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Politics

AGRI PARTY-LIST: SEND AID TO ‘ODETTE’-HIT FARMERS

AGRI Party-list is urging the government to fast-track and prioritize aid for farmers and fisherfolk affected by Typhoon Odette. “Kung ano man ang na-preposition na seeds para sa palay at mais at mga gamot para sa poultry at livestock ay ipamigay na sa mga magsasakang sinalanta ng bagyong Odette. Gayundin ang mga relief packs para […]

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Politics

SIM CARD REGISTRATION GETS SENATE OK – GATCHALIAN

A culmination of nearly a decade-long effort to help curb criminality through mobile phones, Senator Win Gatchalian said the approval on third reading of the proposed SIM Card Registration Act inches closer to the realization of a measure that will combat fraudulent digital activities now flourishing under the current system in the country. “Finally, after […]

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Politics

DOST URGED: INCLUDE OTHER CROPS UNDER ‘FIESTA’

The AGRI Party-list urged the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to include other high-value crops aside from mangoes in its Farms and Industry Encounters through Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) program. AGRI issued the call on the heels of the first FIESTA, which highlighted such advancements in Philippine mango production while bringing together farmers […]

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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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Politics

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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Politics

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 […]