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Politics

Urban Gardening to Make Wise Use of Open Spaces – VILLAR

  Senator Cynthia Villar led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of two roads in Baseco Compound, Tondo, Manila, that will provide more convenience and comfort to its residents. There was also a launching of vegetable gardening with the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) and clean-up drive and mangrove-planting at Barangay 649 in […]

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Politics

Address Delays and Inaction Through Expanded Anti-Red Tape Act – VILLANUEVA

  Senator Joel Villanueva sought for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 1311 or the Expanded Anti-Red Tape Act of 2017, a proposal that aims to address delays and inaction in issuing licenses and permits by government agencies. The bill amends the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, a landmark legislation aimed at combating corruption, […]

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Politics

Revenue Gain from Tax Reform to Go to Specific Projects and Programs – ANGARA

  Senator Sonny Angara wants the expected revenue gain from the proposed tax reform measure to go to specific projects and programs including the funding of the free college law, the expansion of free dialysis coverage, and the improvement of public transportation system. The Department of Finance (DOF) estimated that the government can collect P134 billion during […]

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Politics

Assistance Fund for OFWs in Distress to Reach More Than P1B – RECTO

  The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) fund to assist OFWs in distress will jump two-and-half times to P1 billion in 2018, while a legal fund, also managed by the DFA, will double to P200 million, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto said. Recto hailed the twin budgetary initiatives as “good news long overdue” even as […]

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Politics

Civil Servants Have the Right to Organize – LEGARDA

  The Senate concurred with the ratification of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 151 which seeks to protect the right of civil servants to organize, as well as procedures for determining conditions of employment in public service. With 22 affirmative votes and zero negative votes, the Senate approved on third reading Proposed Senate […]

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Politics

Effective Implementation Needed for Revolutionary Reform in Education – AQUINO

  Senator Bam Aquino stressed the need to engage and consult stakeholders before the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act is finalized. “There are still a lot of details to iron out before the Commission on Higher Education’s IRR is finalized. Umiikot kami […]

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Politics

No More Expiration Dates for Gift Certificates – ZUBIRI

  The Senate passed on third and final reading a bill seeking to prohibit merchants from imposing expiry dates on gift checks, certificates or cards. “A gift certificate, check or card is, for all intents and purposes, good as cash. It is purchased with money and money having no expiry date, it follows that gift […]

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Politics

Senate Approves Creation of New Barangays – ANGARA

  The Senate approved on final reading several House bills which seek to create new barangays in Metro Manila and other provinces. Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government and sponsor of the bills, said the creation of the new barangays would give local governments officials the power and funds they […]

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Politics

Philippine Embassies in Conflict-Threatened Countries to Be Given “Quick Reaction Fund” – RECTO

  Philippine embassies in conflict-threatened countries should be given a “quick reaction fund” that would allow them to bring Filipinos out of harm’s way once a crisis becomes full-blown, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto said. Recto said “contingencies must be arranged not after, but before an emergency.” “There should be provisions for safe havens and […]

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Politics

Implement Biosecurity Measures in Light of Avian Flu Outbreak – BINAY

  Senator Nancy Binay urged national and local government units, as well as poultry and gamefowl farms, to conduct and implement biosecurity measures in light of the avian flu outbreak in Pampanga. “Nananawagan po ako sa mga LGUs, pati na rin sa mga may-ari at trabahador ng mga poultry at gamefowl farms, na pairalin ang […]