Category: Press Release

Statement on the latest unemployment and underemployment rate

Any rise in unemployment is worrying and underscores the pressing need to address underlying challenges. While a drop in underemployment may appear positive initially, the significant decrease suggests potential problems in the labor market. This indicates that there are still people who are finding it difficult to secure adequate or appropriate employment. The current situation…
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Statement on the signing of Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan

Any strategic partnership that strengthens our country’s close security relationship with a regional partner is an encouraging and welcome development. The signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) demonstrates the mutual commitment of Japan and the Philippines to uphold a rules-based international order, particularly in response to regional security threats. Aside from joint military exercises,…
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Statement on Sen. Sonny Angara’s appointment as DepEd chief

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my colleague, Sen. Sonny Angara, on his appointment as incoming secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd). The President made the right decision in choosing him for the job, given Sen. Angara’s extensive experience and steadfast advocacy for educational reforms which significantly improved our educational system. Hindi maitatanggi na…
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Not just timely but essential, Jinggoy says on the P35 pay hike to NCR workers

Given the rising inflation rate impacting poor households, the P35 increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) is not just timely but essential, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said. “Mas mahirap sa mga naghihikahos nating kababayan na tustusan ang pang-araw-araw na gastusin ng kanilang pamilya ang…
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Jinggoy bill seeks 5-year validity of PRC IDs

FROM the current three-year validity, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada wants all Professional Identification Cards (PICs) issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) renewable after five years since their issuance. “This move will significantly benefit professionals by reducing the frequency of annual renewal transactions. It will ease the burden of securing appointments at their preferred date…
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Statement on Mayor Alice Guo

The Anti-Money Laundering Council should consider studying the possibility of issuing an order to freeze all the assets of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. In light of recent allegations and emerging evidence on Mayor Guo, it is imperative that the AMLC take decisive action to safeguard the integrity of public funds, ensure accountability and…
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Statement on the latest Ayungin Shoal incident

I am deeply outraged and extremely troubled by these latest hostile actions by the China Coast Guard near Ayungin Shoal. This is an unacceptable act of aggression, a direct affront to our sovereignty, and a blatant violation of our rights under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). …
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Statement calling for a crackdown on illegal POGOs in PH

Aside from security concerns raised on POGO operations near our military bases, reports on some 250 others operating without licenses should prompt our concerned authorities to conduct a crackdown on these illegal entities. Kung may sapat na impormasyon na ang PAGCOR tungkol dito, huwag na sana silang magpatumpik-tumpik pa sa pagpapasara ng mga ilegal o…
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Statement on Independence Day celebration

Bilang isang bansa na may malalim na kasaysayan sa pakikipaglaban para sa ating kasarinlan, nararapat nating bigyan ng bagong kahulugan ang pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Kalayaan. Sa paggunita ng ika-126 na anibersaryo ng Araw ng Kalayaan, ipakita natin sa buong mundo ang ating pagkakaisa at determinasyon sa pagtatanggol ng ating karapatan, mga likas na yaman,…
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On alleged Chinese army uniforms found in Porac POGO hub

Whether genuine or mere props, the pieces of alleged People’s Liberation Army (PLA) uniforms found in the raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga serve as a strong indication that the extent of scams perpetrated by these unscrupulous individuals is beyond comprehension. Authorities investigating this POGO hub should thoroughly examine the extent of operations carried out…
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