers at officials. They are implementing strict measures upang hindi makapasok ang virus. Meron tayong mga thermal scanners sa mga airports all over the country. Kwarenta po 'yan, nakakalat," Go said during an interview after the inauguration of a new basketball gymnasium in Valenzuela City.

He added that as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, it is part of his responsibility to monitor this particular situation. "Tungkulin ko rin po ito, at nag-aalala ako kung sakaling makapasok 'yan sa ating bansa. Huwag naman sana."

The previously unknown coronavirus, which experts say may have been transmitted from animals to humans, has infected more than 2,000 individuals since December 2019, mostly in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in China. At least 56 people have died from the virus as of January 26, and cases have been confirmed in several countries around the world.

Suspected cases have been reported in the Philippines, but the results have been negative. "Kinausap ko si Secretary Duque kagabi, at so far naman po, sabi niya wala, walang positibo," Go said, referring to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

The Civil Aeronautics Board, with the approval of the Department of Transportation, has suspended all flights between Wuhan and all points in the Philippines to prevent the possible spread of the virus. Tourists from Wuhan were also prohibited from extending their stay in the country and ordered to go home by January 27.

The Chinese government has also imposed its own travel ban between Wuhan and other cities in China.

Go asked Filipinos to cooperate with the government's efforts. "Kapag merong kahinahinala, i-report niyo agad sa ating health officials. Sundin niyo ang mga payo nila, at ang mga bawal, huwag niyong gawin. Kung kailangan, maglagay ng face mask. Maghugas tayo palagi ng ating mga kamay," he said.

According to a health advisory of the Department of Health, severe cases of coronavirus may result in pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney problems and death. DOH has advised the public to wash their hands frequently, avoid contact with live animals, drink plenty of water and make sure that food being consumed are cooked properly.

DOH also advised the public to avoid those who have cough and colds and to always cover one's mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to stop the possible spread of viruses. Those with flu-like symptoms are also advised to consult a doctor.

Go advised the public to take the threat seriously and cooperate with authorities in order to ensure that Filipinos will not be affected by the virus.

"Talagang delikado po ito. Mahirap i-contain ito. Tingnan niyo po sa Wuhan. Medyo paralyzed na ang lugar," Go said.



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During an ambush interview on January 26 in Valenzuela City, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other concerned agencies are preparing for the possible termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States after President Rodrigo Duterte gave his stand on the issue last week.

President Duterte said that if the US State Department does not explain its recent cancellation of the US visas of certain Philippine officials, particularly Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, the President will move to terminate the VFA.

"Ipaglalaban ko ang karapatan ng mga Pilipino. Huwag kayong makialam sa judicial process namin. Alamin niyo muna ang katotohonan bago makialam dito," Go said.

Go stressed that the Duterte Administration is simply protecting the interests of Filipinos. He urged US officials to know the truth and not interfere with the country's domestic affairs.

"You have a problem right now," Go told reporters addressing the US legislators who voted for a Senate resolution banning entry into US of Philippine government officials purportedly involved in alleged extrajudicial killings and the detention of Senator Leila de Lima.

"Alam niyo naman si Pangulong Duterte, hindi naman nangunguna iyan eh, subalit 'yung atake niyo po kay Senator Bato ay atake na rin po sa pamahalaan," Go said.

The Senator emphasized that the US owes the public an explanation for its actions. He further stressed that those US officials may have been misinformed regarding the drug charges pressed against de Lima whose detention is in accordance with the law as upheld by no less than the Philippine Supreme Court.

"Kung ano man po ang naging rason ninyo sa pagkansela ng visa ni Senator Bato, you should explain it to the public. I-explain niyo muna bakit niyo kinansela. Kung sabihin niyo na dahil dito sa kay Sen. De lima, now you have a problem. Malaki ang problema ninyo," Go said.

Go told reporters that the administration is already preparing for the possibility of terminating the VFA, a pact that allows American troops to visit the country and conduct joint training with Filipino troops, among others.

"Inumpisahan na po ang proseso sa pagkansela. Hintayin na lang po natin ang ating Executive Secretary (and) the Office of the President at ang (Secretary) of Foreign Affairs, Secretary Locsin," Go shared.

The Senator also shared that he has not yet been informed if his own visa was cancelled too. He said that his US visa will expire in 2021.

"Di na rin ako nagtanong at wala rin akong balak tanungin kung kinansela nila. Eh, kung kinansela nila, manonood na lang ako ng NBA finals sa TV," the senator said in jest.

Meanwhile, when asked about his comment regarding the prosecution of de Lima, Go said that he will leave it to the courts to decide and that he respects the judicial process.

"Di po tama na magbigay pa ako ng komento. Hayaan na natin ang judicial system at mayroon namang judicial process," Go said.

The Senator hopes that de Lima would answer the allegations thrown at her and let the judicial process take its course so that the public will not be misinformed.

"Alam niyo, lalong tumatagal, lalong maraming sumasakay. Sinasakyan po ng mga senators ng United States na di naman nila alam na it was upheld by the Supreme Court at alam naman natin na mayroong prosecution," Go said.

"Hindi po style ng ating mahal na Pangulo na gumanti. Wala pong dahilan. Sagutin na lang po (ni de Lima) ang ating judicial process na ginagawa sa kanya sa ngayon," the senator added.



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Malaking kawalan ang aksidenteng pagkamatay ni Kobe Bryant. Isa sya sa mga legends at tinitingala ng mga manlalaro ng basketball sa buong mundo.

Idol ko rin po si Kobe and, in fact, may koleksyon po ako ng kanyang mga sapatos at jersey. Bilang isang manlalaro at fan rin ng basketball, isa po siya sa tinitingala ko sa 3 points, sa galaw, sa porma, sa lahat ng aspeto ng laro.

Pero hindi lang sa larong basketball nagkaroon ng malaking impact si Kobe. Siya ay isang inspirasyon sa mga kabataan at sa ating lahat, lalo na pagdating sa kahalagahan ng disiplina, hard work, at dedikasyon para maging matagumpay sa ating mga kanya-kanyang larangan.

Kitang-kita ang impact ni Kobe sa larong basketball. Pero higit pa doon, nasilayan rin natin siya bilang isang ama na naging dedikado sa kanyang pamilya, at isang idolo na ginamit ang kanyang talento at kasikatan upang tumulong at magsilbing inspirasyon sa kanyang komunidad.

Kahapon lamang, nandoon ako sa inauguration ng bagong basketball gym sa Valenzuela City na tinawag nilang "The House of Kobe" at kitang kita ang malaking impact niya sa kabataan. Bagamat nakakalungkot ang kanyang biglaang pagkamatay, sana'y magsilbing aral rin ang kanyang buhay para maging inspirasyon sa ating mga atleta.

From the millions of Filipinos whose lives you've touched one way or another, we thank you, Kobe, for inspiring us to always give our best in what we do. For his loved ones and the basketball community, we share your grief as we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans around the world who Kobe left behind.



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In line with his call for a preparedness plan to be put in place as the novel coronavirus (2019-nCOV) or the Wuhan virus spreads to various parts of the world, Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), stressed the need for teamwork and knowing what role each one has to play in order to combat the spread of the disease in the country.

Gordon also called for a timely implementation of a preparedness plan during the outbreak preparedness briefing, conducted by the PRC and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which aimed to present updates, convene health partners and draw out early plans to collaborate and respond if the need arises.

"In the Red Cross, we always assume the worst that could happen and prepare for the best, work for the best. Teamwork is undertaken here. In our country, lagi na lang malayo pa yan, malayo pa yan. Pag dumating na, natataranta lahat. It is really important, when disasters strike like this one and we're really not new to this - I remember we had SARS before, to gather our team together and determine what role everyone has to play. The important thing also is to know where we are going," he said.

The briefing, conducted over the weekend at the PRC National Headquarters, was attended by the WHO, Philippine General Hospital; and professional medical associations and organizations such as the Philippine Medical Association, Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society, Philippine Pediatric Society, Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Philippine College of Emergency Medicine, and Philippine Hospital Association, Philippine Nurses Association, Ang Nars, Inc., and Nutritionist Dietician and Association of the Philippines. Academic partners, like Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Far Eastern University, and Our Lady of Fatima and health partners, which included Chinese General Hospital and Adventist Hospital, also attended.

Authorities reported Sunday that the death toll from the nCOV has risen to 56 and the number of people infected across China is nearing 2,000. The virus has spread nationwide in China and cases have been reported in several other countries as far away as the United States, France, Australia and Canada.

The PRC earlier conducted a preparedness orientation with its National Capital Region chapters and advised its chapters which has airports with flights from Wuhan or increased flight to China such as in Panay Island, Ilocos and Cebu.



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What a tragedy. After working so very hard in his entire career to become one of the most successful stars of the NBA, Kobe Bryant has just died in a helicopter crash. I mourn with the whole sports world & pray for his family & his eternal rest.

We also pray for the repose of the souls of the other casualties including Kobi's daughter Gigi, who he obviously loved very much. They were with the family of baseball coachJohn Altobelli who also perished in the helicopter crash with his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa.

This incident really hurts everybody and is a reminder that life is fragile and everything is temporary. We must always prepare for all circumstances.



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The Philippines could lose custody of U.S. Marine Corps lance corporal and homicide convict Joseph Scott Pemberton, if the government cancels the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Senator Imee Marcos said.

The VFA gives the Philippines legal jurisdiction over American military personnel who commit crimes under the country's laws.

"Baka matuwa pa nga ang U.S. pag nawala na ang VFA kasi pwede pa rin naman pumasok ang mga tropang Amerikano sa bansa natin dahil sa Mutual Defense Treaty at EDCA, pero wala nang hawak ang Pilipinas sa mga kasong kriminal kung mangyari man," Marcos said.

"Kung walang VFA, babalik tayo sa international law at batas ng bansa kung saan galing ang mga tropang dayuhan ang mangingibabaw," Marcos explained.

The U.S. may demand that Pemberton be freed before he could serve his minimum jail sentence, if the VFA is ended before December 2021 or less than six years after his conviction, Marcos also said.

Pemberton was convicted and sentenced to six to 12 years in prison on December 1, 2015 for the 2014 motel killing of transgender Jennifer Laude.

"Baka makaswerte pa ulit si Pemberton. Wala na nga siya sa ordinaryong kulungan, baka maiklian pa ang kanyang sentensya. Dagdag-sakit para sa pamilya ni Jennifer," Marcos said.

Pemberton is detained at Camp Aguinaldo under the watch of Philippine and American military personnel and is appealing his conviction on the grounds of self-defense.

Instead of junking the VFA, Marcos said that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) should be ended because it allows the U.S. military to skirt the constitutional ban on foreign bases in the Philippines and makes the country a potential target of America's adversaries.

Amid tensions in the Middle East and the South China Sea, the EDCA binds the country to hosting U.S. military troops and storing their defense equipment, Marcos explained.



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My warmest greetings to the Filipino people as we celebrate National Bible Day.

Every last Monday of January, we gather as a nation to reaffirm our faith. By virtue of Republic Act No. 11163, we take time to unite amidst diversity in professing the teachings of our Lord.

As we rejoice in the Word of God, may we take this opportunity to find more meaningful conversations with one another. Let us endeavor to be bearers of the good news throughout the world and allow the wisdom of His Word fill our hearts with love and joy so that we become a people of believers who rebuke the wicked and promote good.

In Mark 3:24, the Holy Bible says, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." Let these words of our Lord resonate in our actions. Abandon our earthly ways that divide our nation. In every crossroad we face as a people, choose to live with compassion. Build a nation anchored on God's divine providence and mercy. Pass the torch of faith entrusted to us so that we continue to be a prosperous generation determined to fulfill the promises of Heaven.

For the longest time, our nation has faltered by trying to live by bread alone. While it is imperative to nourish our body to attain physical strength, feeding our spirit and soul by witnessing the Living Truth is the way towards salvation. Take this day to communicate with our God to express our undying gratitude for the multitude of blessings we receive as a nation.

Let this celebration aflame our hearts that we may be bold in professing our faith. May the light of Christ guide our paths towards living a meaningful life.



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Members of anti-communist vigilante groups should be unmasked and be made accountable in the spate of killings in Negros Island, a report stated.

Committee Report No. 33, prepared by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, and the Committee on Justice and Human Rights of Sen. Richard Gordon, submitted the report last week urging colleagues to adopt its recommendations and their immediate implementation.

The two committees made the recommendations after conducting a hearing on August 27, 2019, based on Senate Resolution Numbers 47 and 65 filed by Sens. Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima, respectively.

The report was signed by 11 senators.

CRN 33 recommended that members of anti-communist vigilante groups, such as "Kagubak," involved in the series of killings of alleged New People's Army should be unmasked and charged in court.

The report also recommended that the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines should conduct internal investigation and gather evidence for possible filing of administrative and criminal liabilities against police and military personnel involved in the implementation of "Oplan Sauron" for possible human rights abuses and/or violations of law, if any.

"To say that the period between October 2018 and July 2019 was bloody is a gross underestatement. In that eight-month period, a series of killings and attempted killings took place in both provinces. No one was spared - men, women and children suffered at the hands of lawless armed men," the report stated.

It cited the killing of nine farmers in October, 20, 2018 by some 40 armed men in Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City; and the killing of human rights lawyer last November 6, 2018.

In response, the Simultaneous Enhanced Managing of Police Operations (SEMPO), which involved the PNP and several battalions of the AFP, was launched on December 27, 2018. Its second version - Oplan Sauron - was also launched on March 30, 2019.

The launching of these two police-military operations saw the further escalation of killings in the two provinces, the report stated.

"During these simultaneous police operations, six persons were killed while 31 were arrested. Among those killed were habal-habal driver Reneboy Fat, Demetrio Fat, Jaime Revilla, Dondon Isugan, Jun Cubul of Guihuingan City, and Constancio Languita of Sta. Catalina town. The ones who were killed and many of those who were arrested were members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON)," the report stated.

The committees also recommended the following:

Deploy additional police and military personnel to secure the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, and if possible, the neighboring provinces; and to augment local police in the said provinces, in order to better address the security needs of the people;

 Deploy more Commission on Human Rights Investigating Officers in Negros Islands for the continuing investigation of complaints or allegations of violations of human rights and abuses committed against the local residents, the police or military; and if the facts and evidence warrant, file the appropriate cases against those liable, and be held accountable for human rights abuses;

Provide the necessary budget for the CHR to hire more investigating officers to be assigned in all the regions in the country in order to efficiently and expeditiously conduct investigations into reported cases of human rights violations;

 Enhance and strengthen the cooperation between the CHR and the PNP, not only in the conduct of investigations regarding the series of killings in Negros Island, but all cases of human rights violations all over the country;

 Intensify anti-insurgency operations in identified rebel-infested areas in Negros Islands, but with due regard to the protection of human rights, and observance of the established principles of due process of law;

 Provide adequate socio-economic and psycho-social assistance to the families of individuals who were killed;

 For the PNP and AFP to review, evaluate and report to the President the effectiveness of Oplan Sauron in the objective to suppress and end lawless violence in the Negros Island;

 Give administrative and budgetary support to the full implementation of Executive Order 70 providing for a whole-of-nation approach in defeating the local communist terrorist groups. Towards this end, support must likewise be extended to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC); and

 Pursue amendments to Republic Act 9372, otherwise known as The Human Security Act, by considering the series of killings or violence as acts of terrorism, with the end goal of creating public emergency, and/or that which undermines public safety.



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On the Visiting Forces Agreement

Q: Do you see the need na dinggin ng Senate yung abrogation ng Visiting Forces Agreement?

SP Sotto: Perhaps ang kailangan ay pagusapan lang, I am not proposing anything other than to talk about it.

Q: In a caucus or a hearing?

SP Sotto: Pwedeng caucus, pwedeng hearing. Ang importante, mapagusapan para yung mga perspective or opinion ng mga iba't-ibang senador ay mapagusapan namin tungkol dito sapagkat kami naman yung nagratify. Bagamat yung pagra-ratify namin nuong araw nung VFA, wala pa doon yung bago naming ipinapasok dito sa mga bagong treaties at agreements na niraratify ng Senate. Itong mga bago, kung hindi ako nagkakamali, about a year already, ay nilalagyan namin doon ng provision na nagsasabi na pagka iaabrogate, or icacancel yung treaty or agreement, ay kailangang aksyunan namin. Nandoon na yun sa bagong resolution, lately, sa mga bagong treaties. Pero sa dati, wala yun.

Q: Malaki yung Kawalan natin kung sakaling matuloy yung abrogation ng VFA?

SP Sotto: Depende, as I said na kanina, sabi ko, (unclear). Meron akong sariling opinion diyan, pero I don't want to pre-empt the opinion of my colleagues first, and a unified Senate stance on the matter, or opinion on the matter. Hintayin ko na lang muna.

Q: Will there be a unified opinion?

SP Sotto: That is possible. Either we will say that we agree or not (unclear).

Q: You will say it just in a statement?

SP Sotto: Wala, walang bearing yun, it will just be a statement. It will just be a sense of the Senate.

Q: Pwedeng maka-influence sa Presidente?

SP Sotto: Pwedeng maging reso, pwedeng hindi, pwedeng makaimpluwensiya.

Q: Not to a point na itatransform ninyo into a petition?

SP Sotto: Hindi siguro, hindi na kakailanganin.

Q: Will you advise the President against it?

SP Sotto: Hindi sa ano, palagay ko hindi doon yung issue na whether we will advise the President or not. Hindi naman hinihingi yung opinion namin. Sa akin, mas maganda rin naman na sana maramdaman ng United States kung ano ang perspective ng Presidente, kung bakit siya nagkakaganon. Huwag nila ibintang doon sa visa. Ano lang yun, maaaring isa sa mga catalyst lang yun pero hindi yun ang trigger, maraming trigger. Di ba yung mga senador nila, bintang ng bintang sa atin? Yung justice system natin, hindi pinaniniwalaan, yung mga ganoon. Siyempre, napupuno yung Executive Department. Siguro maganda rin na alamin muna ng United States, ano ba talaga ang mga nasa likod ng issue na ito, di ba? Baka sakaling doon pa lang, magkaroon ng dialogue, magkaroon ng paguusap, para mapabuti ang usapan thereafter.

Q: But you think tama yung naging move ni Presidente to abrogate na lang the VFA?

SP Sotto: Opinion niya yan. Opinion niya yan. Diskarte niya yan, I would rather not, I will retain the ano, on this issue, I would want to retain yung pagkakahiwa-hiwalay naming tatlo, executive, legislative, at judiciary. Diskarte ng executive yan. As Senate President, I would rather not into saying what is right or what is wrong.

