The decision to replace Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III as Chief of the Philippine National Police is a prerogative that lies solely with the President. Like any other appointee in the Executive branch, he serves at the pleasure of the President, which means he can be removed at any time. Whatever the reason behind the…
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This is a classic case of reaping what one sows. The Chinese Coast Guard must cease and desist from engaging in dangerous maneuvers against our Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other maritime vessels. These tactics not only endanger our maritime personnel and fisherfolk—they also escalate tensions unnecessarily. Nothing good will come of such actions, except…
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Reports that a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, the BRP Datu Romapenet, en route to Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea for a fisheries mission, was blocked by Chinese maritime militia ships are deeply concerning. I urge the concerned agencies to validate this information, as the incident—if verified—would constitute a serious…
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I stand in full support of the security deals reached between our government and India during President Marcos’ ongoing five-day visit, aimed at strengthening strategic ties as both nations navigate tensions with China across the Asia-Pacific. Malaking bagay na dumagdag ang bansang India sa mga kaalyado nating kaisa sa hangarin na mapahusay ang seguridad sa…
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While I cannot speak for or on behalf of my colleagues on this matter, the Senate has always been firmly committed to the rule of law, and I expect the body, when we convene the 20th Congress, to take a collective stand by acceding to the High Court’s decision. Nonetheless, I welcome this decision, which…
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At 46, former Senator Manny Pacquiao defied age and expectations. Although he fell short in reclaiming the WBC welterweight belt, he proved that he is indeed a legend—few professional boxers could match the level of skill and heart he displayed in the ring. Sa totoo lang, nandun pa rin ang tatak Manny Pacquiao sa laban…
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Magpakatotoo tayo. Ang kasalukuyang minimum wage ng mga manggagawa sa pribadong sektor sa iba’t ibang rehiyon na nasa P361 hanggang P645 ay hindi sapat upang bumuhay ng kahit isang maliit na pamilya sa araw-araw. Based on consultations with various stakeholders during the Senate hearings on the proposed legislated wage increase–which I conducted as the then…
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While bicameral deliberations on the national budget have traditionally been held behind closed doors to reconcile the differing versions of the two Houses of Congress, I am not opposed to any initiative that promotes transparency and strengthens public trust in our institutions. In fact, I introduced Senate Bill No. 2251 in May 2023—a measure that…
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Diplomacy should always prioritize tact over aggression, and dialogue must take precedence over hostility. I stand with those who strongly advocate for restraint, open communication, and the de-escalation of the armed conflict between Israel and Iran. Malayo man ang kaguluhang ito, hindi natin maiwasang mag-alala sa lumalalang sitwasyon lalo na’t hindi na mabilang ang mga…
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I urge all our kababayans in Israel to stay connected with our Philippine Embassy personnel for safety updates, advisories, and access to any immediate assistance they may need. While Malacañang has assured that contingency plans are in place for those who wish to return home—along with additional measures to assist those injured, displaced, or rendered…
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