Tag: Inquirer

Senate panel OKs subpoena vs employers of allegedly abused household help

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — A  Senate panel on Tuesday approved the issuance of a subpoena against the employers of household help Elvie Vergara. The summon directed Pablo Ruiz, his wife France, and their children Jerry and Danica to attend the Senate committee on justice and human rights inquiry into Vergara’s supposed maltreatment. No member of…
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Senate probes maltreatment of ‘kasambahay’ Elvie Vergara

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Tuesday began its motu proprio investigation into the severe maltreatment of Elvie Vergara, a maid in Occidental Mindoro who was reportedly subjected to physical and emotional abuse by her employer since 2020. The upper chamber’s committee on justice and human rights, presided by Senator Francis Tolentino, led the…
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Employers of abused maid in Mindoro must be penalized, says Estrada

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Even if Elvie Vergara has committed theft, her employers must still be sanctioned for the severe battery and maltreatment the helper suffered. Senator Jinggoy Estrada issued the statement about the 44-year-old maid who became blind and suffered multiple injuries after being allegedly abused by her employers in Occidental Mindoro. “The people…
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P100-million funding sought for PH Ayungin buildup

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Escudero’s proposal on Tuesday to set aside P100 million in the 2024 national budget for the construction of permanent structures in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea drew support from his colleagues and the chief of the Philippine Navy. The structures, according to the senator, could…
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Grounded, dilapidated Navy ship an extension of PH territory, symbol of bravery, says lawmaker

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines – Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday said the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea is an extension of the country’s territory, adding that it might as well be called a “national symbol” that honors the country’s bravery despite threats and oppression. In a privilege speech he…
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Jinggoy: There’s no deal to remove BRP Sierra Madre during my father’s tenure

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Following his brother’s denial of circulating claims, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada likewise asserted that their father – former President Joseph Estrada – did not make an agreement to remove BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. “During my phone conversation today with former Senator Orly Mercado, who held the position of Defense…
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Estrada says proposal for joint patrols in WPS with foreign allies must be studied

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada said proposals for West Philippine Sea joint patrols with foreign allies must be “studied” intricately as it could send wrong signals to China. Estrada, who currently sits as the chairperson of the Senate’s committee on national defense and security, peace, unification, and reconciliation, admitted that he does not…
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Jinggoy Estrada prods Teves to face charges after ‘terrorist’ tag by gov’t body

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday urged suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. to face the charges against him now that he and 12 others have been declared terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council. The terror tag was in connection with the alleged involvement of Teves and other personalities in the March 2023 assassination…
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Estrada tells Marcos: Crack down on agri smugglers, hoarders with iron fist

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Senator Jinggoy Estrada is urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to use an iron fist against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products. In his second State of the Nation address on Monday, Marcos warned agri smugglers and hoarders, saying their days are already numbered. “Dapat gamitan na niya ng kamay na bakal…
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Senators want economic, security, environmental, other key issues tackled in Sona 2023

(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Several senators are expecting a realistic report on the current administration’s achievements, struggles, stand on specific social issues, and progress in its initiatives when President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, delivers his second State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 24.  In a statement on Sunday, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said…
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