Minsan ko nang pinanindigan sa isang privilege speech na walang kasunduan o pangakong binitawan ang aking ama, ang dating President Joseph Estrada, sa pagtanggal ng BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin Shoal at ito’y pinatotohanan pa ng mga noo’y defense and security officials gaya ni dating Defense Sec. Orlando Mercado. It’s disappointing, to say the least,…
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Bilang mambabatas, ipinagmamalaki ko ang pagkakaroon ng mahalagang papel sa pagpasa ng mga landmark bills na ito – ang New Philippine Passport Act at ang No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act. By mandating the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to create an online application portal and electronic one-stop shop, we make passport application easier and…
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Today, we stand united in grief and resolve. The recent ambush in Maguindanao del Sur that killed four soldiers is a stark reminder of the sacrifices of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their unwavering commitment to protect our country from the enemies of the State. We must come together to condemn these acts…
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The increased presence of Chinese dredging vessels operating in Zambales province is a matter of serious concern. The authorities claim that the purpose is to rehabilitate the heavily silted river channels and prevent flooding, but recent news reports suggest otherwise. These vessels are extracting sand from our rivers and transporting it to the reclamation areas.…
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I respect the opinions and role of my colleagues from the House of Representatives but I believe that they are mistaken in their interpretation of the Constitution. The power to propose amendments to the Constitution was given not to a unicameral body, but to a bicameral body – which is what we have today —…
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I commiserate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the loss of six valiant men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation cost them dearly and we honor their memory with utmost respect and gratitude. In this somber moment, I extend our deepest condolences…
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It is worth noting that the Senate has heeded the President’s earlier call to be at the forefront of crafting proposed Charter changes, specifically on the economic provisions in the Constitution, preserving the bicameral nature of the legislation. This was even before the “word war” between the two Chambers escalated. By taking the lead in…
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I am heartened by the news that the Department of Justice is set to issue a resolution favoring Silveria “Elvie” Vergara, the brave and resilient domestic worker who suffered years of horrific abuse and torture at the hands of her former employers. This is a long overdue justice for Elvie, who endured unimaginable pain and…
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STATEMENT OF SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA ON THE SANDIGANBAYAN DECISION After more than a decade, I am more than grateful to have been acquitted of the plunder charges. This exoneration not only impacts my personal and political life but also that of my family as well. Noon pa man ay paulit-ulit ko ng sinasabi na…
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STATEMENT OF USEC. JANELLA EJERCITO ESTRADA The acquittal of my father, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada in the plunder case has lifted a heavy burden that we, as a family, have carried for far too long. This legal battle has tested my family’s resilience but our unwavering strength and determination in proving his innocence have been…
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