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Politics

SENATE ASSURES FUNDING FOR WPS POSTS — ESCUDERO

As the Senate opens floor debates on the 2024 national budget, Senator Chiz Escudero said funding for new facilities at the Ayungin Shoal and Kalayaan Island, the country’s frontline posts in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), “is a done deal in the Senate.” Senators are unanimous in putting funds in next year’s budget for building […]

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Politics

JAPAN PM KISHIDA TO ADDRESS PH CONGRESS ON NOV. 4

It is all systems go for Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s speech before a joint session of Congress on Nov. 4, which Senate President Migz Zubiri said was an honor accorded to a foreign head of state only five times in Philippine history. Kishida’s visit, Zubiri said, will “strengthen cooperation between two allies in confronting […]

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Politics

SPANISH KING MEETS WITH PH SENATORS IN MADRID

Senate President Migz Zubiri led Philippine senators in meeting with King Felipe VI of Spain at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid recently. The King of Spain received the delegation for a private meeting at the palace to discuss how best to strengthen the friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Spain, particularly in […]

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SENATE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OFFICE AIDS MINDORO PWDS

In a testament to the power of collaboration, the Senate Public Assistance Office (SPAO) and Mabuhay Shriners International joined hands in providing vital mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers and crutches for persons with disability in the City of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. In a turnover ceremony recently, Director General Lino Ong, Calapan City Mayor Marilou […]

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TULFO WANTS ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT IN ITALY PROBED

Senator Raffy Tulfo is seeking a Senate investigation into the reported multi-million illegal recruitment schemes targeting Filipinos who plan to work in Italy. Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 816 following reports that hundreds of victims were charged exorbitant placement and consultancy fees for jobs that turned […]

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Politics

12 EDUCATION BILLS GET SENATE OK — ESCUDERO

Senator Chiz Escudero has expressed his thanks to his colleagues for passing on third and final reading a dozen higher education-related bills recommended by the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education shortly before Congress adjourned on Sept. 28. The senators have unanimously approved the 12 bills that emanated from Escudero’s Committee which included […]

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HERBOSA QUALIFIED TO BE HEALTH CHIEF — ESCUDERO

Senator Chiz Escudero is supporting the nomination of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to the post, citing his experience and competence to lead the Department of Health (DOH) as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Escudero, he is looking forward to the confirmation of Herbosa’s appointment when Congress resumes its session on November […]

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Politics

CONVERSION OF SCHOOLS INTO CAMPUSES GETS SENATE OK

Recognizing the importance of education in developing life skills, the Senate approved on third and final reading several local bills that seek the conversion and establishment of schools across the country. Senator Chiz Escudero, chairperson of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and sponsor of the measures, said the elevation of schools into […]

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PIMENTEL LAUDS DFA FOR ZERO CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel III praised the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for not dipping its hands into the controversial confidential and intelligence funds (CIF). In the agency’s budget hearing recently, the veteran legislator asked Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo if his department had requested confidential funds, to which the country’s top diplomat answered […]

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Politics

18 PRIORITY BILLS GET SENATE OK BEFORE BREAK

The Senate buckled down to work on the last week of the regular plenary session of the 19th Congress before the legislature went on a month-long break starting Sept. 30. Senate President Migz Zubiri said the upper chamber approved a total of 18 measures, five of which were included in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s list […]