Claims on the alleged “new model” arrangement to ease tension in the West Philippine Sea are nothing but another apparent disinformation campaign by the Chinese government. China’s claim is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. We will not be swayed by falsehoods. Their recent assertions are nothing more than a trap, designed to divert attention from…
Read more
When the budgetary deliberations begin, it is expected that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will be adequately prepared to present its comprehensive study on the feasibility of providing an additional round of salary increments for government workers in the upcoming years. Regardless of the President’s directives, our economic managers have already anticipated the…
Read more
I express my solidarity with the President regarding his firm decision to abstain from employing water cannons or any other offensive weapons as a countermeasure against China’s persistent aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. Instead, it is our responsibility to remain steadfast in safeguarding our maritime and sovereign rights through a rule-based approach. We…
Read more
With no less than the President calling for a prompt review of minimum wage rates in all regions, this already ensures the possibility of a new salary increase for our workers. I strongly support taking a proactive approach towards ensuring fair compensation for our workers, especially in light of the rising cost of goods and…
Read more
Inasmuch as I would not want to think that these latest, in the apparent continuing and aggravating bullying tactics employed against us by the Chinese Coast Guard, is but another provocative directed at us, we cannot overlook at the fact that this incident while the largest Balikatan exercises with the United States is still ongoing.…
Read more
As a nation facing its own security concerns amid limited resources, we welcome the substantial financial support allocated by the US Senate to bolster our defense capabilities against security threats. This move underscores the importance of standing together in times of crisis. The aid package not only strengthens our strategic partnerships but also delivers a…
Read more
On this 82nd Araw ng Kagitingan, we pay homage to the sacrifices and bravery of our guardians of peace and freedom – our war veterans and our dedicated uniformed personnel. Ngayon, higit na makabuluhan ang araw na ito dahil nahaharap tayo sa panibagong hamon na ipagtanggol ang ating soberanya laban sa mga mapang-aping mga dayuhan.…
Read more
Nothing is barring local government units and school heads from switching back to blended or distance learning due to the scorching weather we’ve been experiencing now since the Department of Education issued an existing department order (DO No. 44 series of 2022) in the event of suspension or cancellation of in-person classes. Naiintindihan natin ang…
Read more
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,…
Read more
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…
Read more
