The repeated incursions of Chinese Coast Guard vessels into Philippine waters, particularly within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), require a comprehensive and proactive response from our government. Makailang ulit ko ng sinabi, nasa panig natin ang mga legal na batayan para ipaglaban ang ating karapatan. The Arbitral Award, a landmark ruling issued on June 12,…
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The decrease in the number of jobless Filipinos to 1.66 million, along with a reduction in underemployment to 10.8 percent, highlights our collective efforts to create more job opportunities for our growing workforce. While this is a positive development, our efforts must continue. It is essential to address the remaining challenges to ensure that a…
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It is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty of employers to provide for the timely payment of the 13th month pay to their employees by the deadline set by law, which is today, December 24. As a moral obligation, our workforce deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication to their jobs. Malinaw…
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STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA ON THE RETURN TO PH OF MARY JANE Nagiging posible ang imposible kung may determination na mapagtagumpayan ang lahat ng balakid. Pinatunayan ito ng ating pamahalaan sa kaso ni Mary Jane Veloso, na sa kabila ng pagkakabilang sa death row sa Indonesia ay nabigyan ng last-minute…
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Unwarranted and blatant violation of international law, these latest aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard against our maritime personnel and scientists should prompt our concerned agencies to elevate the matter before an international body. These hostile acts against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) BRP Datu Pagbuaya…
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Bagama’t inaasahan ko na ang desisyong ito, umasa pa rin ako na papanig sa akin ang korte dahil sa naunang desisyon ay sinabi nila na walang merito o batayan ang kasong direct at indirect bribery. Patunay lamang ito ng matagal ko nang pinanghahawakan – ang kawalan ng basehan ng mga paratang laban sa akin; hindi…
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This situation is concerning, raising significant questions about the stability and security of our already volatile maritime domain, which is a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions. The presence of foreign military assets, especially those with offensive capabilities, increases the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts in an already sensitive region. We urge the relevant authorities—the Department of…
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Impeachment is a political process, not a judicial one. Sang-ayon ako sa hindi pagtuloy ng impeachment. There are many pressing problems in our country that need to be addressed not only by the two highest officials but also by us, lawmakers. Impeachment will only sow divisiveness and distract us from the urgent and pressing issues…
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I commend the ongoing efforts of Malacañang to facilitate the return of Mary Jane Veloso to our country. This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of every Filipino, particularly those who find themselves in challenging circumstances abroad. Mary Jane is a victim of circumstance, having been deceived by unscrupulous individuals…
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In response to China’s recent efforts to reinforce its claim over the West Philippine Sea by declaring the baselines of its territorial sea around Bajo de Masinloc, the government’s actions should extend beyond merely filing diplomatic protests and summoning Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian. I urge our government, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office…
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