Q: At this point wala pa kayong nakikitang need for the Senate to assert its power?

SP Sotto: Walang ganoon. Executive ang nagpapadala sa amin ng mga treaties at saka ng mga agreements, wala kaming kinalaman doon. It never emanates from us. So, kung ayaw na nila, wala kaming magagawa doon.

Q: Yung move to give the Senate authority to agree or not to agree on the abrogation of a treaty, how will it come out?

SP Sotto: It has been included in our resolutions in the past year. Ngayon, it has never been tested. Hindi pa natin alam kung pwede yung resolution ng Senate na yun o hindi.

Q: Bakit hindi kailangan magsalita ng Senado at this point, considering na national policy...?

SP Sotto: Hindi sa hindi dapat magsalita, it's my own personal opinion lang. The other Senators, they have their own opinion about it pero there is no Senate stance on the matter as a body. As Senate President I would rather keep it to myself muna at this point.

Q: (Unclear) speak as one?

SP Sotto: I will consult them, depende. Tingnan muna namin, marami pang pwedeng mangyari in the next few days.

Q: Sa tingin ninyo kailangan din magpa-briefing sa military and foreign affairs, kung halimbawa mawala sa atin?

SP Sotto: Pwede, depende, pero alam lahat ng Presidente yan. Bottom line, the buck stops with him, he is the President, that is his decision.

Q: Magpapatawag kayo ng caucus tungkol dito?

SP Sotto: Depende. Siguro si Koko, baka magpatawag.



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Now, the hard work begins. Rehabilitation is always harder than relief work.

The latter is a sprint, bringing aid to displaced people fast. The latter is a marathon that takes a longer time to complete.

Relief is about bringing food and providing food to temporarily displaced people. Rehabilitation is about restoring the means by which they can permanently survive on their own again.

It is easy to pack grocery bags. What is hard is to package new livelihood for those whose income sources Taal has blown away. Even if the crisis is over, large swaths of temporarily designated No Man's Lands will be become Lands of No Return. What will happen to the thousands of "internal refugees?"

Doon sa mga nawalan ng bahay at hanapbuhay, ang tanong nila, "Mayroon na bang kahit katiting na VFA - Volcano Financing Assistance - na idadagdag namin sa aming sipag at tiyaga na bumangon muli?"

What now are the national government's plans for the post-eruption period? In a Cabinet supposedly staffed by the best and the brightest, who is the designated go-to guy for Taal rehabilitation?

Kahit sa linis phase pa lang, who will dispatch the equipment that will aid the local folk in the clean up? Are projects being prepared, funds being identified for reconstruction phase?

A symphony cannot have multiple conductors. Better to centralize accountability to one person. The problem with a committee of equals: not only is it prone to finger-pointing, but it is a good hiding place for the incompetent. In terms of reconstruction management, the more bosses there are, the murkier the results. Ang resulta: Turo-turo festival.

Mainam na mayroong Taal Commission. But the political reality is that it cannot pass muster without the support of Malacañang. In the meantime, there should be a Cabinet coordinator for Taal, na kukumpas sa iba't ibang ahensya na ito ang dapat gawin, na ito ang toka mo.

To the credit of many Cabinet members, many are now preparing for the long, hard work ahead. But there are gray areas which they deem outside their mandate or turf. We cannot allow people and places to fall into the cracks of these bureaucratic divisions.

Kailangan din ng koordinasyon sa iba't ibang mga ahensya. The convergence approach, in which agencies combine to maximize impact and avoid duplication of work, may be a good fit for Taal rehab.

Maaring hindi pa tapos ang krisis sa Taal, but the volcano's two-week tantrum should have given our agency heads enough time to draw up even a tentative Taal rebuilding blueprint because we all know, with certainty, that the emergency will subside, and that what follows is the hard work of rebuilding people's lives.



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SENATE President Vicente Sotto III today said lawmakers and policy-makers should start drawing up a comprehensive long-term plan for the rehabilitation of the province of Batangas amid the tragedy caused by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Sotto said that while government had started implementing short-term strategies to address the immediate needs of residents affected by the eruption, these would not be enough to help the province get back on its feet again.

"We have to start pooling our ideas to rehabilitate Batangas. We need permanent solutions to resolve post-disaster concerns and help Batanguenos recover," Sotto said.

The Senate President said the government should be ready to implement rehabilitation programs once Taal Volcano quiets down and experts declare that the threat of a hazardous eruption is 100 percent over.

Sotto highlighted the need to address issues on housing, infrastructure and livelihood, which he stressed will be the top 3 concerns of the provincial government of Batangas.

Hundreds of thousands of families living in towns surrounding Taal island lost their homes when their houses got covered with thick ashes after Taal Volcano erupted and spewed ash on January 12. Volcanic tremors have likewise damaged roads, causing fissures to highways and breaking bridges. Businesses have also remained closed, adversely impacting the sources of income of workers.

Sotto said the long-term rehabilitation plans should include the provision of temporary and permanent homes to affected families, repair of roads, buildings and other infrastructures; and small and medium enterprise opportunities, among others.

"Let us not forget the hard lessons we have learned from the rehabilitation of Tacloban and Marawi. We did not have ready programs to help those who were affected by these tragedies, to the chagrin of the residents who relied heavily on the government to help them get back on their feet again," Sotto said.



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We join the sporting community in mourning the untimely demise of Kobe Bryant, who passed away in a helicopter crash this morning with his daughter Gigi and seven others.

We remember his intensity and passion for the game, which he is instilling in his daughter and this generation. Kobe's life and work ethic is a rare phenomenon in the sport. Regardless of the team we root for, we have nothing but admiration for someone who elevated the sport in more ways than one. As a Celtics fan, we used to be on the receiving end of Kobe's Mamba Mentality, but there is no denying of his place in the Hall of Fame. His greatness transcends time, and he will always be remembered.

Kobe's life is also a reminder for us to put our complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. In perhaps one of his harshest episodes in his life, he held on to his faith. He fondly recalled a talk with his spiritual adviser who said: "'God's not going to give you anything you can't handle, and it's in his hands now. This is something you can't control. So let it go.'"

May God's healing hands comfort the bereaved family of Kobe Bryant in these trying times.



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We join the sporting community in mourning the untimely demise of Kobe Bryant, who passed away in a helicopter crash this morning with his daughter Gigi and seven others.

We remember his intensity and passion for the game, which he is instilling in his daughter and this generation. Kobe's life and work ethic is a rare phenomenon in the sport. Regardless of the team we root for, we have nothing but admiration for someone who elevated the sport in more ways than one. As a Celtics fan, we used to be on the receiving end of Kobe's Mamba Mentality, but there is no denying of his place in the Hall of Fame. His greatness transcends time, and he will always be remembered.

Kobe's life is also a reminder for us to put our complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. In perhaps one of his harshest episodes in his life, he held on to his faith. He fondly recalled a talk with his spiritual adviser who said: "'God's not going to give you anything you can't handle, and it's in his hands now. This is something you can't control. So let it go.'"

May God's healing hands comfort the bereaved family of Kobe Bryant in these trying times.



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Q: On gulayan sa paaralan bill

Villar: We will go to plenary na. We will write the bill based on the hearing .

Q: In priciple, supportive sila?

Villar: They have no objection sa bill. Of course, may mga hinihiling sila, like the private schools, but we will see the opinion of DepEd. How can we require them to build gulayan sa paaralan if they don't want it to be a condition of their permits.

Q: On Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)

Villar: No, I haven't seen them. I've been in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food hindi ko nakikita ang BPI. Parang regulatory sila but they have no projects whatsoever. .. Sabi nila they will come to me daw. But I have been working without tem, I can afford not to work with them except that they are presenting their projects. I haven't seen any projects from them in my 7 years as chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.

Q: On novel coronavirus, nag-lockdown na ang Wuhan. Merong 1,000 Filipinos daw ang nandoon. Sabi ng France ie-airlift nila ang mga tao nila doon. Do you suggest na ganoon din para sa mga Pinoy?

Villar: I think it's the decision of the Department of Labor and DFA what they will do but I guess, bago naman sila i-airlift, be sure na wala silang virus kasi baka sila naman ang magdala dito. Kasi sabi nila ang Wuhan province talagang contaminated na the whole province.

Q: But do you suggest na i-airlift or alisin ang mga Filipino sa Wuhan?

Villar: I don't know but we have to do what's best. Ang importante lang, hindi sila contaminated kung ie-airlift mo sila, dadalhin mo sa Pilipinas, I guess i-quarantine sila until we are sure na hindi sila contaminated.

Q: Paano iyong mga tourists?

Villar: No, I think we have suspended flights. Wala na coming from Wuhan to the Philippines.

Q: Iyong ibang destination na meron ding suspected cases?

Villar: Sa Wuhan grabe doon talagang doon nanggaling.

Q: You expressed misgivings against one official sa Philippine Carabao Center? Particularly one official na bumili ng vehicle?

Villar: Iyon ang gusto nila but I stopped them. Sabi ko, it cannot be. So they are following my suggestion. I am just mentioning it to the DA para turuan nila ang mga agency nila na hindi dapat ganoon.

Q: Lack of production of the dairy industry partly to blame for malnutrition?

Villar: Of course. Kasi ang dairy production natin is 1% of demand. 99% are imported. Ibig sabihin, kapag mahirap na bata, hindi na siya makakainom ng milk kasi mahal syempre and imported. Mahirap kang bata, makakabili ka ba ng imported? So iyon ang problema. So lahat ng mahirap na bata hindi nakakainom ng milk, kapag ganoon syempre ang development ng kanilang mental ability ay affected. Ang sinasabi ko, hindi lang DepEd and partly to blame but also iyong inability natin to provide good nutrition to our children.

Q: What agency are you naming kanina?

Villar: Iyong in-charge of dairy. Kasi diba typical, pinapainom ng milk ang mga bata para mag-improve ang kanilang mental ability. Kung maliit ang production ng dairy, hindi na iinom ang mga bata ng milk. More or less, affected din and development ng kanilang mental ability.

Q: Iyong sinasabi ninyo na bad performance ng DA, na naging cause sya kung bakit hindi naging competitive ang farmers?

Villar: Kung wala kang programs to benefit the farmers, hindi magi-improve ang lives ng farmers. Katulad ng research na walang application, how can that improve the live of farmers kung walang application ang research. Diba nagri-research tayo to improve the operations of our farms. Kung hindi tayo gagawa ng programa to test your research kung tama o hindi, wala din iyon that's useless.

Q: Bakit nagkukulang sa dairy production?

Villar: Siguro iyong orientation ng ating DA na hindi nila responsibility, they are just for regulatory or whatever but it is not their responsibility to answer for the non-production of agriculture. Kasi alam mo ang agriculture, it should grow with the population. 2 to 2.5 percent ang growth ng population, ang agriculture must grow the same way para maging self-sufficient tayo sa food. Parang common sense iyon, growth of population equals the growth of agriculture. Para iyong mabubuhay na bagong tao may pagkain. So if they are not growing in the same rate as the population is growing, then it will result in lack of self-sufficiency of food.

Q: Ano ang dapat gawin sa mga non-performing units

Villar: Iyan, nago-oversight tayo hoping that with our comments, they will improve. What can we do? We cannot remove them because they are part of civil service. So by hoping, by commenting on their performance, they will try to improve.

Q: Programs instead of establishment of departments?

Villar: Lahat naman iyon ang problema, when you create department, you create overhead ngayon ano ba ang mas mabuti, mag-create ka na lang ng programs to solve the problem or mag-create ka ng deepartment at gamitin sa overhead ang pera. So it's their decision. Ako I do not belive that we should create departments, I think we should create programs. Meron namang iba ang gusto nila departments so majority wins in this country.

Q: May politicians nagkakaproblema sa Us immigration..

Villar: Lahat naman. It's a common problem.

Q: Matagal ang questionan?

Villar: Not necessarily. If you have a diplomatic passport supposed to be walang masyadong questions sa iyo. Kaya lang merong mga excemption. Maski kami diplomatic passport, I don't know what's their gauge. I haven't experienced that but others have experienced that. Hindi lang naman iyon ang issue, I think iyong mga ipinasa sa US Congress na mga controversial na provision, maraming reason for that. I think they are going to do a hearing. Iyong Committee on Foreign Relations will do a hearing on this. Maybe you can get many things from there. Parang hinidi naman ako dapat mag-comment kasi agriculture ako and environment. ...

Q: On VFA

Villar: Sa tingin nila kasi maraming nagsasabi too harsh iyong abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement. Iyong iba naman sinasabi na iyong mga pinas nila sa US Congress ay interfering na sa ating local issues. So we will see.

Q: Some senators natatagalan sa US immigation...

Villar: Oo, meron talaga. I just heard a couple pero hindi naman lahat. ... kasi ngayon may system sila na if you have a diplomatic passport, you ask the consul to arrange with the government of US na sunduin ka para hindi ka matagalan. Before walang ganoon, ngayon they are asking iyong state department ng US nagse-send sila ng representative sa airport or sa port para salubungin ka para you don't have to go though the process

Q: iyong matagal na tanungan sa immigation, is that unusual?

Villar: Depende siguro sa person na nagpo-process. Kasi marami akong naririnig na senador na pinahirapan sila. Ako, I haven't experienced that pero meron.

Q: Ano daw dahilan?

Villar: Masyadong maraming tanong tapos dadalhin ka pa doon sa private room to be questioned. Merong ganoon. Depende sa taong nagpo-process ng entry mo, kung makulit iyon kinukulit ka. Iyon namang mababait hindi naman... Palagay ko ang immigration nila may ugaling ganoon. I experienced in Hawaii, mas madali iyong LA kaysa Hawaii. So depende sa tao

Q: May questions daw about politics...

Villar: Hindi, talagang makulit lang sila. Meron silang mga biases, siguro ganoon.

Q: Medyo racist sila?

Villar: Ewan ko kung racist iyon o makulit lang sila. I don't want to make conclusions kasi mahirap na. Merong mga mas mahigpit kaysa hindi.



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Following the landmark passage of the Sin Tax Reform Law last week, Senate Ways and Means Chairperson Pia S. Cayetano said she will push for a more comprehensive approach to continue protecting Filipinos' health and well-being.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law last January 22 Republic Act No. 11467, which imposes heavier tax rates on alcohol, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and vapor products.

"Part of the task is to get this law signed. We now have accomplished that. I thank all of the [health] advocates and everybody who spent so much time in helping us see this through," Cayetano said during a press conference in Intramuros on Tuesday (January 28).

The senator in particular thanked her colleagues in Congress for supporting the provision under the law that mandates the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate e-cigarette products.

RA 11467 provides for the establishment of a framework for the regulation of HTPs & vapes by the FDA, including banning the sale to non-smokers and persons below 21 years old.

"One of the successful provisions that we have been able to include in this law is for the FDA to regulate these products. And I am very happy about that... We have now provided the legal mechanism for FDA to take the lead," she stressed.

"The challenge is now with them. And I implore upon all the stakeholders, both on the side of the advocates and the industry, to support FDA to allow them to do their job," she added.

Meanwhile, Cayetano said the campaign to protect Filipinos from the dangers of sin products should not stop with imposing higher taxes. Taxation, she noted, should be complemented by a comprehensive public health strategy.

"The journey is not over because the effectivity of the law is in its implementation," she said.

The senator then expressed her commitment to work with her fellow legislators as well as with government agencies and advocacy groups to assess and strengthen the country's smoking- and drinking-cessation programs.

"I would like to work with our Committee on Health in the Senate and our counterparts in the House to strengthen our existing regulations and, to the extent necessary, [implement] new laws for the protection of our youth against these harmful products - alcohol, HTPs, and vapes," she stressed.

"I am also calling on the education and health departments, community officials, and parents, [to guard the youth against e-cigarette products]... It is supposed to be for those who want to shift from cigarettes to another product. It is not there to encourage the youth to take on a brand new vice," the senator added.



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Following the passage of the Sin Tax Law that substantially raises taxes on electronic cigarettes, Senator Pia S. Cayetano appealed to fellow parents to safeguard and educate their children from the dangers of picking up "these new dangerous vices" that seem to be targeting the youth.

"This is my call to all Filipino parents, please (discourage your children from) using these heated tobacco products (HTPs) and vapes. These devices are harmful to their health," said the senator, who sponsored the sin tax measure in the Senate as Chair of the Ways and Means Committee.

The senator had initially pushed for higher tax rates on HTPs and vapes, citing evidence from health experts that such products could not be considered as effective cessation devices, and that they could cause harm to non-smokers and the youth.

"I based my position on [scientific evidence and] the recommendations of health advocates, no less than the World Health Organization (WHO), that we treat these e-cigarettes and HTPs equally as if they are cigarettes," she stressed during a press conference with sin tax advocates on Tuesday (January 28).

"It is my job to veer on the side of safety. That 's why the position I've always taken is, unless there is convincing evidence that these are truly cessation products, and that these companies are willing to register them as such, then we should treat them as harmful products," Cayetano added.

On this note, the senator reiterated her call for young Filipinos and non-smokers to avoid using e-cigarettes, HTPs, and vapes, as these could cause serious damage to their health.

"I call on all our young people. I will never get tired of reminding you that these products - HTPs, ENDS/ENNDS (Electronic Nicotine/Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems), and vapes - can be dangerous to your bodies. We don't want you to take on these brand new vices," Cayetano stressed.

Meanwhile, the senator expressed commitment to work with fellow legislators, other government agencies, and advocacy groups in assessing and strengthening the country's smoking- and drinking-cessation programs.



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Senator Leila M. de Lima has expressed interest to revisit the 53-year-old "Condominium Act" to make it attuned to the changing lifestyles of Filipino families, especially among tenants who want to keep pets in their condominiums or apartments.

In revisiting the antiquated law, the lady Senator from Bicol underscored the need to look into the powers of the property management or landlords to impose restrictions, which include a total ban of well-behaved pets in condominiums or inside the building.

"While it is the right of landlords and property managers to protect their properties from damages, they should be more flexible and responsive to the changing needs and demands of modern Filipino families renting or owning condominium units," she said.

"With more and more young people opting to live in rented condominiums and apartments, the law regulating condominiums should be carefully looked into, especially on restrictive policies that are detrimental to the general welfare of tenants," she added.

Under Republic Act No. 4726, also known as the "Condominium Act," which was enacted in July 1966, property owners are granted power to impose restrictions to protect their properties and enforce rules and regulations in the buildings.

