While I cannot speak for or on behalf of my colleagues on this matter, the Senate has always been firmly committed to the rule of law, and I expect the body, when we convene the 20th Congress, to take a collective stand by acceding to the High Court’s decision. Nonetheless, I welcome this decision, which…
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BUILDING on the gains from the enactment of the “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act,” Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has introduced twin measures to chart a broader disaster-ready blueprint for the country — landmark legislations that seek to revolutionize the Philippines’ disaster preparedness and response system. Among Estrada’s pet bills for the 20th Congress…
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At 46, former Senator Manny Pacquiao defied age and expectations. Although he fell short in reclaiming the WBC welterweight belt, he proved that he is indeed a legend—few professional boxers could match the level of skill and heart he displayed in the ring. Sa totoo lang, nandun pa rin ang tatak Manny Pacquiao sa laban…
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A FINE of ₱25,000 and imprisonment of one to two years await those who refuse to comply with the government-mandated ₱50 daily salary increase for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila starting July 18. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada issued this warning as he also pushes for a measure that would impose stiffer…
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Magpakatotoo tayo. Ang kasalukuyang minimum wage ng mga manggagawa sa pribadong sektor sa iba’t ibang rehiyon na nasa P361 hanggang P645 ay hindi sapat upang bumuhay ng kahit isang maliit na pamilya sa araw-araw. Based on consultations with various stakeholders during the Senate hearings on the proposed legislated wage increase–which I conducted as the then…
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While bicameral deliberations on the national budget have traditionally been held behind closed doors to reconcile the differing versions of the two Houses of Congress, I am not opposed to any initiative that promotes transparency and strengthens public trust in our institutions. In fact, I introduced Senate Bill No. 2251 in May 2023—a measure that…
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Landmark proposals in the 20th Congress FOR his 20 priority measures in the 20th Congress, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has put forward proposals aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos — from the elderly, to government workers, and to jobseekers —while also championing reforms that promote safer communities and future-proof essential…
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No country has the right to stop or block our lawful humanitarian and supply missions within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Our actions are guided by the 2016 Arbitral Award and are in accordance with international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees all states the right…
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Diplomacy should always prioritize tact over aggression, and dialogue must take precedence over hostility. I stand with those who strongly advocate for restraint, open communication, and the de-escalation of the armed conflict between Israel and Iran. Malayo man ang kaguluhang ito, hindi natin maiwasang mag-alala sa lumalalang sitwasyon lalo na’t hindi na mabilang ang mga…
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I urge all our kababayans in Israel to stay connected with our Philippine Embassy personnel for safety updates, advisories, and access to any immediate assistance they may need. While Malacañang has assured that contingency plans are in place for those who wish to return home—along with additional measures to assist those injured, displaced, or rendered…
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