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Politics

STRINGENT ENFORCEMENT OF OSH STANDARDS IS A MUST – VILLANUEVA

Senator Joel Villanueva called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to shape up in enforcing occupational safety and health standards (OSHS) following the deadly fire at Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel & Casino in Ermita, Manila. “We call on the DOLE to step up its enforcement of OSH standards. Lapses have been too many […]

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Politics

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS – ANGARA

The Senate education committee has reported out for plenary approval a bill that seeks to widen the access to quality education for children with special needs. Senate Bill 1732 or the Inclusive Education for Children and Youth with Special Needs bill aims to establish Inclusive Education Learning Resource Centers in every public school division in […]

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Politics

PROVIDE SALARIES FOR BARANGAY OFFICIALS – CASTELO

“It is time for our barangay officials to join the civil service, with just compensation and remuneration, and not just allowances and honoraria.” This according to Quezon City Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo, chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, and a champion for the rights and welfare of barangay workers. Castelo filed House […]

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BETTER GRADUATES EXPECTED UNDER FREE COLLEGE LAW – GATCHALIAN

With the full implementation of Republic Act No 10931 or the Free Higher Education (FHE) Act set to begin, Senator Win Gatchalian is expecting an increase in the number of quality college graduates armed with the skills and knowledge needed to make a big impact on inclusive economic growth and nation-building. “At the end of […]

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CHOOSE THE LEADERS WHO WILL PROTECT YOU – AQUINO

With the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections slated to push through as scheduled, Senator Bam Aquino urged voters to choose the right leaders who will lead and protect their communities. “Tuloy na tuloy na ang barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan elections,” Aquino said recently in a radio interview, despite the passage of a House measure […]

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SENATE TO PROBE QUESTIONABLE PROCESSES BEHIND RECRUITMENT OF OFWs – BINAY

Senator Nancy Binay said the Senate will look into the prevalent use of “agents” working for licensed recruitment agencies on a commission basis, citing the case of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Joanna Demafelis, whose body was found in a freezer in her employer’s apartment in Kuwait. Recently, another domestic worker was sent home by her […]

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Politics

FULL AUTONOMY FOR LGUs – ANGARA

Regardless of the outcome of efforts to amend the Constitution to pave the way for a shift from unitary to federal form of government, Senator Sonny Angara said that local government units (LGUs) should have enough power and funds to respond to the needs of their constituencies. Addressing participants to the recently concluded 2nd Annual […]

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UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE IS “PEOPLE’S BILL” – EJERCITO

The universal health care (UHC) bills, bannered by the “Universal Health Care for All Filipinos Act,” or Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1458 filed by Senator JV Ejercito, will become a “People’s Bill.” This developed as Ejercito, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has assured to include in the consolidated version of the […]

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Politics

COCONUT INDUSTRY TRUST FUND CREATED – VILLAR

The Senate passed on third and final reading a bill that would create the coconut industry trust fund to finally allow farmers to directly benefit from coco levy funds collected by the government during the Marcos regime. Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1233, or the proposed Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act, was approved with nineteen […]

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Politics

BUDGET REFORM BILL TO IMPROVE GOV’T SPENDING, DELIVERY OF PUBLIC SERVICES – LEGARDA

Senator Loren Legarda stressed the importance of the Budget Reform Bill especially in improving government spending and delivery of services to the people. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, made the statement during the second hearing on Senate Bill No. 1450, the proposed Budget Reform Act, which she authored. “This will institutionalize budgetary […]