"The law, however, does not have provisions highlighting the possible needs and concerns of responsible animal-loving tenants that may arise because of several restrictions applied in condominium or apartment units," De Lima pointed out.

"The complete ban policy implemented by condominium management on renters with pets should be revisited, except probably in small flats where owning a pet may be impractical. But we need to find creative ways to allow them to keep their pets" she added.

The pre-sold residential condominium units in Metro Manila, with prices ranging from PhP1.7 million to PhP5.9 million, hit a historical high of 54,000 in 2018, according to Colliers International Philippines.

According to Lamudi, an online real estate marketplace with operations here in the Philippines and in 13 other countries, property seekers from 25 to 34 years old make up the bulk of prospective buyers of condominium units in 2019.

Lamudi likewise projected that the development of high-rise condominiums is expected to soar in the coming years as the demand for the property, especially among young professionals and young families, continues to increase.

De Lima, who has an undeniable soft spot for dogs and cats, pointed out that landlords and property managers may reconsider putting up a special area or nursery for pets inside their buildings or properties.

"Finding pet-friendly accommodation in the country could be challenging because oftentimes, management or owners of apartments and condominium units ban pets in the vicinity. But that should not be the case because pets are often considered part of the family already," she said.

"We hope that the government would promote and support a tenancy agreement that would allow apartment or condo occupants to bring their pets with them as long as they abide by certain rules to keep their pets under control at all times," she added.

De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, said she is currently studying the "Condominium Act" and is looking into possible amendments that would ensure that both the rights of landlords and tenants are respected.



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1/28/20

Certain news reports appear to attribute the revocation of the US Visa of former PNP Director-General (now Senator) Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa - and, perhaps, those of other police generals - to the Prohibition on Entry Provision in the 2020 US Appropriations Act and US Senate Resolution No. 142.

I do not think this is accurate.

To be sure, S. Res. No. 142 calls for, among others, the imposition of the Global Magnitsky sanctions, e.g., an entry ban, on those responsible for my persecution and also on perpetrators of EJKs. But, like the Approp Act, it could not have been (or not yet) the basis for the cancellation of Sen. Bato's US visa.

Note, that although the "rumors" about said cancellation was confirmed only recently, such rumors have been floating even prior to the enactment of both the Approp. Act and S. Res. No. 142, as triggered last July 2019 when Sen. Bato wanted to fly to Las Vegas to watch a boxing match but, instead, had to settle for watching it in a theater in Rockwell.

Hence, the recent US legislative measures relating to my persecution and continued detention could not have been the basis for Sen. Bato's visa problems.

While the Global Magnitsky Act, as referenced in S. Res. No. 142 relative to "members of the security forces and officials of the Government of the Philippines responsible for extrajudicial killings," may also be the basis, it would seem that the real basis, given the timeline, is most likely a separate US law, the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (the "ARIA" law, not to be confused with my "Arya List") which was signed by President Trump as far back as December 31, 2018.

Said law is the US Government's explicit confirmation that the values of universal human rights, freedom of the press, rule of law, good governance and democracy are primary pillars of its foreign policy direction in the Indo-Pacific region. Most significantly, it aims to safeguard against the use of US taxpayers' money and other resources to (inadvertently) funding or otherwise assisting the perpetration of human rights abuses, the dismantling of the rule of law or the erosion of democratic values in the region. Thus, one of the key provisions is Section 408, which mandates the US President to "impose targeted financial penalties and visa ban sanctions... on any individual or entity that (1) violates human rights or religious freedoms; or (2) engages in censorship activities."

That, I believe, is the real source of Sen. Bato's first world woes. He was tragically deprived of the privilege to watch a boxing match in Las Vegas live because of the poor Filipinos he had helped deprive of life and justice. Meantime, big time drug lords like Peter Lim are at large, likely living the high life, as he continues to evade justice because of his friendship with people in high places.

In any case, all these pieces of US legislation are interrelated mechanisms of accountability that aim to secure and promote human rights, press freedom, good governance, the rule of law and and democracy. Like ARIA, the Global Magnitsky Act is a particularly potent weapon against abuses.

I just hope that more people, particularly our public officials, would appreciate and embrace the value of these mechanisms, which promote universal values that transcend geographies and are profoundly beneficial to humanity.

(Access the handwritten copy of Dispatch from Crame No. 710, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_no._710)



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With the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) lowering Taal Volcano's alert status to Level 3, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to shift its operation in the area to rehabilitation phase.

Senator Richard J. Gordon, PRC chairman and CEO, after a discussion with Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas over the weekend, instructed PRC Chapter Administrator Ronald Generoso to conduct further discussion with the governor. Mandanas disclosed that they are planning to put up tent cities where evacuees can stay until they can move back to their own homes.

"We can provide family tents to each family where they can sleep with privacy. But we will also set up rub halls which will serve as their dining areas, separate tents for socialization activities, place of worship, and other group activities," he assured the governor.

Gordon also disclosed that there are already national societies who committed to provide funding for the rehabilitation phase, which includes rehabilitating or building damaged houses, schools, and other buildings; providing livelihood and distributing cash grants.

"We are already coordinating with our partner national societies to ensure that, like how we worked in Yolanda, assistance will be distributed evenly to our target population, that the operation will be organized. What I am proposing is to use P2-million of the money that the Spanish Red Cross and the German Red Cross will donate to build houses. The important thing is to remove the pressure of evacuation from the schools so the children can resume their classes," the PRC chairman said.

"Another important point is to designate permanent relocation sites for families who were displaced from the danger zones so they wouldn't have to go back to there to live. If they would insist on going back, pwede silang bumalik doon pero para magtanim o maghanap-buhay lang pero uuwi din sila. Hindi na sila dapat tumira doon dahil bulkan yun at nandun lagi yung posibilidad na mag-erupt ito," he added.

Phivolcs on Sunday lowered Taal Volcano's alert status to Level 3, two weeks after the volcano's eruption on January 12 that led to a forced evacuation of thousands of families in the surrounding areas.

The agency said Alert Level 3 indicates a decreased tendency towards hazardous explosive eruption but it should not be interpreted that (the volcano's) unrest has ceased or that the threat of a hazardous eruption has disappeared. Even at Alert Level 3, there could be sudden steam-driven and even weak phreatomagmatic explosions, volcanic eartquakes, ashfall and lethal volcanic gas expulsions.



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Filipino girls, as well as trafficked Chinese women, are victims in the recent rise of prostitution dens catering to Chinese nationals residing in the country, reveals Senator Risa Hontiveros in a hearing on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.

"Hindi pwedeng nagiging pugad tayo ng Chinese prostitution dens," said Hontiveros, who led the investigation on the rescues of Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGO)-related sexual trafficking victims in Metro Manila.

"Tatlo ang anak kong babae, ang isa menor de edad. 'Pag nakikita ko sa TV ang mga babaeng nahuhuli sa raid na punong puno ng hiya at takot, isa lang ang tumatakbo sa isip ko: this girl is someone's daughter. And we have failed her," she added.

Among the rescued is alias Carina, 15 years old, who testified in the hearing. The girl, among other Filipina women prior their rescue, was kept by a Chinese national in a house in Makati. The woman primarily serviced a Chinese clientele, and were paid at least P6,000 per job, an amount that increases if they were asked to spend the night or perform extra services, but half of which went to their Chinese handler.

Hontiveros' investigation also exposed a menu of sex services, including photos of trafficked Chinese women, that is passed around through messaging apps Telegram and WeChat.

"May menu of services, parang restoran," said Hontiveros. "Yung mga babae, parang inoorder lang sa app ng mga Chinese members ng chatgroup. Parang Grabfood, may menu, may presyo, then darating na lang sa hotel o condo mo," she described.

The messages revealed the services offered that were primarily sexual in nature.

In light of these revelations, Hontiveros called for the Bureau of Immigration to suspend its Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) program for Chinese nationals, a scheme that has readily assisted the rise of Chinese criminals in the country. "We need to suspend the Visa Upon Arrival scheme for Chinese nationals," she declared.

"Security threat na kasi ito satin: to our women and to our girls!" she exclaimed.

The senator also urged the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to conduct an immediate crackdown on POGO-related prostitution dens across the Philippines. "Pati yung mga sarili nating kababaihan at kabataan, nabibiktima na," Hontiveros declared.

Additionally, the Senator is studying the suspension of all POGO operations in the country, while reviewing the economic implications as well as ensuring that there are safety nets in place to protect our women and children.

"Kailangan na nating umaksyon. We need to look into suspending POGO operations because they attract criminals into our country," Hontiveros concluded.



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Linggo-linggong nasa balita ang sunod-sunod na raid sa mga bar, hotels at condo buildings na ginagagawang pugad ng prositusyon. Ang mga parokyano: Hindi mga Pilipino kundi mga Chinese na empleyado ng mga Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations o POGO.

Pinatawag ang hearing na ito dahil hindi pwedeng nagiging pugad tayo ng Chinese prostitution dens. Hindi pupwedeng hayaan lang natin ang pag-abuso ng kababaihan sa ating bansa, lalong-lalo na sa mga Pilipina.

Alam niyo, isa rin akong ina. Tatlo ang anak ko, ang isa menor de edad. Pag nakikita ko sa TV ang mga babaeng nahuhuli sa raid, pilit isinisiksik ang sarili sa sulok ng madilim na kwarto, nakatakip ang mukha, punong puno ng hiya at takot, Chinese man siya, Vietnamese, o Pilipina, isa lang ang tumatakbo sa isip ko: This girl is someone's daughter. And we have failed her. 'Pag tayo ay nagkulang sa pinakanangangailangan, tayo ay nagkulang bilang isang lipunan.

Para sa hearing na ito, we are exposing the stories of abuse: para matigil na itong mga Chinese prostitution dens.

In the course of our preparations for this hearing, we were able to infiltrate secret chat groups online. Ito ay sa WeChat at Telegram. Let me show you some of these chats. (showed conversations and menu of prices)

Ayan, lucrative business, may menu of services, parang restoran! Yung mga babae parang inoorder lang sa app ng mga Chinese members ng group na ito - parang Grabfood, may menu, may presyo, then darating na lang sa hotel o condo mo.

Pero di lang mga Chinese girls ang nabibiktima ng mga Chinese prostitution dens na ito. Yung mga sarili nating mga Pilipina, nagiging biktima na rin. One of those girls is here to tell her story. She is a minor, and we are protecting her identity. Before she reads her affidavit in a livefeed from another room, may I call on the Committee Secretary to administer the oath for all resource persons.



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Sen. Cynthia Villar welcomed 30 farmers at the newly-inaugurated Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG) Farm School in San Miguel, Iloilo.

The farmers who came from Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Negros province were participants to the training program on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization sponsored by Villar SIPAG and the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training VI.

"Sigurado kami na malaki ang maitutulong ng inyong mga matututunan sa training na ito sa pag-improve ng production sa inyong mga rice farms at maituturo rin ninyo sa inyong mga respective communities, cooperatives, farm schools at iba pa. That is our goal, why we prioritize trainers like yourselves, so you can pass on your learnings," Villar said in her remarks.

The farm school in Iloilo is the first school established by Villar SIPAG outside of Luzon. Villar said a rice school in Iloilo, which is among the Top 5 rice producing provinces in the country will help capacitate more farmer-trainers who will then teach farmers how to increase their yield and incomes through modern farming techniques.

The two-week training program is held also in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PHILRICE), the Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH), and the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Farmer-trainers will be trained how to operate and maintain farm equipment and machineries which will help bring down the cost of production. They will also learn from the experts in producing high-quality inbred seeds which will increase their yield by 50 percent.

"Inspired by the success of our training initiatives in our farm schools in Las Pinas and in Bulacan, we are now building more farm schools in the Visayas and Mindanao to replicate this feat and to bring these free training programs closer to the communities," Villar said.

Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture & Food, also stressed the need to "invest in our people through free and extensive training programs," which is mandated under Republic Act 11203 or the law creating the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.



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ON TOTAL DEPLOYMENT BAN

Unang una gusto po nating ibalita sa ating mga kababayan yung tungkol po doon sa total deployment ban duon sa bansang Kuwait at sinusuporahan po natin ang move ng Department of Labor and Employment dito as issued by the POEA governing board.

Ito po ay titigil na sa kahit na anong trabaho na inaapplyan ngayon duon po sa bansang Kuwait ngunit yung may mga OEC na or may Overseas Employment Certificate, they are free to go, yuon pong mga balik mangagawa ay exempted po sila dito. Tungkol naman po sa whether or not gagawin na talaga itong temporary banning of hsw hindi pa po makadecide and Dept. of Labor, POEA, and OWWA pero pinagaaralan po nila ito.

Kung tayo po ang tatanugin sa ating mga nakalipas na pagdinig lalo na sa pagdinig natin nngayon lao na sa bansang Kuwait na kung saan laganap yung Kafala system, the data 3 or 4 years data of welfare cases nag aaverage sila ng 3 or 5000 welfare cases. Nung napirmahan yung MOU, bumaba sila ng 1000 plus but still the 1000 plus welfare cases hindi natin pwede ipagkibit balikat, kasama na po jan for instance in the past years about 60 or 55 rape case, hindi naman po natin ito pwedeng ipagkibit balikat kaya I think, pati na po ang ilan sa ating mga kasamahan sa Senado ay may strong conviction and strong conservation na magpadala pa tayo ng mga household workers sa mga bansa na kagaya ng kuwait na kung saan laganap at talamak ang abuse, violations na nangyayari, maging physical maltreatment

Q: Do you share the same sentiment?

I do share that sentiment, I would still push for it as mentioned a while ago with Sec bello. Pagaralan natin kasi mukhang sa Asia tayo nalang ang nagapapadala ng mga household service worker depsite the fact na paulit ulit na lang natin naririnig yung kay Demafelis, Constancia, Dayag, ngayon kay Jeanalyn Villavende, parepareho po naabuso at sinaktan at pinatay pare-pareho po yung salita na yun paulit -ulit po; ang napapalitan lang po yung pangalan ng Pilipino. If that is the case, we really have to do something about it. Para posa atin ito po at preliminary na pagtingin natin bilang hepe ng Committee on Labor, EMploymet, and Human Resource Development, mukhang hindi na po makatarungan at maayos na magpadala ng household service worker sa bansang Kuwait

ON OFW BAN IN KUWAIT

Q: So it can be done outright?

Well, right now, right now is a total deployment ban. But we have HSW's out there right now. Now we need to protect them as well. So, yung transition ay dapat simulan na, even NEDA Usec kanina sinasabi niya na data suggest na ito dapat ang tahakin natin in the near future.

I think even the President share the vision and dream na balang araw di na tayo nagpapadala but this time I think it's very urgent na itigil natin yung pagaadala ng household service worker sa mga bansa na kagaya ng Kuwait

Q: I'm sorry, just to clarify the ban that you are pushing for is just for household service workers?

Yes. For household service workers in countries and again, I'm not just only talking about Kuwait but let's also analyze and evaluate this countries na pinagpapadalahan natin ng HSWs-- na ano ba yung record nila because in Kuwait parang masyadong kumbinsido na ko na hindi na dapat .

Q: Sir, why limited to household service?

Because yung mga household service workers , una yung kultura ng kafala system No. kapag binayaran ng employer yung service fee ang nagiging dating sa kanila nagiging commodity ang ating mga kababayan.

We have heard several times and this is not the first time that we have heard yuong kinukulong sa kwarto, kinukulong sa bahay, wala sa kanila ung passport. Si Jeanalyn nung tinatawagan, hindi makausap ng pamilya niya

These are basic rights na daapat ay meron at ineenjoy ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi po sila commodity, hindi din sila alipin at lalong hindi sila praktisan ng mga abusadong employer na kapag gusto nilang pumatay ay gagawin na lamang nila. Masyado pong karumaldumal ung nangyari kay Jeanalyn. In fact we were supposed to have an executive session dahil duon saa mga binbanggit na findings ng NBI duon sa autopsy pero kanina habang nagsaslaita palang yung NBI medico-legal expert, eh hindi na namin nakayanan, kaya we requested, kaming mga senador na baka pupwedeng i-generalize na lang dahil we already have an idea of what really transpired or what happened to the body of Jeanalyn at hindi po ito katanggap tanggap

Q: DOLE can issue a Department Order?

Well, we can do that. But we can also go to siguro ang pinakamabillis is for the Department of Labor and Employment to recommend the banning of sending our HSWs in countries like Kuwait

Department order. I think so. Yes, yes. Yes, it doesn't also stop us from legislating which is also an option

NO WORK AVAILABLE FOR FILIPINOS

That is definitely the bottom line of all this.

Yung mga nakakalungkot na istorya ng ating mga kababayan sa ibang bansa laging ganon, laging walang choice. Yung mga kababayan nga natin sa Iraq, duon northern Iraq.

Northern part ng Erbil sa Northern part ng Baghdad. Ayaw nila umuwi kahit Alert level 4 sapagkat they feel na safe sila doon. Wala silang nararamdaman, wala silang naririnig na putukan ng mga kanyon or ng mga misiles,pero alert lever 4 na. So far, how many have been repatriated? Una 13, ngayon parang 20 plus na daw but you're talking about 1600 plus Filipinos in Iraq alone. So, bottom line is create more opportunities here. NEDA the also made mention about it we have to continue working on our sectors and our industries industries that are sustainable di gaya ng POGO

So ito yung mga bagay na kailangan talaga natin pagtuunan ng pansin -integration, paano natin sila pauuwiin,pababalikin dito sa Pilipinas kung ang ibibigay natin for example, if you're not an OWWA or inactive or active member, ang ibibigay lang sayo ay non-financial help assistance in society and say oh, bibigyan ka ng scholarship etc.

And I've been there now, and I am no longer surprised of these figures almost zero to none ang kumukuha nito sapagkat magaaral pa ko, I have mouths to feed. So these are the things na kailangan natin pagtuunan ng pansin. We were also able to tackle the idea of, for example, if they're already there in in another country, they can also integrate yuong mga potential jobs available in other countries na hindi na nila kinakailangan umuwi dito sa Pilipinas, at duon palang maprocess na,mapaficilate na at ito ay kayang kayang gawin kung ito ay direct hire. We just wanted to make sure that POEA is there to ensure their safety.

