Categories
Politics

We Need to Provide Lower-Interest, No-Collateral Loans to Micro-Businesses – AQUINO

  Rather than being burdened by high-interest loans collected by loan sharks and other informal lenders, Senator Bam Aquino encouraged the public to approach microfinance non-government organizations (MFI NGOs) for lower-interest and no-collateral financing. “Madali nga ang proseso ng pangungutang sa 5-6 subalit pinapatay naman tayo sa laki ng interes sa kanilang mga pautang,” said […]

Categories
Politics

Summer and Holiday Fare Discounts for Students is Investing in our Youth – ANGARA

  Senator Sonny Angara has called on his colleagues in the Senate to fast-track the approval of his bill that expands and institutionalizes the 20 percent transport fare discount given to students. Angara, vice chair of the Senate education committee, was referring to his Senate Bill 945, entitled “An Act Institutionalizing the Grant of Student […]

Categories
Politics

The 10 Types of Student Council Voters

  Last week, we talked about the 10 Types of Student Council Candidates. Right now, let’s talk about you, you as a voter in a student council election. We all have and had our fair share as a voter in this exciting season of a school year because some of us are interested to engage […]

Categories
Politics

Federalism to Solve Inequities and Longstanding Problems in the Philippines – PIMENTEL

With social and economic inequity rising in the Philippines, Senate President Aquilino L. Pimentel III told legislators from all over the world that the Philippine government was eyeing a major structural reform to ensure that all Filipinos enjoy the fruits of the country’s economic growth: the adoption of federalism. Addressing participants of the 136th Interparliamentary […]

Categories
Politics

We Need to Institutionalize a Brain Gain Program for Science and Technology Workers – POE

Sen. Grace Poe has filed a bill that seeks to institutionalize a “brain gain” program for science and technology workers and encourage them to return to the Philippines and contribute their knowledge for the betterment of the country. Poe recently filed Senate Bill No. 1324 or the proposed Balik Scientist Act that aims to offer […]

Categories
Politics

National Feeding Program Gets Boost From the House – DEL MAR

  The House of Representatives, in a move to safeguard school children from the ill effects of malnutrition and enhance their learning practices, has approved on second reading House Bill 5269 seeking to institutionalize the National School Feeding Program for public kindergarten and elementary pupils. The proposed “National School Feeding Program Act” was endorsed for […]

Categories
Politics

Public Utilities Should Get Franchise From Congress – ALVAREZ

  To safeguard public interest, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has filed a bill requiring private proponents seeking to build, operate and maintain public utilities to secure first a franchise from Congress. Under House Bill No. 5270, Alvarez proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 6957, as amended by R.A. 7718, otherwise known as “An Act Authorizing the […]

Categories
Politics

We Must Ensure Filipinos Reap Benefits of Benham Rise – ANGARA

  Senator Sonny Angara emphasized the need for the government to take an active role in safeguarding the national interest over Benham Rise so as to ensure that its benefits will be enjoyed by the country and the Filipinos. “We must protect our nation’s marine wealth and definitely, Benham Rise comprises the nation’s marine wealth. […]

Categories
Politics

Support Microfinance NGOs to End 5-6, Loan Sharks – AQUINO

  Senator Bam Aquino called on the government to strengthen microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the country to give millions of Filipinos a better alternative from loan sharks and other informal lenders that burden them with unreasonable and high interest rates. “Dapat palakasin ng pamahalaan ang ating microfinance institutions upang tuluyan nang magwakas ang pagdepende ng […]

Categories
Politics

Paris Agreement Enters Into Force for Philippines on Earth Day – LEGARDA

  Senator Loren Legarda announced that the Paris Agreement on Climate Change will enter into force for the Philippines on Earth Day, April 22, 2017, one year after it signed the Treaty together with more than a hundred nations. The Philippines becomes the 138th state party to the Agreement after the Philippine Mission to the […]