Tag: Press Statement

Statement on Chinese ships firing water cannon on PCG, ramming BFAR’s BRP Datu Pagbuaya

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…
Read more

Statement on the Sandiganbayan affirming my acquittal on direct, indirect bribery charges

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…
Read more

Statement on the sighting of a Russian attack submarine in WPS

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…
Read more

Statement on President Marcos thumbing down impeach raps vs Vice President Duterte

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…
Read more

Statement on Mary Jane Veloso’s return to Ph

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…
Read more

Statement on China’s drawing of baselines around Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal)

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…
Read more

Statement on fears of mass deportation of undocumented Filipinos in the US

Instead of sounding alarmist, our government officials should focus on creating a comprehensive contingency plan to assist our Filipino kababayans if, and when, President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his campaign promise to implement a large-scale immigration crackdown. Madaling sabihin, pero mahirap gawin. Madaling sabihin na sana piliin na lang na umuwi ng mga undocumented…
Read more

Statement on Trump victory

I am optimistic that the Philippines will continue to be a significant ally of the United States under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump. The Philippines has established a longstanding strategic alliance with the United States, which has significantly contributed to the maintenance of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. I hope we will…
Read more

Statement on the issuance of EO 74, banning POGOs, IGL and other offshore gaming operations

The issuance of Executive Order No. 74 should no longer come as a surprise considering the President’s pronounced policy of a complete ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA).  Patunay ito na pinaninindigan ng Pangulo ang naging desisyon niya ilang buwan na ang nakaraan dahil na rin…
Read more

Statement on war on drugs probe with former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte as a resource person

There have been precedents where former presidents were invited to shed light on pressing issues, so it will not be the first time for former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte. And in these proceedings, the Senate has demonstrated a high level of respect towards former presidents, including my father, while pursuing crucial information. To ensure justice and…
Read more