Ito yung mga bagay na lumabas kanina sa hearing at hindi pa naman tapos. We will call another hearing. Sapagkat may mga gusto pa tayong iclarify for example, yuong pagsususpend duon sa mga recruitment agencies,yung issue din itong blood money na nakakalungkot na nakita natin sa social media yuong bali-balita which the DFA kanina which according to USec Arriola, na hindi niya kilala yung taong binabanggit

As we speak right now I have to tell you that the family of Jeanelyn is here. I personally did not invite them in the committee hearing for obvious reasons I know that they are still mourning, at ayaw natin silang... mabigat eh kanina medyo mabigat yung mga...

Imagine kung ipapakita yung mga medico legal na autopsy report medyo napaka bigat but we wanted to ask from them information other than pakikiramay sa kanila kung totoo man ito na napaka insentive ng ating pmahalaan na ag offer ng blood money during the time na ihahatid na sa huling hantungan si Jeanelyn

ON BLOOD MONEY AND DFA EMPLOYEES

Yes, it was mentioned that DFA po, but the DFA USec made mention that she doesn't know about the particular person and she will look into it. POEA and other officials of the different government agencies promise me and committed to me that they will look into it na baka mamaya meron din sIlang government employees na lumalapit at lumalakad para dito sa blood money na ito. Itong blood money na ito sampal sa ating lahat ito. Blood Money para huwag na i-pursue yung case

Another information perhaps that you are also interested in, is the fact that the couple has already been charged with murder. They're being detained right now I think on Friday sila Sec Bello, Admin Hans ng OWWA and Admin Olalia of POEA will go there and check on it. And lahat kami kanina sa usapan on the sides, we are all fired up para sa kaso na ito and we want the death penalty sa mga salarin na ito.

ON AUTOPSY

That's a very good good issue to talk about.

Yung first na nilabas parang death certificate, but it's not really a death certificate. It's like a report na namatay, na parang natural death etc and according to Secretary Bello this prompted him to request for another autopsy in the Philippines with the NBI dahil hindi siya naniniwala and he believes that there is some sort of cover up. Ngayon lumabas na yung autopsy report ng NBI na medyo detalyado at mahirap pa i-share at this time pero talagang klarong-klaro yung pangaabuso na tinuring n parang animal yung kababayan natin medyo ... Talagang bilang Pilipino nakakanginig sa galit no yung sinapit ng ating kababayan. And just recently, the interior government of Kuwait issued this autopsy report. SO, may autopsy report na din sila na sinubmit sa atin ng Department of Labor and Employmet sa ating committee at gusto din nating ipakta itong autopsy report na ito ng Kuwaiti Government duon sa nagconduct ng autopsy sa NBI natin to compare dahil kanina first time lang naming makita itong mga dokumento na ito. We'll look into it.

Yung blood money thank God hindi tinatanggap ng pamilya ni Jeanelyn. We wanted to send the strongest message possible to the whole world na di nila tayo pag-aari ; na ang PIlipino hindi nila pagaari.

ON ALTERNATIVE DESTINATION

They're looking into it we talked about it and figure out and list down all these host countries like for instance, if you talk about household service workers in Kuwait, they have to pay for some 3200 US dollars at least know there are some figures higher for every service fee that they would have to pay nung employer kaya ang dating sa kanila, parangkanila na ito.

Hindi na din bago satin na ilang buwan hindi nakakasweldo yung OFWs because of this system.

But if you go to for example, Singapore wala eh, wala itong service fee na ito. So ilan lamang ito sa mga nakikita natin na kung magiging proactive ang mga ahensya ng ating pmahalaan and figure out saan safe ang taing mga kabababayan, saan may opportunity.

At alam natin na the best pa rin, at uulit ulitin ko to na the best scenario is that we create opportunities here in the country, and that's why we have been doing our part here in the Senate. Every time may nanakawan ng trabaho na Pilipino ng banyaga, nagsasalita tayo at binabantayan natin. Dahil importante sa atin yung paglikha at pag-gawa ng trabaho dito sa ating bayan.

ON KUWAIT AUTOPSY:

Hindi ko pa totally nabasa. I got a chance to scan it. Meron na duon nakalagay na mga nakakagimbal na mga pangyayri for example yung pagpalo ng plantsa sa ulo. Paggamit ng wooden spoon na. etc.. meron na po dun as for the comparison, we will wait for NBI medico legal to comment on this document.

Ngayon lang, ngayon lang Nakita. We just scanned it.But the things we mentioned ay yung ilang bagay na nakita. We'll see, we'll call another hearing.

ON BANNING CHINESE FROM WUHAN

Kung ang mismong bansang China, nila-lockdown nila ang kanilang bansa ang kanilang syudad. Di ba parang 1 plus 1 ang tingin ko jan. and nakakagimbal na minsan makakarinig ka ng ibatibang balita, some of them are fake news but some of them are real news and everytime the na wala pa naman na natatala na confirmed and thank god a wala pa nga but it doesn't also mean na wala pa dito eh.

So mas maganda pa din na nagiingat tao, preventive a din at ung ano man yunghkabangin na pweeng gawin ng amahalaan ara masiguro na protektado tayo lahat dito then lets do it.

I just got the report this morning, froma radio station na 800 yung nagembark dito sa maynila i think my information is as good as your po

If a certain individual comes from Wuhan parang I think red flag na po yun eh, that one na wag na muna

Kug Pinoy po sila na nasa Wuhan, di rin po sila makakuwe dahil nakalock down po yung city.

Pangalawa,as part of our protecting the people here baka di rin po natin sila ineencourgae na uuwe sila dito

Pangatlo, binanggit natin kanina, nung time na i forgot what virus it was. Nung umuwe yung mga pilipino, dinala muna sa isang isla sa Corregidor at duon muna sila naka quarantine.

It's important to protect the greater majority.

Gawin din. We strongly advise the interagency heading this task fore na iimplement din po ito.



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Sen. Bong Revilla on Tuesday urged television stations in the country to abide by the Child-Friendly Content Standards (CFCS) which provide that 15 percent of stations' airtime must be dedicated for viewers 18 years old and below.

During the Hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, the veteran senator stressed that media content plays a big role in shaping the holistic development of Filipino children, and to curb the increasing rate of suicide and depression among their age bracket.

The National Council for Children's Television (NCCT) stated that 84 percent of Filipino children identify television as their main source of information.

He also underlined the importance of creating more child-friendly shows now that the country is on a gradual shift from analogue to digital broadcasting, and even questioned why government-owned television stations cannot enforce child-friendly shows.

"Since they are government-owned, hindi mahalaga ang profit e. Ang importante, we get our message across," he said.

"Dapat paigtingin din natin ang paglikha ng mga palabas na hindi lamang may magandang aral, at nagpapalaganap ng ating kultura bilang Pilipino," Revilla added.

He also expressed his support in NCCT's media literacy drive beginning from the grassroots level.



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Alam niyo po nakakalungkot na everytime we talk about our kababayans, simulan natin kay Joanna Demafelis ay inabuso at pinaslang sa Kuwait noong February 2018. Si Constancia Lago Dayag ay inabuso at pinaslang sa Kuwait noong May 2019. Si Jeanelyn Villavende ay inabuso at pinaslang sa Kuwait noong December 2019.

Paulit-ulit po iyong mga salita na pang-aabuso at pagpaslang. Ang tanging nagbabago lamang ay ang mga pangalan ng inabuso at pinaslang. Filipinos being enslaved, murdered, abused, and treated like animals in the Middle East, particularly in Kuwait, has become a vicious cycle.

Ang tanong po nating lahat: Ganito na lang po ba talaga tayong mga Pilipino? Handang paalipin sa iba kahit patayin, alipinin, gahasain, at tratuhing masahol pa sa hayop ang ating mga kababayan?

Bakit nga po ba hindi tayo makapagapatupad ng kasunduan sa iba pang bansa sa Middle East o makapagpatupad ng "Employment Ban" lalo na sa domestic workers, service workers sa bansang may "kafala" system, na kung saan for a few years now we have been talking about the evils of the kafala system.

Kung gagawin iyan baka naman seryosohin nila tayo. Kaya po suportado natin ang total deployment ban but we wanted to talk about it later and further kung ano nga ba ang deployment ban na ito

Kung gagawin natin ang mga ito, maaari magbago na ang ihip ng hangin. Eh, hindi ba halos mga Household Service Workers na Pilipino ang naglagay ng kaayusan sa mga tahanan sa Arabia sa loob ng mga panahong deka-dekada na? Hindi ba mga Pilipinong yaya ang nag-aruga sa henerasyon ng mga Arabo ngayon? Hindi ba mga engineer at mga construction worker na Pilipino ang nagtayo ng mga imprastruktura, gusali at bahay nila sa Arabia? Hindi ba mga doctor, nurses, at caregivers na Pinoy ang umaalalay sa mga maysakit at matatandang Arabo simula pa noong una?

Ang pang-aabuso at pagpaslang sa ating mga kababayan ay hindi katanggap-tanggap! Sampal po ito sa atin, lalo na pagsasabihin sa atin na babayaran lang ng blood money!

Alam po natin na kanselado na ang permit ng Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Global E-Human Resources Incorporated na nagpaalis kay Joanna Demafelis; suspendido na rin po ang 5-star Recruitment and Manpower Agency na nagpalipad naman kay Jeanelyn Villavende.

Pero kung alerto po o sensitibo at may malasakit ang mga ito at ang lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan sa pangangailangan ng ating mga distressed OFW, tiyak po siguro na maiiwasan o hindi hahantong sa kamatayan ang sinapit ng ating mga kababayan.

This issue hits us at the very core of our humanity and dignity not only as individual Filipinos, but as a sovereign nation and as a people.

Ang tensyong nagaganap ngayon po sa Middle East, lalo na po sa Iraq, Iran, etc., ay isa pang usapin. May pagkakataon at panahon po tayo para mailigtas ang ating mga kababayan doon. Pero ano po ba talaga ang ipinapatupad natin at gusto po natin malinwanagan d'yan, voluntary repatriation o mandatory repatriation, at sinasabing forced repatriation? At ano nga bang kahulugan nito? We want to exercise our oversight function kung paano po makakatulong ang ating Senado. Bakit po mas gusto ng ating mga kababayan na manatili doon kahit na ganyan ang sitwasyon.

Naiintindihan po natin kung gaano kaimportante ang trabaho para sa ating mga OFW. Pero handa ba talaga nating isugal ang ating dangal at buhay sa ngalan ng sikmura?

Dagdag pa ang usapin hinggil sa mga OFWs who are working in areas affected by the Novel Corona Virus, particularly in Wuhan, China. Perhaps we can also get updates kamusta na kaya ang mga kababayan natin doon.

Pag-usapan po natin ito. Magtulungan po tayo para hanapin ang mga solusyon sa problema at suliranin na kinakaharap natin bilang isang bayan.

Liwanagan, gabayan, at pagpalain po sana tayo ng Maykapal sa gawaing ito.

Maraming salamat po.



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This is a heavy day for all of us, for our country. As we reflect on the events that lead us to this inquiry, we can't help but think and feel that this is something about our national self-esteem, self-worth, and self-perception. Corollary to that, this issue is also a matter on how others perceive us as a nation and as a people.

So, before we end, I would like to highlight some very important points that can help us find solutions to these problems and restore self-esteem of the Filipino people as a whole and as a nation.

First, on the death of Jeanelyn Villavende.

Ang ginawang autopsy report ng Kuwait ay "cover-up" report at hindi isang autopsy report. Mas kapani-paniwala ang mga finding ng NBI: ang mga injury ni Jeanelyn tulad ng pasa sa katawan, hematoma, abbrasions, multiple contusions in her vagina, etcetera, point to one thing: isang Pilipino ang inabuso, minaltrato at pinaslang sa Kuwait.

Nagpabaya po ang recruitment agency na nagpaalis kay Jeanelyn. Nagkulang ang 5-Star Recruitment and Manpower Agency dahil hindi man lang sila nag-report o nagbigay ng "significant report" sa POEA gayong may mga "red flag" na sa sitwasyon ni Jeanelyn at alam naman pala nila ang mga POEA regulation.

Kulang din po siguro ang monitoring system ng POEA. Tama po na kanselahin ang permit o magpataw ng suspension sa isang recruitment agency pero hindi ba dapat mas pro-active tayo lalo na at matagal na nating alam na may mga pang-a-abuso sa mga Filipino Domestic Workers sa Kuwait.

Hindi dapat ikabahala kung magtutuloy-tuloy ang "employment ban" dahil maliit lang din ang nakukuha ng mga HSWs kumpara sa nakaambang panganib sa kanila sa pagtatrabaho sa Middle East. Sa 400 Dollars o 20,000 Pesos kada buwan na natatanggap ng mga Pinay HSW, hindi nakakahinayang na hindi na tayo magpadala sa ibang bansa.

We will study this matter and look at how other countries like Indonesia imposed a moratorium on women going to the Middle East as domestic helpers. We also acknowledge that differentiation of rules is also called for and ultimately, to further strengthen our laws on migration, especially, the Migrant Workers Act.

Second, on the Novel Corona Virus:

Just this morning, around 7 AM, a cruise ship carrying 800 Chinese Nationals docked in Manila. As we speak, siguro nakapag-disembark na po sila ng barko at namamasyal na dito sa Maynila. Bukas papunta naman daw ang cruise ship na ito sa Subic (reported via DZMM as of 8:30AM). Alam po natin na may sinusunod na quarantine procedures pero tama po kaya na padaungin o pababain pa sila? Sabi nga po, "desperate times call for desperate measures" kaya baka dapat na kanselahin muna ang mga byahe ng cruise ship na galing sa China.

DFA said that DOH has no definite plan yet regarding the evacuation of Filipinos in China. Alam po natin na ang expertise ay nasa DOH pero importante rin talaga ang inter-agency coordination dahil hindi naman pwede na lagi na lang tayo naghihintayan.

We understand that DFA is just waiting for a go-sgnal from DOH and they are ready to repatriate. Pero gusto po nating malaman pa ang mga konkretong plano rin ng pamahalaan kung saan natin dadalhin ang mga Pilipino na ire-repatriate dahil sa nCoV. Kaya tama po na tanungin: Ano ba talaga ang contingency plan ng DFA? Gusto po nating makita ang konkretong mga plano ninyo.

Third, on the Middle East Crisis.

With Alert Level 4 still raised in Iraq, I think the biggest concern is our readiness to evacuate our kababayans. Although there's a mandatory repatriation, the truth is we can't force our kababayans to go home and it's actually their choice to stay. But we need to make our "offer" to them more attractive because at the end of the day, 'yung safety at buhay po nila ang pinaka-importante. Our goal is for us to be more effective in convincing them to go home.

Ibalik ko lang po muli sa isyu ng pang-aabuso at pagpatay sa mga Pilipino sa Middle East. Naiintindihan po natin na may aspetong "cultural" ang isyung ito (Kafala, "Slavery"), may challenge din sa atin sa pag-equip ng skills ng ating mga kababayan para maipadala natin sila sa mga bansang mas mabibigyan sila ng proteksyon. Importante rin ang re-integration at social protection para sa ating mga balikbayan.

Pero kung tutuusin, hindi po isolated case na mababa ang tingin sa atin ng mga dayuhang Arabo. Baka mababa rin po ang tingin natin sa ating sarili dahil sa tagal ng panahon na nangyayari ito, tila wala tayong ginagawa, tuloy-tuloy ang kapabayaan.

But we're NOT a nation of abused people. Huwag po tayong makutento at masanay sa ganitong kalakaran. Tayo po ay isang bansang may pagpapahalaga sa buhay, sa karapatang pantao, sa dangal at buhay ng sariling kadugo at kalahi sa labas man o sa loob ng sarili nating bayan.

Salamat po.



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ON TOTAL DEPLOYMENT BAN

Unang una gusto po nating ibalita sa ating mga kababayan yung tungkol po doon sa total deployment ban duon sa bansang Kuwait at sinusuporahan po natin ang move ng Department of Labor and Employment dito as issued by the POEA governing board.

Ito po ay titigil na sa kahit na anong trabaho na inaapplyan ngayon duon po sa bansang Kuwait ngunit yung may mga OEC na or may Overseas Employment Certificate, they are free to go, yuon pong mga balik mangagawa ay exempted po sila dito. Tungkol naman po sa whether or not gagawin na talaga itong temporary banning of hsw hindi pa po makadecide and Dept. of Labor, POEA, and OWWA pero pinagaaralan po nila ito.

Kung tayo po ang tatanugin sa ating mga nakalipas na pagdinig lalo na sa pagdinig natin nngayon lao na sa bansang Kuwait na kung saan laganap yung Kafala system, the data 3 or 4 years data of welfare cases nag aaverage sila ng 3 or 5000 welfare cases. Nung napirmahan yung MOU, bumaba sila ng 1000 plus but still the 1000 plus welfare cases hindi natin pwede ipagkibit balikat, kasama na po jan for instance in the past years about 60 or 55 rape case, hindi naman po natin ito pwedeng ipagkibit balikat kaya I think, pati na po ang ilan sa ating mga kasamahan sa Senado ay may strong conviction and strong conservation na magpadala pa tayo ng mga household workers sa mga bansa na kagaya ng kuwait na kung saan laganap at talamak ang abuse, violations na nangyayari, maging physical maltreatment

Q: Do you share the same sentiment?

I do share that sentiment, I would still push for it as mentioned a while ago with Sec bello. Pagaralan natin kasi mukhang sa Asia tayo nalang ang nagapapadala ng mga household service worker depsite the fact na paulit ulit na lang natin naririnig yung kay Demafelis, Constancia, Dayag, ngayon kay Jeanalyn Villavende, parepareho po naabuso at sinaktan at pinatay pare-pareho po yung salita na yun paulit -ulit po; ang napapalitan lang po yung pangalan ng Pilipino. If that is the case, we really have to do something about it. Para posa atin ito po at preliminary na pagtingin natin bilang hepe ng Committee on Labor, EMploymet, and Human Resource Development, mukhang hindi na po makatarungan at maayos na magpadala ng household service worker sa bansang Kuwait

ON OFW BAN IN KUWAIT

Q: So it can be done outright?

Well, right now, right now is a total deployment ban. But we have HSW's out there right now. Now we need to protect them as well. So, yung transition ay dapat simulan na, even NEDA Usec kanina sinasabi niya na data suggest na ito dapat ang tahakin natin in the near future.

I think even the President share the vision and dream na balang araw di na tayo nagpapadala but this time I think it's very urgent na itigil natin yung pagaadala ng household service worker sa mga bansa na kagaya ng Kuwait

Q: I'm sorry, just to clarify the ban that you are pushing for is just for household service workers?

