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Politics

BODYCAMS TO CURB SMUGGLING IN BOC — VILLANUEVA

An affordable and available gadget could save Filipino jobs lost to reported rampant smuggling of agricultural products, Senator Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate labor and employment committee, said. Taking the lead from the police, Bureau of Customs personnel should start wearing body cameras during raids and inspections on imported food shipment, Villanueva said. “If […]

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Politics

SOLO PARENT ACT GETS SENATE OK – ZUBIRI

The Senate approved the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act on third and final reading. It amends Republic Act No. 8972, An Act Providing for Benefits and Privileges to Solo Parents and the Children, to improve government services for solo parents. “I thank and congratulate Sen. Risa Hontiveros for her efforts behind this, as sponsor of […]

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Politics

PANGILINAN: PROTECT FARMERS, FISHERS VS SMUGGLING

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said that apart from the ongoing pandemic, smuggling of agricultural products is a big blow to the income of the country’s farmers and fishermen. In his opening statement at the Senate Committee of the Whole hearing today, the former food security secretary expressed his dismay over the seeming leniency of the […]

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VILLANUEVA TO BANKS: PROTECT DIGITAL WALLETS

If ordinary employees guard their hard-earned money against pickpockets, banks should also make sure that cybercriminals don’t pick the digital wallets of those who gave them their pay for safekeeping, Senator Joel Villanueva said. “Payroll money entrusted by both employers and their workers should be kept safe at all times,” the chair of the Senate labor […]

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PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN AGRI DEV’T URGED

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the government should pool enough investment in the agriculture sector in order for the private sector to be inspired and follow suit. According to the former food security secretary, the deepest pockets in the economy are the private sector, and the Philippine government should leverage on this for the agriculture […]

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Politics

REGISTER DIGITAL SIM CARDS, SAYS GATCHALIAN

In a bid to thwart cyber criminals using the latest gadgets and find new ways to steal money by accessing bank details through mobile phones, Senator Win Gatchalian said he will pursue the inclusion of digital subscriber identity module (SIM) in the proposed SIM Card Registration Act. “We have to keep up with the latest […]

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Politics

VILLAFUERTE TO SENATORS: PASS BILL ON IRA HIKE

Camarines Sur Representative LRay Villafuerte called on senators to consider a measure that aims to further increase the fiscal autonomy of the local government units (LGUs), allow them to bankroll more development projects and rev up the delivery of frontline services in their respective localities. Villafuerte told senators that, “Strengthening local autonomy by increasing the IRA prepares […]

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Politics

SENATE OKS LEARNERS WITH DISABILITY BICAM REPORT

Senator Win Gatchalian hailed the Senate’s ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on a landmark measure ensuring accessible education and related services for learners with disabilities. The bicam report on the proposed measure, titled “Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act,” settled disagreeing provisions […]

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AGRI BACKS ROBREDO PLAN TO DOUBLE PH AGRI BUDGET

The AGRI Party-list expressed support for the plan of Vice President Leni Robredo to double the budget for the agriculture sector to at least P116 billion should she win the presidency in 2022. “Natutuwa kami na binibigyang halaga ni Vice President Robredo ang agrikultura at buo ang suporta namin sa kanyang panukala na doblehin ang […]

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Politics

PANGILINAN BACKS PROBE OF AGRI PRODUCTS SMUGGLING

Senator Kiko Pangilinan welcomed and joined the move to investigate in aid of legislation the rampant smuggling of agricultural products in the country. In his manifestation, the former Senate agriculture chair and food security secretary expressed his support to the call of Senate President Tito Sotto to probe large-scale smuggling of agricultural products and its […]