Tag: Inquirer

17 senators now sign statement of support for Zubiri

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Three more senators have signed a statement affirming support for Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, a development that strengthens his leadership amid alleged moves by outside forces to oust him. On Wednesday, Zubiri announced that Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla  Jr., Robin Padilla, and  Jinggoy Estrada had declared allegiance to him. “There…
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Jinggoy Estrada will be new Senate leader

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada belied speculations that he would replace  Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, saying he is not ready to take over. “To quell all speculations, there’s no truth to it,” said Estrada when he was asked by reporters in an ambush interview. He was asked whether or not there’s truth…
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Gov’t to probe ‘cuts’ in cash aid for ex-MILF fighters

(INQUIRER) COTABATO CITY—The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity is initiating an investigation into allegations that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders are getting “cuts” from the P100,000 cash assistance for every decommissioned combatant, even as it considered the incident as “isolated.” The scheme was revealed during Tuesday’s hearing by the…
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Measures granting amnesty to ex-rebels reach Senate plenary

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday sponsored four measures seeking to grant amnesty to former members of insurgent groups. Estrada, who also chairs the Senate committee on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation, stood to sponsor House Concurrent Resolution Nos. 19, 20, 21, 22 under Committee Reports No. 200, 201, 202, and…
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MILF leaders accused of taking ‘cuts’ from ex-Moro rebels’ cash aid

(INQUIRER) Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders are allegedly getting a 50-percent “cut” from the P100,000 cash assistance given to former Moro combatants for laying down their firearms as part of the peace deal that the secessionist rebels had entered into with the government. This was revealed by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who presided over the…
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Alleged 50% ‘cut’ in rebel returnees’ cash aid bared in Senate

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders are allegedly getting a 50 percent “cut” from the P100,000 cash grant given to rebel returnees. Former MILF fighters made this revelation when they personally met with Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday to complain against their commanders. Estrada said Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.…
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‘Eddie Garcia’ bill gets Senate OK on final reading

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to protect movie and television workers from unfair treatment and poor working conditions. Senate Bill No. 2505, otherwise known as the Eddie Garcia bill, received 22 affirmative, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions during Monday’s plenary session. Senator Jinggoy Estrada,…
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Senate approves ‘Eddie Garcia’ bill

(THE MANILA TIMES) (UPDATE) THE Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading the “Eddie Garcia Act” or Senate Bill (SB) 2505, which aims to protect the welfare of workers in the movie and television industry. Movie and television personalities trooped to the Senate to witness the passage of SB 2505, including couple Dingdong Dantes…
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Senate approves P100 daily wage hike bill

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — The landmark bill proposing a P100 increase in the daily minimum wage of workers in the private sector got a step closer to becoming a law as the Senate approved it on its third and final reading. Senate Bill No. 2534 under Committee Report No. 190 received 20 affirmative votes during…
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Jinggoy Estrada’s libel bill: No jail time but fine of up to P300,000

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill to eliminate imprisonment as a penalty in libel cases. It, however, recommends the imposition of up to P30,000 fine. In lodging Senate Bill No. 2521, the lawmaker noted that civil damages may serve as enough penalty and deterrence to libel for those proven to…
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