Yes. For household service workers in countries and again, I'm not just only talking about Kuwait but let's also analyze and evaluate this countries na pinagpapadalahan natin ng HSWs-- na ano ba yung record nila because in Kuwait parang masyadong kumbinsido na ko na hindi na dapat .

Q: Sir, why limited to household service?

Because yung mga household service workers , una yung kultura ng kafala system No. kapag binayaran ng employer yung service fee ang nagiging dating sa kanila nagiging commodity ang ating mga kababayan.

We have heard several times and this is not the first time that we have heard yuong kinukulong sa kwarto, kinukulong sa bahay, wala sa kanila ung passport. Si Jeanalyn nung tinatawagan, hindi makausap ng pamilya niya

These are basic rights na daapat ay meron at ineenjoy ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi po sila commodity, hindi din sila alipin at lalong hindi sila praktisan ng mga abusadong employer na kapag gusto nilang pumatay ay gagawin na lamang nila. Masyado pong karumaldumal ung nangyari kay Jeanalyn. In fact we were supposed to have an executive session dahil duon saa mga binbanggit na findings ng NBI duon sa autopsy pero kanina habang nagsaslaita palang yung NBI medico-legal expert, eh hindi na namin nakayanan, kaya we requested, kaming mga senador na baka pupwedeng i-generalize na lang dahil we already have an idea of what really transpired or what happened to the body of Jeanalyn at hindi po ito katanggap tanggap

Q: DOLE can issue a Department Order?

Well, we can do that. But we can also go to siguro ang pinakamabillis is for the Department of Labor and Employment to recommend the banning of sending our HSWs in countries like Kuwait

Department order. I think so. Yes, yes. Yes, it doesn't also stop us from legislating which is also an option

NO WORK AVAILABLE FOR FILIPINOS

That is definitely the bottom line of all this.

Yung mga nakakalungkot na istorya ng ating mga kababayan sa ibang bansa laging ganon, laging walang choice. Yung mga kababayan nga natin sa Iraq, duon northern Iraq.

Northern part ng Erbil sa Northern part ng Baghdad. Ayaw nila umuwi kahit Alert level 4 sapagkat they feel na safe sila doon. Wala silang nararamdaman, wala silang naririnig na putukan ng mga kanyon or ng mga misiles,pero alert lever 4 na. So far, how many have been repatriated? Una 13, ngayon parang 20 plus na daw but you're talking about 1600 plus Filipinos in Iraq alone. So, bottom line is create more opportunities here. NEDA the also made mention about it we have to continue working on our sectors and our industries industries that are sustainable di gaya ng POGO

So ito yung mga bagay na kailangan talaga natin pagtuunan ng pansin -integration, paano natin sila pauuwiin,pababalikin dito sa Pilipinas kung ang ibibigay natin for example, if you're not an OWWA or inactive or active member, ang ibibigay lang sayo ay non-financial help assistance in society and say oh, bibigyan ka ng scholarship etc.

And I've been there now, and I am no longer surprised of these figures almost zero to none ang kumukuha nito sapagkat magaaral pa ko, I have mouths to feed. So these are the things na kailangan natin pagtuunan ng pansin. We were also able to tackle the idea of, for example, if they're already there in in another country, they can also integrate yuong mga potential jobs available in other countries na hindi na nila kinakailangan umuwi dito sa Pilipinas, at duon palang maprocess na,mapaficilate na at ito ay kayang kayang gawin kung ito ay direct hire. We just wanted to make sure that POEA is there to ensure their safety.

Ito yung mga bagay na lumabas kanina sa hearing at hindi pa naman tapos. We will call another hearing. Sapagkat may mga gusto pa tayong iclarify for example, yuong pagsususpend duon sa mga recruitment agencies,yung issue din itong blood money na nakakalungkot na nakita natin sa social media yuong bali-balita which the DFA kanina which according to USec Arriola, na hindi niya kilala yung taong binabanggit

As we speak right now I have to tell you that the family of Jeanelyn is here. I personally did not invite them in the committee hearing for obvious reasons I know that they are still mourning, at ayaw natin silang... mabigat eh kanina medyo mabigat yung mga...

Imagine kung ipapakita yung mga medico legal na autopsy report medyo napaka bigat but we wanted to ask from them information other than pakikiramay sa kanila kung totoo man ito na napaka insentive ng ating pmahalaan na ag offer ng blood money during the time na ihahatid na sa huling hantungan si Jeanelyn

ON BLOOD MONEY AND DFA EMPLOYEES

Yes, it was mentioned that DFA po, but the DFA USec made mention that she doesn't know about the particular person and she will look into it. POEA and other officials of the different government agencies promise me and committed to me that they will look into it na baka mamaya meron din sIlang government employees na lumalapit at lumalakad para dito sa blood money na ito. Itong blood money na ito sampal sa ating lahat ito. Blood Money para huwag na i-pursue yung case

Another information perhaps that you are also interested in, is the fact that the couple has already been charged with murder. They're being detained right now I think on Friday sila Sec Bello, Admin Hans ng OWWA and Admin Olalia of POEA will go there and check on it. And lahat kami kanina sa usapan on the sides, we are all fired up para sa kaso na ito and we want the death penalty sa mga salarin na ito.

ON AUTOPSY

That's a very good good issue to talk about.

Yung first na nilabas parang death certificate, but it's not really a death certificate. It's like a report na namatay, na parang natural death etc and according to Secretary Bello this prompted him to request for another autopsy in the Philippines with the NBI dahil hindi siya naniniwala and he believes that there is some sort of cover up. Ngayon lumabas na yung autopsy report ng NBI na medyo detalyado at mahirap pa i-share at this time pero talagang klarong-klaro yung pangaabuso na tinuring n parang animal yung kababayan natin medyo ... Talagang bilang Pilipino nakakanginig sa galit no yung sinapit ng ating kababayan. And just recently, the interior government of Kuwait issued this autopsy report. SO, may autopsy report na din sila na sinubmit sa atin ng Department of Labor and Employmet sa ating committee at gusto din nating ipakta itong autopsy report na ito ng Kuwaiti Government duon sa nagconduct ng autopsy sa NBI natin to compare dahil kanina first time lang naming makita itong mga dokumento na ito. We'll look into it.

Yung blood money thank God hindi tinatanggap ng pamilya ni Jeanelyn. We wanted to send the strongest message possible to the whole world na di nila tayo pag-aari ; na ang PIlipino hindi nila pagaari.

ON ALTERNATIVE DESTINATION

They're looking into it we talked about it and figure out and list down all these host countries like for instance, if you talk about household service workers in Kuwait, they have to pay for some 3200 US dollars at least know there are some figures higher for every service fee that they would have to pay nung employer kaya ang dating sa kanila, parangkanila na ito.

Hindi na din bago satin na ilang buwan hindi nakakasweldo yung OFWs because of this system.

But if you go to for example, Singapore wala eh, wala itong service fee na ito. So ilan lamang ito sa mga nakikita natin na kung magiging proactive ang mga ahensya ng ating pmahalaan and figure out saan safe ang taing mga kabababayan, saan may opportunity.

At alam natin na the best pa rin, at uulit ulitin ko to na the best scenario is that we create opportunities here in the country, and that's why we have been doing our part here in the Senate. Every time may nanakawan ng trabaho na Pilipino ng banyaga, nagsasalita tayo at binabantayan natin. Dahil importante sa atin yung paglikha at pag-gawa ng trabaho dito sa ating bayan.

ON KUWAIT AUTOPSY:

Hindi ko pa totally nabasa. I got a chance to scan it. Meron na duon nakalagay na mga nakakagimbal na mga pangyayri for example yung pagpalo ng plantsa sa ulo. Paggamit ng wooden spoon na. etc.. meron na po dun as for the comparison, we will wait for NBI medico legal to comment on this document.

Ngayon lang, ngayon lang Nakita. We just scanned it.But the things we mentioned ay yung ilang bagay na nakita. We'll see, we'll call another hearing.

ON BANNING CHINESE FROM WUHAN

Kung ang mismong bansang China, nila-lockdown nila ang kanilang bansa ang kanilang syudad. Di ba parang 1 plus 1 ang tingin ko jan. and nakakagimbal na minsan makakarinig ka ng ibatibang balita, some of them are fake news but some of them are real news and everytime the na wala pa naman na natatala na confirmed and thank god a wala pa nga but it doesn't also mean na wala pa dito eh.

So mas maganda pa din na nagiingat tao, preventive a din at ung ano man yunghkabangin na pweeng gawin ng amahalaan ara masiguro na protektado tayo lahat dito then lets do it.

I just got the report this morning, froma radio station na 800 yung nagembark dito sa maynila i think my information is as good as your po

If a certain individual comes from Wuhan parang I think red flag na po yun eh, that one na wag na muna

Kug Pinoy po sila na nasa Wuhan, di rin po sila makakuwe dahil nakalock down po yung city.

Pangalawa,as part of our protecting the people here baka di rin po natin sila ineencourgae na uuwe sila dito

Pangatlo, binanggit natin kanina, nung time na i forgot what virus it was. Nung umuwe yung mga pilipino, dinala muna sa isang isla sa Corregidor at duon muna sila naka quarantine.

It's important to protect the greater majority.

Gawin din. We strongly advise the interagency heading this task fore na iimplement din po ito.



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Sen. Cynthia Villar welcomed 30 farmers at the newly-inaugurated Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG) Farm School in San Miguel, Iloilo.

The farmers who came from Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Negros province were participants to the training program on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization sponsored by Villar SIPAG and the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training VI.

"Sigurado kami na malaki ang maitutulong ng inyong mga matututunan sa training na ito sa pag-improve ng production sa inyong mga rice farms at maituturo rin ninyo sa inyong mga respective communities, cooperatives, farm schools at iba pa. That is our goal, why we prioritize trainers like yourselves, so you can pass on your learnings," Villar said in her remarks.

The farm school in Iloilo is the first school established by Villar SIPAG outside of Luzon. Villar said a rice school in Iloilo, which is among the Top 5 rice producing provinces in the country will help capacitate more farmer-trainers who will then teach farmers how to increase their yield and incomes through modern farming techniques.

The two-week training program is held also in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PHILRICE), the Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH), and the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Farmer-trainers will be trained how to operate and maintain farm equipment and machineries which will help bring down the cost of production. They will also learn from the experts in producing high-quality inbred seeds which will increase their yield by 50 percent.

"Inspired by the success of our training initiatives in our farm schools in Las Pinas and in Bulacan, we are now building more farm schools in the Visayas and Mindanao to replicate this feat and to bring these free training programs closer to the communities," Villar said.

Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture & Food, also stressed the need to "invest in our people through free and extensive training programs," which is mandated under Republic Act 11203 or the law creating the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has bewailed Mr. Duterte's threat to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, calling it an "irrational move."

De Lima, a former justice secretary, maintained that the termination of the 1999 military pact allowing Filipino and American soldiers to hold joint drills in the Philippines may only benefit foreign interests other than the interests of the Filipino people.

"Decisions on matters of national interest should not be based on one man's pursuit of personal grudge, his bruised ego, or his attempts to look tough when, in truth, he has failed to fulfill his campaign promises and has been, for the last three years making up excuses and crises to cover up his failures," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 708.

"To be clear: canceling the VFA is not the best move for the Filipino people and Philippine interests. It can only be good for certain foreign interests," she added.

Mr. Duterte renewed his threats to terminate the Philippines' VFA with the United States following the US' decision to cancel the visa of Sen. Ronald de la Rosa, who implemented the government's anti-narcotics campaign as then national police chief.

Duterte, who gave US a month to reverse the visa cancellation of De la Rosa, drew flaks from several political pundits who slammed his readiness to drop a bilateral defense agreement because of a personal issue.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo claimed that Duterte's decision is also a result of US actions that supposedly violated Philippine sovereignty, citing, among others, the demand of US senators to free De Lima and the US entry ban against Filipino officials linked to De Lima's wrongful imprisonment.

"The issue about my continued persecution is a matter of fact. Not just the US, but also the United Nations, has looked into my case and has found it so. This is not a matter of naivete on their part, but of utter failure on Duterte's part," De Lima noted.

According to her, Duterte's threat reminded her of how the Chinese government acted in the early days of the Wuhan outbreak in which it punished the health workers and journalists who were attempting to warn the public about the spreading disease instead of addressing the growing problem.

"That irrational move not only failed to solve the problem, it made it so, so much worse. A clear example of how irrational tyranny poses a danger to everyone around them," she pointed out. "Duterte, instead of addressing the issues of human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, weaponization of the rule of law, and the surrender of Philippine sovereignty to his foreign overlords, is wasting precious time and resources by lashing out against innocent people..." she added.

It is not the first time that Duterte had threatened to scrap the VFA. In December 2016, he also threatened to terminate the joint military pact after the US did not renew an aid package for the Philippines.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Wednesday, January 29, that the current 'lengthy' process to download calamity funds will be remedied with the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) as the senator continues pushing for the passage of a bill which seeks to form the said executive department.

During a Senate Joint Committee Hearing of the National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation; Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation; Ways and Means; and Finance Committees, Go bemoaned the long process the government has to go through just to download funds for its disaster preparation, management and mitigation efforts.

"Ang tagal po ng proseso ng pag-download natin ng pera. Ang haba-haba ng calamity fund process flow. Baka mamaya, ilang linggo pa bago ma-release 'yung pondo. Kailangan meron talaga tayong in charge. Handa dapat tayo," he said.

Go added that the government should not be afraid of enhancing the bureaucracy or changing it for the better to streamline the delivery of government services in preparation for and in response to disasters.

"Bawat oras na hindi natin inaayos ang ating mga batas at ang ating burukrasya, inilalapit natin sa kapahamakan ang ating mga kababayan. I appeal to my colleagues, let us not be afraid of change," Go said.

"There is nothing wrong with changing how our bureaucracy works if the goal is to make the delivery of government services more efficient, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of the Filipino people," Go added.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Secretary Wendel E. Avisado concurred with the senator, saying that the creation of DDR will pave the way for a much easier and faster flow of calamity funds.

"We are in agreement on the need to improve the government's ability to respond to calamities," Avisado said.

"We want to ensure our people don't get angry, especially when they say ang DBM kase hindi ni-release ang pera. Paano namin ire-release, ang haba ng process flow. Eh kung isang department lang, nasa GAA 'yan comprehensive ang release n'yan. Whether we like it or not, antimano nasa department 'yan (pondo)," the DBM secretary added.

Go filed in July last year Senate Bill (SB) No. 205 or the "Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019" which proposes for the creation of DDR, "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 and devastation brought about by various disasters.

The senator, in his statement during the hearing, also detailed the destructive effects recent natural disasters have inflicted on the country.

"All of us must be aware of the ongoing havoc caused by the recent eruption of the Taal Volcano in Batangas. Billions of pesos worth of losses have been incurred, and the lives, health, and well-being of at least 270,000 Filipinos have been put in peril," Go said.

"And what makes the situation worse for the national government is that the eruption came on the heels of a series of strong earthquakes in the southern parts of Mindanao and of two typhoons that hit parts of the Visayas and Luzon," he added.

While Go acknowledged that natural disasters "are beyond the control of man", he said that there are so much the government can do to mitigate their negative effects.

"Unfortunately, our existing laws do not provide us the best mechanism to do this," he said.

Go cited that lack of unity in command and direction and a central authority to oversee the efforts as the main concerns that must be addressed through legislation.

"This measure seeks to address these concerns. Sa pamamagitan ng DDR, magkakaroon tayo ng cabinet secretary - isang point person na iisa lamang ang focus ng trabaho - with a clear mandate and that is to handle all the concerns related to disaster preparedness, mitigation, rehabilitation and disaster resilience," he said.

"Iisa na lamang ang magiging boses ng pamahalaan. Wala ng turuan, wala ng sisihan," he added.

Currently, NDRRMC is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of National Defense and its executive director is the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense.

"Masyado na pong maraming ginagawa ang ating DND Secretary at ang iba pang miyembro ng gabinete na kasama sa NDRRMC. Sa oras ng sakuna, madalas ay iba-iba ang pananaw ng mga ahensiya ng gobyernong nakapaloob sa NDRRMC dahil iba-iba rin ang kanilang mandato. Walang iisang focus. Walang iisang layunin," Go said.

"Sa halip na mabigyan ng pag-asa ang mga taong nasalanta, lalo pang dumadagdag ang pahirap sa kanila dahil hindi nila alam kung sino ang dapat lapitan. Pati po ang Pangulo, nahihirapan rin dahil sa kawalan ng sole authority na dapat gumanap ng tungkulin para i-address ang problemang idinudulot ng madalas na sakuna sa ating bansa," he said.

Go also stressed the need to having a point person with a rank of cabinet secretary in charge of disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery. He cited the difficulty being encountered by the current structure where in departments and agencies encounter problems in coordination in the absence of a sole authority in charge.

"Sa totoo lang po, 'yun talaga ang gobyerno ngayon. Kailangan talaga mayroong in-charge para maiwan (at tumutok) dito, para mas handa tayo," he said.

Ending his statement, Go reiterated that a more proactive approach to disaster management is needed to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and calamities.

"Hindi natin dapat hintayin pa na magkaroon pa ng isa pang sakuna. Matuto na tayo. We must do it now. Hindi dapat ad hoc ang pag-iisip natin pagdating sa kalamidad na kung kailan lang magkaroon ng sakuna saka pa lang tayo aaksyon. Ilang beses na ito nangyari sa ating bansa. Dapat, proactive tayo," he said.

According to Go, more than structural change in the bureaucracy, the measure is also pushing for a more proactive mindset and approach. He added, "Kung handa ang gobyerno, magiging mas handa ang Pilipino."

The Senator, therefore, called on his fellow lawmakers to support the creation of the DDR and "give the people what they need."

"Ito ang rason kung bakit po ako nananawagan sa aking mga kasamahan, let us give the people what they need. Sama-sama nating isulong ang pagbuo ng Department of Disaster Resilience," he ended.



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Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Wednesday, January 29, that he will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte the ban on flights and ship travels between the country and China if it is necessary to prevent the entry of the novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV to Philippine shores.

Authorities reported that 132 persons already died of the 2019-nCoV and over 6,000 are infected in mainland China and abroad.

"Kung saka-sakaling kakailanganin ay irerekomenda natin kay Pangulong Duterte 'yan. Araw-araw naman po may inter-agency (coordination). Nakatutok tayo dito, ang ating mga health officials, foreign officials. Antayin lang natin ang kanilang rekomendasyon. Kung sakali, pabor ako diyan para maiwasan po itong pagkalat," Go said during an interview by broadcaster Erwin Tulfo on his show "Tatak Erwin Tulfo" on the radio station Radyo Pilipinas.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has imposed a ban on flights from and to the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus outbreak began in late December. Tourists from Wuhan who visited Boracay were also deported. But flights between other cities in China and the Philippines are still permitted.

In China, certain travel restrictions are in place in the whole Hubei province, while Wuhan City remains on lockdown. As of now, the Chinese government has issued a travel ban in areas around the country for tour groups of Chinese citizens.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has earlier stopped the issuance of visas-on-arrival to Chinese nationals. The DFA eventually temporarily stopped the issuance of visas to travellers from Hubei province, altogether.

"Sa ngayon ay wala na tayong issuance po ng upon arrival visa, di katulad noon na mas maluwag tayo. So ingat tayo, lalo na 'yang mga galing diyan sa Wuhan. Nakaalerto po ang ating awtoridad. Kapag may sumbong lang, tsinetsek agad ng ating health officials," Go said.

The Senator said he agrees with the position of the Department of Health (DOH) on putting some travel restrictions on Chinese visitors entering the Philippines.

"Ingat lang po tayo. Maging alerto tayo sa lahat ng pangyayari. Ayaw natin na pumasok 'yan dito. Si Pangulong Duterte inatasan na ang lahat na tutukan po itong coronavirus," he added.

The Senator urged DOH to strictly impose precautionary measures to protect Filipinos by implementing quarantine procedures when necessary and providing regular advisories to guide the public.

The Senator also said that the government is ready to assist Filipinos in Wuhan who are willing to voluntarily return. "Kung sino ang gustong umuwi dito, nakahanda po ang gobyerno. Inaantay lang ang go signal po ng bansang China kung payagan na nilang (makabalik) po ang mga kapatid natin sa Wuhan."

Pursuant to the issuance of the Resolution by the Inter-agency Task Force, the DFA is now crafting the relevant issuances needed to carry out the recommendations of the Inter-agency Task Force.

The foreign affairs department said that it has been in close coordination with the Philippine consulate in Shanghai regarding the Filipinos staying in Wuhan. The department is expected to release the updated number of Filipinos from Wuhan who expressed intent to voluntarily go home.

The DFA will be announcing that anyone who wishes to voluntarily return home from Hubei can contact the Philippine Consulate in Shanghai to let them know of their desire to return. This announcement will be disseminated through the Filipino community in China and through local social media outlets.

The DFA is expected very soon to have a better idea about the number of Filipinos in Hubei who may opt to return home since not all Filipinos in Hubei may opt to do so. Once they obtain a better idea on the number of voluntary returnees, the DFA will work closely with the Chinese authorities to follow protocols for the voluntary return of Filipinos in Hubei.

According to the DFA, two private charter corporations have signified their willingness to help in the return of Filipinos. Thus, private planes or military planes may be utilized, depending on the final decision.

The DFA also clarified, however, that Filipinos outside Hubei province may still voluntarily return to the Philippines on their own if they wish to do so.

Go for his part also said that the Senate Committee on Health, which he chairs, will conduct a hearing on the matter on February 4. "Magkakaroon po tayo ng pagdinig sa Martes dito sa Senado. Ipapatawag natin ang lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno, lahat ng namamahala--for example po, diyan sa airports, ang DFA officials natin, ang ating health officials--kung ano ba ang safety measures na ginagawa nila sa ngayon."

He also reminded Filipinos to take precautionary measures. "Ingat tayo parati, at ito namang mga airports at seaports, meron tayong thermal scanners. Sana naman po hindi tayo mahawa dito, hindi 'yan dumating sa ating bansa," he added.

Go earlier asked Filipinos to cooperate with the government's efforts. "Kapag merong kahinahinala, i-report niyo agad sa ating health officials. Sundin niyo ang mga payo nila, at ang mga bawal, huwag niyong gawin. Kung kailangan, maglagay ng face mask. Maghugas tayo palagi ng ating mga kamay," he said.

According to a DOH advisory, severe cases of coronavirus may result in pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney problems and death. DOH has advised the public to wash their hands frequently, avoid contact with live animals, drink plenty of water and make sure that food being consumed are cooked properly.

DOH also advised the public to avoid those who have cough and colds and to always cover one's mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to stop the possible spread of viruses. Those with flu-like symptoms are also advised to consult a doctor.

Go further advised the public to take the threat seriously and cooperate with authorities in order to ensure that Filipinos will not be affected by the virus.



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Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), together with the delegation from the Tokushukai Medical Group from Japan, visited the patients from the PRC Hemodialysis Center in Manila on Tuesday, January 28.

As Gordon talked to and checked on the patients who were currently undergoing treatments, sixty-two-year old Simon Urgel from Sampaloc, Manila, expressed profound gratitude for Gordon and the PRC for the free dialysis treatment that he is getting from the center.

As Urgel said, "First time ko pong nakita si Chairman at nahawakan ang kamay niya. Ako'y talagang galak na galak sa pagkakataong ito. Sabi ko, 'Chairman, maraming-marami pong salamat. Pinararating po ng aking pamilya sa inyo ang aming pasasalamat dahil sa center na ito."

Teary-eyed Urgel narrated that he has been suffering from diabetes for 20 years already, which damaged his kidneys. Since he and his wife are already retired, they have no means to support his dialysis treatment until one of his friends told him to go to PRC Hemodialysis Center for assistance.

"Talagang pinagdarasal ko sa Panginoon na matanggap ako dito. Mahirap po talaga ang nagdi-dialysis. Hindi ko po alam kung saan ako kukuha ng pera. Kaya kami'y natutuwa kay Chairman Gordon at nagtayo siya ng ganitong dialysis center. Nawa'y ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang gawaing ito at marami pa kayong matutulungang Pilipino. Tatanawin ming napakalaking utang na loob sa inyo ito, Chairman," he said.

The PRC Hemodialysis Center was established in November 2018. The Tokushukai Medical Group donated ten state-of-the-start dialysis machines which could cater 60 to 90 patients during its opening. The PRC and the medical group are looking forward for an expanded partnership in the future.



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Following reports that the Wuhan virus or the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) could be transmitted even while the carrier is still asymptomatic, Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), on Tuesday called for intensified screening of all travellers entering through the country's air and sea ports.

Gordon said that while the country should remain open to tourists, the public needs to be protected hence he proposed having a separate lane for travellers coming from China and other countries where there are reported positive or presumed positive cases of the virus which has already claimed 106 lives in China and infected 4,578 people in China and 18 other countries as of Tuesday.

"It is good that the country is still generally safe. However, for our country to remain so, we should be on our guard. All incoming travellers should be made to undergo tighter screening procedures. If, as reports said, the nCOV can be transmitted during its 14-day incubation period, we should conduct more than just thermal scanning on travellers. Travel history of passengers, especially for the past three weeks, should be disclosed," he said.

The PRC chairman is proposing a temporary and partial lock down, out-rightly denying entry to travellers with history of travel especially to Hubei Province where Wuhan is the capital, and other hard-hit areas in the said country within at least two to three weeks prior to their arrival in the Philippines.

"While the country should not be closed to foreign tourists, the Filipino people should be protected from the threat that incoming passengers with a travel history to Hubei, especially Wuhan, the ground zero, would bring," he said.

The Philippine Immigration Bureau also ordered Tuesday the suspension of "visa upon arrival" or VUA issuance to Chinese nationals amid the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus worldwide.



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While we may be scared of the Wuhan virus or the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) because it is an instinctive reaction to fear the unknown, there is no need to panic. Rest assured that the Department of Health, our country's sentinel of public health, in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross and other medical authorities, is on top of the situation and is ensuring that health and preventive protocols are set in place.

Let us not be irresponsible, refrain from spreading unverified reports about the nCOV because it could create panic. Creating undue panic would have negative economic and political impact in our country since it could give rise to panic buying and hoarding of basic commodities and masks which would trigger price increases. Only the greedy will benefit and not the needy public!

We, in the Red Cross, have been issuing health and safety reminders that the public should follow and keep in mind to avoid contracting the disease. These reminders include proper hand washing which should be done more frequently than we usually do; refraining from giving handshakes and "beso-besos;" and going out less, especially to crowded areas like malls, among others.

We can also further help in preventing the spread of the disease in our country by registering your contact information with the DOH, the Red Cross, and other medical authorities if you have been to China's Hubei Province or other areas with severe epidemic situation in the past 14 days. I am also calling on everyone, who has fever, fatigue, dry cough and other symptoms, to wear masks and seek medical attention immediately.

We can overcome this medical crisis if we do our part and work as a team!



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Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, yesterday commended the Office of the Ombudsman for acting promptly in dismissing and indicting three officials of the Bureau of Correction (BuCor) who were accused of extorting P50,000 from a Bilibid inmate in exchange for his early release in what is known as the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) for sale scheme.

"It's a good turn from the Ombudsman. I'm glad that the Ombudsman moves fast and sends a strong signal," he said.

Gordon, however, noted that the Ombudsman should have casted a wider net and included others, including higher-ranked BuCor officials who were also involved in the criminal activity.

"We are sure that there are still others involved who should be prosecuted. They should have cast a wider net. Dapat pati 'yung malalaki ma-prosecute--tulad ni Faeldon. Strike two na siya diyan. Pati iyong mga doktor na nagpapabayad at nagpapalabas ng tao, dapat pati sila ma-prosecute. Pati yung chief legal," he said.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires issued a resolution dismissing from public office former BuCor documentations chief Ramoncito Roque, as well as Maria Belinda Bansil and Veronica Buno, on top of an indictment for one count of direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and one count of Violation of Section 3(e) of R.A 3019. The three were also perpetually disqualified from holding public office. Their retirement benefits were forfeited, while their civil service eligibility was cancelled.

The charges against the three will be filed before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC).

The Ombudsman's action stemmed from a Senate inquiry that the Justice and Human Rights Committee conducted jointly with the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers & Investigations (Blue Ribbon) on the capricious, arbitrary, and abusive implementation of the said law, which was bared to the public following the botched premature release of former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez, who was sentenced to seven counts of reclusion perpetua for the 1993 rape-slay of UP Los Banos students Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez. Gordon is chairman of both Senate committees



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Handa ba tayo? Sa gitna ng banta ng 2019 Novel Coronavirus, may plantsadong plano ba para matugunan ang mga pandemics at viral outbreaks kagaya nito bilang bahagi ng ating disaster response?

May iba't ibang porma ang sakuna: maaaring dulot ito ng geological activity kagaya ng lindol at pagsabog ng bulkan at ng pagbabago ng klima. Maaari ding biological hazard ang dulot ng sakuna, kagaya ng panibagong mga viral outbreak na nasasaksihan natin sa Wuhan sa Tsina.

Kailangan handa tayo sa lahat na klase ng sakuna. Our disaster response should be comprehensive and include all natural or human-induced hazards like pandemics and viral outbreaks.



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Over the past several years, our country has had to contend with almost all forms of disasters, both natural and man-made. In fact, according to the 2018 World Risk Report, the Philippines ranked third among all the countries with the highest risks worldwide. At least 60% of the country's total land area is exposed to multiple hazards and 74% of our population is susceptible to their impact.

Having said that, the Filipino people found hope almost 10 years ago with the passage of RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, which established the policies, structures, coordination mechanisms and programs, along with the continuing budget appropriation on DRRM from national to local levels. Simply put, this law shifted our DRRM practices from reactive emergency and disaster response and management to pro-active disaster risk reduction and management.

Since RA 10121 was enacted into law, its implementation has been tested a lot of times by a number of natural and man-made disasters that disrupted and claimed lives and properties of our countrymen: Typhoon Pablo in 2012; Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan in 2013; Zamboanga Siege and Marawi Siege in 2013 and 2017; the recent Mindanao earthquakes; and only last Jan. 12, successive eruptions of Taal Volcano, to name a few.

Looking back at our overall policy on disaster risk reduction and management, we understand that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is headed by the Secretary of National Defense as Chairperson with the following Secretaries as the Chairpersons for four distinct yet mutually reinforcing thematic areas, namely: Secretary of DOST for disaster prevention and mitigation; Secretary of DILG for disaster preparedness; Secretary of DSWD for disaster response; and Secretary of NEDA for disaster rehabilitation and recovery, which all gear towards a single vision: safer, adaptive and disaster resilient Filipino communities towards sustainable development.

Truth be told, ours is a framework that has been lauded and recognized by international organizations and institutions, including the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and global Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), as a model for its DRR leadership and for its multi-stakeholder cooperation.

While we have accomplished great strides as a nation, there still lies the fact that much still is to be done in terms on how we handle the DRRM practices in the country. But as we say when it comes to addressing a problem, we must dig the roots instead of just hacking the leaves.

Hence today, we ask the Chairman and Vice Chairpersons of the four thematic areas themselves: Is our NDRRM Framework effective? Are the institutional arrangements established under RA 10121 efficient? How are we performing as we strive to accomplish the set objectives and long-term goals of each thematic area? What barriers or challenges hamper the full realization of the promises of RA 10121?

In terms of our financial investment, more than P259B for the past 10 years in NDRRM funds and QRF. One relevant question that needs to be addressed is, have we infused enough for disaster risk reduction in terms of economic losses from disasters which is equivalent to 4% of GDP? How much resources have we set-aside for rehabilitation and recovery? This is not taking into account the LDRRM funds that constitute at least 5% of all sources of revenues of LGUs from their local revenues and IRA, P575B in 2019 alone. Have we invested enough in our DRR research?

Further, it is acknowledged that our Local Government Units (LGUs) are the front-liners in our disaster risk reduction strategy. Is the risk governance of our LGUs significantly strengthened? Have we provided sufficiently both technical and financial assistance to our LGUs to increase their disaster risk reduction capacity?

Disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility. It is thus crucial that our disaster risk reduction strategy is inclusive and all-of-society. But, is our current DRR Framework inclusive? What is our engagement with the relevant stakeholders? Are the roles of the non-state stakeholders in our disaster risk reduction strategy clearly defined?

For example, if a Department of Disaster Resilience or Department of Disaster Emergency Management or whatever name we may call it, these questions arise. There are agencies under the different departments. Are we going to uproot or pull out these agencies under the different departments? And there's a lot. For example, PAGASA under DOST, Phivolcs under DOST, BFP under DILG, Health Emergency Management Bureau under DOH, Climate Change Office, Geohazard Assessment and Engineering, Geology Section under the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau of DSWD. Ito bang lahat na mga agencies, kung magtatayo tayo ng standalone department, ipu-pull out natin to be absorbed by the new department? These are questions that need to be addressed before we even embark on creating a new department which most of our colleagues, 14 of them, filed separate bills in this regard, the creation of a new department. NHA under HUDCC or the newly created and newly activated Department of Human Settlements. Ito po ang mga tanong na dapat natin i-address before we even consider coming up with a committee report creating an entirely new department to address disaster management



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As the deadly novel coronavirus 2019 (2019- nCoV) spreads rapidly and claims more lives in its wake, Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Wednesday reiterated his call for the government to suspend all visa issuances to visitors from Wuhan and other areas in China where the disease has spread.

"Visa upon arrival lang ang suspended para sa mga Chinese. Yung tours, delegates, at businessmen, tulad nung cruise ships sa Subic, tuloy-tuloy pa. Dapat lahat," said Pangilinan.

He pointed out the unequal treatment for Filipino and Chinese travelers, noting that the Department of Health said it would quarantine Filipinos returning from China.

"But what is the rule for the thousands of Chinese arrivals? Bakit mga turistang Chinese galing China sakay ng cruise ship as per Bureau of Quarantine at Coast Guard, walang quarantine? Dahil ba may pampadulas ang mga bisita kaya labas-pasok sila?" Pangilinan asked.

"Bakit kanya-kanyang diskarte ang mga ahensya na salungat sa isa't-isa? Who is in charge? Meron ba? DoH at Malacañang, kumilos kayo agad at huwag papasukin ang mga turista galing ng China habang nariyan ang outbreak," he said.

He pointed out that as of yesterday, 28 January 2020, even Chinese authorities have suspended air and rail travel in the area around Wuhan and have since expanded the travel ban to 16 surrounding cities with a combined population of more than 50 million people.

And aside from China, Malaysia has suspended the issuance of visas for Chinese citizens from Wuhan and the areas around Hubei province to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV).

The US State Department, for its part, has issued a travel advisory to "reconsider travel to China due to novel coronavirus," while the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings Level 3 (avoid all nonessential travel to China) and Level 4 (do not travel to Hubei province, China).



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Recto: Nat'l aid should start falling like volcanic ash on hard-hit areas

Government rehabilitation programs "should now start falling like volcanic ash on areas affected by the Taal eruption," Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said.

"It is time to start blanketing these areas with aid to help them get back on their feet again," Recto said.

"What government does on the ground is important for signalling purposes. So people will be assured that work on the crucial phase of reconstruction has begun. Hope is also an important commodity in disaster areas," Recto said.

Recto said presence of road clearing equipment, repair crews, resettlement specialists, alternative livelihood experts, pati yung magce-census ng mga nawalang kabayo on the ground in Batangas will boost the morale of the people.

"They must hear the sound of machinery helping them. Sasabihin nila, 'May kabakas kami.' Bago tumigas ang abo, dapat nandoon na ang tulong." he said.

He said the initial target of submitting a "post disaster needs assessment" by NDRRMC by April is too far away.

"By that time, papasok na ang tag-ulan. Mawawala yung tinatawag nilang good weather window for construction," Recto said.

"There's also the human factor to be considered. Baka restless na ang mga tao. Mahaba pansensya nila, pero baka Batangueño naman mag-alburoto, Recto said.

Recto said one high priority is the resettlement of eight to ten thousand persons, or two thousand families, all from the volcano island, who will no longer be allowed to return to their homes and farms.

"This is a test case of the newly-created Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. May lupa ang probinsya, ano ang equity ninyo?" the senator said.

The Department of Agriculture should also get into the act, Recto said. "Backyard fishpond ng Manila ang Taal Lake. Maraming magsasaka ang nadale."

"And I would also like to jog the memory of our Tourism officials that the Taal-Tagaytay-Tanauan-Talisay zone was a huge contributor to tourism receipts. Ano na ang pwedeng isukling alalay sa kanila?" Recto said.

He urged national agencies to put up frontline and field offices in disaster areas. "Alangan namang pumunta pa 'yan sa Maynila. Tulad sa mga nasirang bahay, humigit-kumulang 20,000 na bahay o pamilya, anong mga tulong ang pwedeng ibigay sa repair?"

Batangueños who will start rebuilding their lives are not asking the government to foot the entire bill, Recto said. "Hindi kami ganoon. Ang importante may kontribusyon ang pambansang pamahalaan."

Recto agreed with the observation that with the Calamity Fund at P21 billion, there is no need for a supplemental budget yet in the very short term.

"But I think what the national government should do is, based on needs, immediately set aside an initial amount for the rehab phase of Tulong Taal, Bangon Batangas. Alam naming may bagyo at baha na darating pa sa ibang lugar sa taong ito na mangangailangan rin ng Calamity Fund," he said.

The senator expressed thanks to executive officials present in today's Senate hearing for assuring him that they will come up with an initial action plan by next week.



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The Province of Bukidnon sent financial assistance to Taal-affected communities in Batangas on Wednesday, to help with their recovery and rehabilitation efforts after the volcanic eruption in early January. An assistance of one million pesos each was delivered to the municipalities of Calatagan, Tuy, Balayan, San Luis, and Bauan, as well as the City of Batangas.

Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri sent the aid through his son, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri.

"What happened with Taal really ignited a spirit of bayanihan for all of us, and it's been so heart-warming to witness the way people have come together to help the people of Batangas and Tagaytay after the eruption," Zubiri said.

"Bukidnon is just one of many to extend a helping hand in this time of recovery. We just want Batangas to know that the people of Bukidnon are one with the whole nation in supporting them as they rise from this disaster."



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Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri visited evacuees in Tagaytay to survey their situation in the wake of the Taal eruption that began on 12 January 2020. The volcano was put on Alert Level 4 for two weeks, and in that time the threat of further eruption displaced thousands of residents living within a 14-kilometer radius from the volcano.

Zubiri, who is currently pushing for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience in Congress, made his way across Tagaytay on Tuesday, handing out hot meals to over five thousand evacuees staying at the Tolentino Sports and Activity Center, the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, and the Tagaytay City Integrated School, and also evacuees hosted by families in nearby barangays. These evacuation sites are hosting residents from Batangas, mostly from the towns of Talisay and Laurel, which are still under lockdown.

After the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) lowered Taal to Alert Level 3 on Sunday, lockdown on affected towns are slowly being lifted, and evacuees are finally beginning to return home after weeks in evacuation sites.



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"Let's make 2020 a Decade of Action for Sustainability!"

In hopes of renewing the country's commitment to the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Senator Pia S. Cayetano has filed a resolution declaring the year 2020 as the "SDGs Decade of Action."

The senator filed Senate Resolution No. 308 on Wednesday (January 29), with the goal of ushering in a decade of collective, ambitious action to deliver the country's sustainable targets by the year 2030.

"Five years since we adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we remain fully committed to integrate the SDGs into our national development plans and policies," said Cayetano, who chairs the newly created Senate Committee on SDGs, Innovation, and Futures Thinking.

The panel is primarily tasked to monitor and guide government efforts towards attaining the 17 interconnected Global Goals through strategic thinking, multi-disciplinary, and multi-sectoral approach.

"While progress has been achieved in some areas through the efforts of both the government and the private sector, the country still has a long way to go in achieving the SDGs by 2030, given the current issues arising in health, education, agriculture, environment, equality, peace and justice, among others," Cayetano's resolution read.

It added that this signals the need to "accelerate sustainable, ambitious and multi-sectoral solutions" towards achieving all the 17 goals by 2030.

"This resolution declaring 2020 as our Decade of Action, along with the collective efforts we have been making and are yet to make towards sustainability, honors the global compact we made five years ago," Cayetano stressed.

"Our ultimate goal is to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, where nobody is left behind," she added.



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In a press conference earlier today, DOH has confirmed the first case of Novel Coronavirus in the Philippines. The patient is a 38-years-old woman from Wuhan who arrived in the Philippines last January 21 from Hong Kong. The patient was admitted in a government hospital last January 25 after experiencing mild cough.

Kani-kanina lamang ay nakausap ko si Sec. Francisco Duque III. Ngayon po ay nasa San Lazaro hospital daw itong pasyente. Contained naman ito at pinapangalagaan ito ng ating health officials at doctors. Nasa 14 day period of quarantine ang patient at ginagamot na siya. Importante ay hindi ito makahawa ng iba.

As of today, DOH has recorded a total of 29 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs): 18 in Metro Manila, 4 in Central Visayas, 3 in Western Visayas, one 1 in MIMAROPA, 1 in Eastern Visayas, 1 in Northern Mindanao, and 1 in Davao. DOH assured that its health facilities are equipped and prepared to receive and care for PUIs and confirmed 2019-nCoV cases.

I am in agreement with DOH and we will recommend, if necessary, to impose temporary restrictions of travel for those from the entire province of Hubei while assessing if there is a need to add to the list with travel restrictions more places affected by the infection.

Sa ngayon, wala pa pong desisyon ang ating Pangulo na i-ban yung pagpasok ng lahat ng Chinese nationals kasi hindi lang naman po ang China ang tinamaan ng virus na ito. May ibang bansa rin po na tinamaan. It will not be proper if we will single out on China alone.

As part of our precautionary efforts, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has earlier stopped the issuance of visas-on-arrival to Chinese nationals. The DFA also eventually temporarily stopped the issuance of visas to travellers from Hubei province, altogether.

I am urging authorities concerned to strictly impose precautionary measures to protect Filipinos by implementing quarantine procedures and providing regular advisories to guide the public. WALANG TULUGAN SA PAGMANMAN.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, we will conduct a hearing on the matter on February 4. We will invite representatives from all concerned agencies, especially from DOH, DFA and airport officials. Our priority is to lay down measures to help ensure the safety of Filipinos.

Bantay sarado po ang ating mga officials dito lalong lalo na sa airport and other points of entry. Mayroon tayong thermal scanners in different points of entry all over the country. Itong sinasabi ng DOH officials natin ngayon ay first ever case kaya nakatutok talaga ang gobyerno dito at walang dapat magpabaya.

Communicable disease preparedness procedures on all CAAP-operated airports, especially in international gateways were reactivated by CAAP. Airport personnel are told to be extremely vigilant in handling passenger arrivals to strictly monitor those who are possibly infected by the virus.

Public advisories about coronavirus infections and the strict monitoring of suspected passengers are also being enforced. NAIA and other international airports are in full coordination with the Bureau of Quarantine in support of their safety protocols.

Directives were issued to all ports operated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to coordinate with quarantine offices. They are implementing strict passenger screening at arrival areas.

More strict security measures are also in place, especially in areas frequently visited by tourists such as Cebu, Bohol and Caticlan in Aklan. Flights from Wuhan to Kalibo were also cancelled since Jan 23 and passengers who arrived in Kalibo were sent back last Jan 27.

The Philippine Coast Guard advised all medical units in its 13 Coast Guard Districts to be on high alert. Strict passenger screening and safety measures are also in place on the country's land terminals and railway networks.

I am asking all Filipinos to cooperate with the government and to follow the guidelines provided by our health experts. Wash your hands frequently, avoid contact with live animals, drink plenty of water and make sure that food being consumed are cooked properly. Avoid public places, avoid contact with those who have cough and colds and always cover one's mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing to stop the possible spread of viruses. Those with flu-like symptoms are also advised to consult a doctor.

Let us not panic, but at the same time, let us take the threat seriously and cooperate with authorities in order to ensure the safety of Filipinos.

In addition, the government is also ready to assist Filipinos in Wuhan who are willing to voluntarily return. The DFA has been in close coordination with the Philippine consulate in Shanghai regarding the Filipinos staying in Wuhan. So far, there are around 40 Filipinos in Wuhan who expressed intent to go home and the DFA is expected to release an updated number soon



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I urge the government to immediately impose a travel ban on all individuals traveling from China, and all travelers who have passed through China in the past two weeks.

My proposal is a TEMPORARY travel ban of at least 30 days in light of the first confirmed case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the country.

Our travel ban must firmly include both air and sea travel to prevent a local outbreak. This includes a temporary ban on all cruise ships from docking at any of our ports.

I also urge the Bureau of Quarantine to implement mandatory quarantine to all those who have just arrived from China, to remain vigilant and to study the safety measures of our neighboring countries with confirmed cases of nCoV.

This temporary travel ban will give time for our health authorities to set in place all safeguards necessary in case there are more confirmation of the 2019-nCoV presence in the country from those under present surveillance.

I also call on our public health units, especially our barangay health centers, to engage in active community surveillance.

Finally, I am asking our government to extend full assistance to our Overseas Filipino Workers in China, or in any countries with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, who seek repatriation in relation to possible exposure.

Kailangang siguraduhing ligtas ang mga Pilipino mula sa banta ng 2019 Novel Coronavirus.



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An indefinite travel ban to the United States imposed on all members of the Cabinet could have adverse consequences on our country's economy and security, not to mention the many employed Filipino immigrants there, especially if the US retaliates to the recent tirades of President Duterte.

The Philippines is exporting at least $10 billion worth of goods annually to the US, and accounts for 52 percent of the total US military support and assistance to the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Considering all these, I hope some of the Cabinet members will have the courage and sensibility to speak to the President to reconsider.



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The confirmed case of the deadly novel coronavirus 2019 (2019- nCoV) should prompt the government to suspend all visa issuances to visitors from Wuhan and other areas in China where the disease has spread, Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Thursday.

"Unahin ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng mamamayang Pilipino. Magsagawa na ng massive information drive kung paano ito maiiwasan at paano magpapagaling ang nahawahan. Mag setup ng mga hotline at emergency unit na magsasagawa ng mga quarantine at iba pang mga aksyon para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit," he said.

Soon after news broke about the possible pandemic from the disease early this week, Pangilinan has repeatedly called on the government to impose a travel ban to visitors from where the disease has started and already spread.

He pointed out the unequal treatment for Filipino and Chinese travelers, noting that the Department of Health said it would quarantine Filipinos returning from China.

As of 28 January 2020, even Chinese authorities have suspended air and rail travel in the area around Wuhan and have since expanded the travel ban to 16 surrounding cities with a combined population of more than 50 million people.

And aside from China, Malaysia has suspended the issuance of visas for Chinese citizens from Wuhan and the areas around Hubei province to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV).

The US State Department, for its part, has issued a travel advisory to "reconsider travel to China due to novel coronavirus," while the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings Level 3 (avoid all nonessential travel to China) and Level 4 (do not travel to Hubei province, China).

"Kailangan nating pangalagaan ang mga kapwa Pilipino. Hindi biro ang sakit na ito. At hindi rin biro ang magkasakit sa Pilipinas," Pangilinan said.



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Sen. Grace Poe is seeking insurance coverage for the country's fisheries, livestock and poultry sectors as protection for farmers and fisherfolk when calamity strikes.

Poe made the push for her Senate Bill No. 866 as estimates of agricultural losses begin to trickle in following the Taal Volcano eruption that displaced thousands from their homes and livelihood.

Poe said the fisheries, livestock and poultry sectors are major contributors to the economy and food security.

"However, all of the sectors identified above are vulnerable to climate change and severe-weather based calamities," Poe said.

"Insurance coverage will guarantee that during times of unforeseen events, farmers will not be holding an empty bag," she stressed.

Under SBN 866, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, a corporate body attached to the Department of Agriculture, shall insure qualified fisherfolk against losses arising from natural calamities and provide insurance coverage to livestock and poultry and unharvested fisheries stock, without prejudice to the inclusion of other non-crop agricultural assets.

These assets include livestock and poultry pens and cages, inland fishponds, fish cages, fish pens, fishing boats, and other related infrastructures, as the Board of Directors of the corporation may determine.

The bill also includes in the crop insurance coverage the cost of production inputs, the value of the fisherfolk's own labor and those of the members of his household, including the value of the labor of hired workers, as the Board decides to insure.

SBN 866 is a proposed amendment to section 1 of Presidential Decree 1647, otherwise known as the "Revised Charter of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation Act of 1995," which mandates to insure qualified farmers against losses caused by plant diseases, pest infestations, and natural calamities, and provide insurance coverage for palay and agricultural crops, among others.

Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, in 2013 caused P1.82 billion of damage to the fisheries sector in Region 8 alone. Typhoon Gloria's damage to fish ponds in four provinces reached $4.4 million in 2002, while Typhoon Ompong in 2018 caused damage to the livestock and poultry sector amounting to P5.5 million.

The fisheries sector produced 4.32 million metric tons of fish in 2017, valued at around P243.94 million in total, while the gross value of livestock and poultry production in 2018 were valued at P75.4



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We are thankful that we now have a law to remember the road crash victims.

Acts of remembrance are a way of serving justice to the victims of accidents and their families who are left behind.

We hope remembrance will bring about action to ensure road safety for all.



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Local government units (LGUs), specifically its municipal or city councils, should prioritize creating job programs and providing healthcare benefits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), according to Senator Joel Villanueva.

Villanueva said he filed Senate Bill No. 1278 which seeks to amend a provision of Republic Act No. 7160 that will emphasize the importance of taking care of the welfare of senior citizens and PWDs in their respective communities.

"Improving the plight of and giving extra care to our senior citizens and PWDs are equally pressing," said Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resource Development, in a statement.

He underscored the mandate of the local governments in advancing their welfare and rights. In his bill, Villanueva proposed the amendment of Section 16 of RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, to have the LGUs exercise their powers to include in their programs the provision of free healthcare benefits and promotion of employment opportunities for their resident senior citizens and PWDs.

The proposed amendments are geared towards the formulation of policies and implementation of welfare programs for senior citizens and PWDs, the senator explained.

"The amendments also ensure their convenient and priority access to government services, welfare programs, utilities and facilities," he added.

In the same provision, Villanueva likewise sought to have all LGUs ensure that senior citizens and PWDs are granted convenient, easy and priority access to social and other services, utilities and government utilities.



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The Senate and DOJ move to separately study the impact of the withdrawal of the Philippines from its Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States should establish "the weightier reasons" for its abrogation, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said.

"Dapat malalim ang dahilan. It should go beyond the denial of a US visa to a senator," Recto said.

"Because what if the US restores the visa of my good friend Senator Bato, are we then going to reverse course, and press the stop button to the revocation process which, per reports, has been started?" he said.

"Paano kung bukas sasabihin ng Amerika na restored na ang visa ni Bato, ano gagawin natin? Is that the remedial action we are seeking or are we motivated by reasons more profound?" Recto said.

Recto said if VFA will ever be scrapped by the Philippine side, then it should be because our complying with its terms has harmed the national interest.

"Kung dapat mang ibasura ang VFA, kailangang ipakita na it has been unfavorable to us, that we are getting the short end of the bargain. Ibig sabihin, dehado ba tayo sa VFA at delikado ba ito sa ating bansa?" he said.

"We must be able to separate the national interest from the personal. The national harm done by the VFA is an issue separate from the actions taken by the other government on a certain individual," Recto said.

"Kaya mabuti itong gagawin nila Koko dito sa Senado at ng executive branch sa DOJ. This is a good forum for a cost-benefit analysis which is long overdue," he said.

"Personally, tingin ko mali ang ginawa ng Amerika kay Bato. BFF nila si Bato noon. Red carpet treatment sa FBI 'yan. But our response should be commensurate," Recto said.



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"I think it is time to put a temporary 'Do not enter sign' on our doorstep for visitors from China," Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said.

"Let us explain to them that we are not permanently closing our doors. This is not a permanent Great Wall. This is only during the duration of the coronavirus crisis," Recto said.

Recto said such Philippine action is consistent with what China is doing to stave off the spread of the virus.

"We will only be borrowing a page from their manual," Recto said.

"If Hong Kong has drastically reduced high-speed train and ferry services from China, then why can't we do the same? Recto said, referring to the territory's decision to slash cross-border travel with mainland China.

Even within China, its government has quarantined 40 million of its people, confining them in their homes and restricting their travel, Recto noted.

"If many of their people are not allowed to travel from Point A to B in China, then why are we allowing travel from most points in China to all points in the Philippines?" Recto asked.

"Sabi nila, a temporary ban on Chinese visitors will harm them. On the contrary, it will harm us more, in tourism receipts forfeited. And greater harm if the virus will be carried in here by them," he said.

"There is no hint of racism or xenophobia in this policy. This is an assertion of the national wellbeing. And an acceptance of the fact that our defenses and capacity to respond to a health emergency is not that strong," Recto said.

"When China sneezes, we get pneumonia. If that is the case, then an ounce of border control is worth a ton of cure," Recto said.

He said it was wrong for the Bureau of Quarantine to "clear that cruise ship from China in express fashion. Abundant caution should have been exercised."

Recto said airport screening of incoming passengers "regardless of their origin" should be strict because the virus can come here via other routes and means.



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We appeal to our government to impose travel restrictions to and from China. With the news that the country has recorded the first case of the nCoV this afternoon, the government must prioritize the safety and security of our people over other considerations.

We call on our fellow kababayans here in the Philippines to follow safety precautions and avoid crowded places for now. We also dissuade them against circulating fake news on social media, which tend to incite people to fear and panic. Finally, we ask our health department to intensify its information dissemination campaign, and ensure that our health facilities are properly equipped to handle the spread of this virus.

For OFWs whose deployment to China are upcoming and for Balik Manggagawa, we ask that they postpone their trips there indefinitely to minimize the risk of being infected with the virus. For OFWs stranded in the quarantined areas, please follow the health protocol being observed in the area. Help our diplomatic staff there by notifying your status so that every Filipino is accounted for.



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Employers should not hesitate to send home workers who show symptoms of the flu but continue to report to work and consider the occupational health and safety of their entire organization, according to Senator Joel Villanueva.

At the same time, Villanueva urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue a pertinent labor advisory reminding private companies of their obligations to comply with labor standards particularly the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) law.

"While the public's awareness of the prevailing health scare concerning the novel coronavirus (nCoV) remains high, our labor officials should seize the moment to reiterate that the health and safety of our workers must be of paramount concern to employers. Our OSHS law states this principal clearly and unequivocally," said Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development. "The labor advisory will also serve as a warning for companies who think that they can tip toe around prevailing regulations without any consequence."

In a statement, Villanueva also credited the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration for issuing a timely bulletin to its overseas welfare offices across the world about the nCoV using information from the World Health Organization. The advisory, dated January 24, 2020, contains travel precautions and related advice to the public, which is clearly directed to overseas Filipino workers in various parts of the world, the senator said.

In the local perspective, the DOLE could take cue from their counterparts in the Department of Health, which have been aggressive in informing the public of the proper precautions to avoid nCoV and the suspected and confirmed incidences in the country, according to the lawmaker.

"We hope to see this similar resolve from our friends in the labor department for the benefit of our workers," he added. "The most important action we can do is preventing the spread of illnesses as simple as the flu."

Right now, the practical approach on preventing an outbreak is a sustained information drive on the issue for workers and employers, Villanueva pointed out.

He also appealed for calm after the DOH confirmed the first case of nCoV in the country on Thursday afternoon.

To minimize work disruptions, Villanueva encouraged the private sector to adopt telecommuting as a work arrangement for employees whose tasks can be done remotely. Republic Act No. 11165, or the Telecommuting law which Villanueva principally authored and sponsored, institutionalizes telecommuting as a work arrangement and harmonizes its principles with the Labor Code.



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Sen Nancy Binay today called on Malacanang to immediately appoint only one official spokesperson to speak in behalf of the government in matters relating to policies, advisories, guidelines and other information about the novel corona virus.

Binay urged Malacanang to appoint Department of Health Sec. Francisco Duque as the "official and only voice" of the government with regard matters surrounding nCoV threat.

According to the senator, designating Duque as the official spokesperson is necessary to ensure the public receives factual and reliable information from credible and reputable sources.

"We need to step up and elevate the ante in risk communication. I appeal to the President to appoint only one official spokesperson and only one voice who will regularly update the public of the latest developments on nCoV, and prevent anyone from government to issue statements, President's policy positions that are not official, verified, vetted nor cleared by agencies handling the nCoV situation," the senator said.

Binay added that it would be best if Malacanang sets up a high-level risk communication team composed of representatives from different agencies to ensure that information and data coming from government are vetted and verified.

"Ang nakalulungkot, we are also battling an epidemic of fake news and misinformation, tapos kung sinu-sino lamang na di naman bihasa sa public health o may sapat na kaalaman sa sitwasyon patungkol sa nCoV ang nagsasalita para sa DOH o sa presidente. Dapat may official statement galing sa Palasyo at di kung kani-kanino," she lamented.

Regular daily briefings, travel advisories, travel bans, updates, policy position, official directives and guidelines, and updates on conditions of those being monitored should only be dispensed by official orders.

"Politics collides with public health. Yung public confusion tungkol sa status ng NCoV sa Pilipinas at mga travel advisories ay nangyayari dahil na rin sa mga statement ng ilang personalidad na nagsasalita sa TV at media pero di naman officially appointed or designated ng Palasyo na magbigay ng pahayag," the senator pointed out.

TRAVEL BAN CONFUSION

Binay said that she supports the call for temporary travel ban to and from China and other destination affected by nCoV, noting that the diverse position and inconsistent statements from individuals and agencies other than the Department of Health (DOH) have sown public confusion and panic.

"Huwag na nating dagdagan pa ang kaguluhan sa Pilipinas. Public health ang nakasalalay dito. 'Wag muna paepal yung iba dyan because they do not represent the views of doctors or public health specialists. What some people in government are doing is spreading unofficial statements that are simply careless, irresponsible and prone to misinterpretations," she noted.

Binay added that the appointed spokesperson should be credible and equipped to answer questions from the public. The high-level risk communication team should have a unified and consistent message to the public.

FAKE NEWS AS UNCONTROLLED VIRUS

"During times of crisis, yung mga fake news at tsismis can be like an uncontrolled virus kung walang magsasalita para iwasto ang mga maling impormasyong natatanggap ng publiko. We need someone who can refute fake news publicly. Sa ganitong paraan, we build trust and allay fears that the government is not in control of the situation," she said.

Binay said people want to know what is happening, adding that lack of information makes people prone to believing fake news and statements from unauthorized or unofficial sources.

"People wanted to be informed of the latest developments. They want transparency pero wag natin silang bigyan ng di-opisyal na pahayag kasi gusto lamang nila protektahan ang kanilang mga sarili at kanilang mga pamilya. Yung mga nagsasalita sa TV di naman yan accountable. At the end of the day, there's only one person in the country who is responsible for how nCov is being managed," Binay said.



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The office of Senator Pia S. Cayetano and the Taguig city government formally turned over on Friday (Jan. 31) 50 liters of breast milk to the Batangas Medical Center for the benefit of babies affected by the Taal volcano eruption.

The milk donation was received by officials of the regional hospital, which houses a human milk bank that stores breast milk for babies in need, including those staying in evacuation centers across the province.

All 50.1 liters of breast milk donations were gathered and collected from nursing mothers who participated in "Breast Milk Ko, Alay Ko," a breast milk letting event organized last January 23 by the senator's office in partnership with Taguig city.

"Nobody can dispute that breast milk is best for babies. But what do you do when, for some reason, a mother cannot provide this for her child? During a state of stress, a mother's ability to produce milk could be affected," Cayetano said as she stressed the importance of breast milk donations for Taal evacuees.

"That's why we organized the breast milk letting event, because during this time of calamity, we don't want our babies to stop receiving breast milk. And we thank all the moms who made this possible through their donations. Maraming salamat po sa inyo at huwag po tayong magsawang tumulong," the senator added.

Cayetano meanwhile stated that the work does not end with today's ceremony, as she urged more nursing mothers to continue helping fellow moms in need by donating their milk through the Taguig Pateros District Hospital (TPDH) Human Milk Bank.

A breastfeeding advocate, the senator authored the Expanded Breastfeeding Act (Republic Act 10028), which encourages health institutions to establish human milk banks.

Cayetano also authored the Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act (RA 10821), which requires breastfeeding areas to be set up in evacuation centers to enable mothers to feed their babies in private.



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Senator Imee Marcos said the government must be ready to deal with months-long epidemic of the novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, that the World Health Organization (WHO) has just declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The ferocity of the 2019-nCoV became evident Thursday, as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recorded more than 7,800 cases of infection in January alone.

It took six months for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic, which lasted from November 2002 to July 2003, to reach 5,000 cases of infection, according to a Johns Hopkins University report.

"Napakabilis ng pagdami ng mga kaso ng impeksyon hindi lang sa China kundi sa buong mundo. Ibig sabihin nito ay maaring tumagal pa ng ilang buwan ang problema. Sana lang ay hindi madamay ang ating mga OFW sa iba't ibang bansa," Marcos said.

Marcos said the country's limited capacity and reliance on foreign expertise to promptly detect the 2019-nCoV virus called for "stronger measures than just advisories on face masks, hand-washing, and prayers."

Marcos added that the time window for the planned evacuation of Filipinos in Wuhan may have already closed, even as planes chartered by Japan, South Korea, the U.S. and France started to repatriate their nationals from the epicenter of the 2019-nCoV epidemic this week.

Citing that China had put on hold Thailand's evacuation of its nationals, Marcos said that at least 150 OFWs stranded in Wuhan should already be advised of plans to ensure their continued access to health and diplomatic aid and to communication with their families.

Marcos added that Filipinos in Wuhan may still have to brace themselves for momentary isolation from their families if they are repatriated, since precautionary measures will require them to undergo quarantine upon arrival.



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MANILA - Evacuate our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from China following certain protocols and safety precautions, Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Friday, January 31, as he reiterated his call for a travel ban for all of novel coronavirus-affected China.

"The US, Japan, South Korea, Britain, Spain, France, and Australia are all evacuating their people from the ground zero of the epidemic. But our government wants our OFWs to remain there, saying they don't want to infect Filipinos here. How come it has, until the last minute, allowed Chinese from Wuhan to enter the country freely," Pangilinan said.

"Iuwi natin ang mga OFW natin because we take care of our own," he added.

The other countries have started evacuating their citizens from Wuhan, sending chartered flights and asking permission from the Chinese authorities.

According to Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana, Wuhan is a transport hub that hosts some 150 Filipinos, including students, teachers, domestic workers, and factory workers.

The government earlier said it will not be evacuating OFWs in China, and has instead urged them to undergo "self-quarantine." It said China needs to give its permission before evacuating OFWs.

TRAVEL BAN

The Philippines confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus 2019 (2019 nCoV) Wednesday, January 30. Despite numerous calls since early this week to impose a travel ban from affected Chinese provinces, the government has just announced today a travel ban on Chinese nationals from Hubei and other affected areas in China.

"We're afraid this is a little too late. We already have one case of 2019 nCoV, and over 50 under investigations. We are disappointed with how late this travel ban has been made," Pangilinan said.

"Now we have to be more vigilant to ensure that we contain its spread. Metro Manila is a densely populated metropolis- our people go through bustling crowds every single day. Public transportation, schools, the market. An outbreak here would challenge the capacity of our hospitals that are already also over-crowded," he said.

Several countries, including Russia and Mongolia, have already closed its borders with China. The United States State Department recently issued a "Do Not Travel" warning for China, while Malaysia has suspended the issuance of visas for Chinese citizens from Wuhan and the areas around Hubei province.



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Who gets harmed if ABS-CBN is allowed to continue to operate while the matter is pending in Congress? Why are we in a hurry to close ABS-CBN?

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon posed these questions in response to the statements made by retired justices, including former Chief Justice Reynato Puno and retired Supreme Court Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez, that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) cannot grant a provisional authority for ABS-CBN to continue to operate without a franchise.

"This issue on ABS-CBN cannot be decided in a vacuum as the retired justices want Congress to do. Our conscience will not allow us to do that, because the reality is, 11,000 jobs are on the line here," Drilon stressed.

The Supreme Court, according to Drilon, has held in various cases that: "Laws and rules should be interpreted and applied not in a vacuum or in isolated abstraction but in light of surrounding circumstances and attendant facts in order to afford justice to all."

The former justice secretary said that to interpret it in a very strict legalistic manner in a vacuum like the way the retired justices were doing will cause prejudice to 11,00 workers.

"By their interpretation, we put at risk the livelihood of 11,000 employees and the future of their families, without giving an opportunity for a rational discussion," he stressed.

Drilon said that there are precedents, and it is on record, where various franchisees were allowed to keep operating with expired franchise pending renewal of their franchise, citing the case of GMA-7, Smart, among others.

"Why, all of a sudden, should we be so strict with ABS-CBN, when 11,000 jobs are on the line?" he added.

There is no harm done if ABS-CBN continues to broadcast while giving time for Congress to passionately look into the franchise renewal of the network, he said.

"Why can we not give Congress more time to decide on this? Is anybody's interest harmed by the continuation of the operation of ABS-CBN while the matter is pending in Congress?" Drilon asked.

The minority leader said that the opinion of the secretary of justice as the legal counsel of the executive department and the National Telecommunications Commission as the implementing agency in charge of telecommunications should be accorded due weight and consideration.

"The secretary of justice has ruled that there are sufficient equitable grounds to let ABS-CBN to continue broadcasting pending the process of renewal in Congress. There is no harm in letting the NTC to continue its practice of granting a provisional authority as it has done in the past," Drilon said.



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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has sought for the Senate's immediate approval of a measure expanding the law on granting cash incentives to centenarians by providing additional gifts to those who reach 80 and 90 years old.

De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, said the additional cash gifts to senior citizens who reach 80 and 90 would be given PhP10,000 separate from the PhP100,000 when they reach 100 years old.

"We hope that by expanding the coverage of this law, we are able to concretely honor our elderly for their meaningful contributions and their hard-fought sacrifices to their community and the Philippine society during their years of vigor," she said.

Last Feb. 26, De Lima sponsored the measure, logged as Senate Bill (SB) 1319, which seeks to provide additional cash gifts of PhP10,000 to senior citizens who reach the age of 80 and 90. Her sponsorship speech was read by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

The proposed additional cash reward is, however, separate from the mandatory cash gift of PhP100,000 that will be given to senior citizens when they reach 100 years old under Republic Act (RA) 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016.

"It is a privilege to age and celebrate the gift of life that God gave us. But as we reach old age, the decline of the senior citizens' productive capacity exposes this sector to various vulnerabilities, and the government must be there to afford them the support they need together with their families" De Lima pointed out.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the government has consistently failed to reach the target of awarding 1,000 centenarians yearly as most Filipino senior citizens do not reach this age.

Based on the 2018 World Health Organization estimates, the average person residing in the Philippines has a lifespan of 69.3 years which is three years shorter than the global average of age 72.

"Even more unfortunately, many, if not most, of our centenarians are already too old, sickly, and impaired to properly enjoy the blessings of the Centenarian Law," the lady Senator from Bicol noted.

Apart from De Lima, SB 1319 was also authored by Sens. Aquilino Pimentel III, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

De Lima also principally sponsored and co-authored the Senior Citizen Bill in the Senate which has been enacted into law last year.

Now logged as RA 11350, the Senior Citizen Act creates the National Commission of Senior Citizens dedicated solely in handling the concerns of senior citizens and in ensuring that the DSWD create policies and oversight programs for the elderly.



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2/28/2020

The Filipino people must act before treason becomes capitulation. Let me explain.

Duterte says that if we cannot be capable in defending our country, we should choose either to be a US territory or a province of China. However, it is clear that he has already chosen for us, and his choice is for us to be a province of China.

It is astounding how the most treasonous of statements coming from the President himself can be made on national media without the Malacanang-payrolled AFP brass batting an eyelash. Maybe counting all those millions of monthly payola disbursed by Bong Go has kept them so busy to be bothered even to show the slightest of reactions.

But Duterte's policy of subservience and surrender to China, without China having to fire a single shot, is HIGH TREASON, plain and simple. We do not need our AFP generals to tell us that. The generals not telling us that Duterte's actions smack of treason does not make said actions any less treasonous, it only makes the generals accomplices to his treason.

There is no more reason to sugarcoat the AFP's role in Duterte's successful pivot to China. (Correction, we have not been pivoted to China, in as much as we have been made to bend over to the communist state.) The AFP is the protector of the people and the defender of our country's territorial integrity. That it has all but become an accomplice in Duterte's treason by silence, acquiescence, or even affirmation by continuing to receive wads of cash in monthly payola in exchange for shutting their mouths is already a testament to their own role in this administration's capitulation to China.

Naka-discount pa ang China. Imbes na sa kanila manggaling ang pang-suhol sa ating mga heneral, sarili pa nating pera ang ipinamumudmod ni Duterte at Bong Go sa kanila para lamang sila tumahimik sa plano ng dalawang traydor sa bansa na ipa-alipin tayo sa Tsina. Sa madaling salita, patuloy tayong ginigisa sa sarili nating mantika.

This is why the Constitution did not leave all the defending of the national territory to the AFP. Every six years it allows us to reject leaders who failed in their job or betrayed their sacred oath to uphold the Constitution and defend the nation. Under extraordinary circumstances, it has provided for the mechanism of impeachment, especially for cases of the high crime of treason, when elections are not enough to respond to the national emergency of dealing with a fifth column head of state. But the latter has failed, while waiting for the former option might already cost us our patrimony and independence by that time, with China already in full control of our government through Duterte's fifth column as they prepare their successor Manchurian-candidate-in-waiting, a Senator cum national caregiver.

Where does all these leave us? We still have legal options. The creative people in our legal community can come up with a petition prohibiting the President from further pimping us to China, or even one for quo warranto, after the case of Chief Justice Sereno opened the ouster of impeachable officials by other means, subject only to who holds the sway at Padre Faura. (Duterte, of course, so that immediately strikes out the creative legal options. But we can always try.)

But more than all these, it is public opinion that is crucial in ending this treasonous buffet in our highest executive and defense offices. As long as Duterte remains popular, we are all party to this treason. When majority of Filipinos, by their vote of confidence for Duterte, effectively approves of this treason, then it ceases to be such.

Duterte's approval rating is an indication of how the Filipinos will exercise their right to national self-determination, i.e., to vote for its exact opposite. Apparently, the Filipino people, in the exercise of this right, will decide to cease to exist as a nation, and instead choose to be exactly what Duterte wants them to be, a province of China. In such a case, this will no longer be treason. This will be surrender. We are only calling Duterte's and the AFP's actions and omissions treasonous under the presumption that the people are still loyal to the flag of the sovereign Philippine Republic. We hope they still are.

At least our ancestors shed blood before being forced to sign instruments of surrender. Today's Filipino race cannot even be bothered to protest the treason of its officials and reject their surrender to a foreign power. Through a national referendum of the Filipino people's continuing support for Duterte and, vicariously, his pivot to China, one person's and his entire defense establishment's treason would thus become - hopefully not inevitably - a whole nation's capitulation.

300 years under Spain, almost half a century under America, four years under Japan, now China. With the novel corona virus presently decimating China's social infrastructure, we only have our stupidity to blame for settling for the worst of would-be foreign masters. Napakatanga na lang ng sambayanan na sa yugto na ito ng ating kasaysayan, ay Tsina pa ang pipiliin na bagong among pagsisilbihan. ###

(Access the handwritten version of Dispatch from Crame No. 726, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_726)



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SENATE President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Panfilo Lacson have stressed the need for Congress to come up with a new anti-terror law to deal with external and internal terrorism threats amid the government's self-reliance thrust.

Sotto, who is the principal author of the proposed Anti-Terror Act of 2020, and Lacson, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense who sponsored the measure, said there is an urgent need for lawmakers to update the existing Anti-Terror law to give the military and defense agencies more teeth in addressing the growing threat of terrorism to the country, especially in Mindanao.

Sotto said their colleagues at the House of Representatives can come up with their own version of the measure, or adopt the version that was approved by the Senate on third reading last Wednesday, February 26.

"I believe our colleagues from the House understands the urgency of this bill to be enacted into law. I hope that they come up with their own version the soonest time possible so we can reduce the risks to the lives of our people," Sotto said.



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"WE at the Senate have been working hard to make our people feel safe in their homes and communities. The threat of nefarious individuals disrupting our peaceful lives is something that we all fear about, but is something that lawmakers can do something about. This measure seeks to do just this - to bring peace of mind and heart among Filipinos that they are safe from the menace of terrorists.

The approval by the Senate of the new Anti-Terror Act comes at the most opportune time as the government moves to strengthen its security forces in their determined fight against international and local terrorism. The measure guarantees that those who will be part of bringing terror among our people will be made accountable and punished for their actions, and we remain hopeful that the punitive and legal sanctions will discourage our people, especially the young, from giving up their freedoms and joining the cause of terrorist groups.

Let me also assure our friends and allies critical of the government that this measure cannot be used to harass and silence them. There are sufficient safeguards in the legislation that bars law enforcers from abusing the law and using it to persecute those who are perceived to be political enemies of the State.

I am confident that this measure will help make our country safe from global and local threats, and help make true our ultimate prayer of peace for our families and love ones."



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