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Politics

USE INTEL FUNDS TO STOP GUNS FOR HIRE – ESCUDERO

Senator Chiz Escudero called on the government to pursue an all-out war against gun-for-hire syndicates “with the full might of intelligence funds.” “Only the identification and dismantling of groups of hired killers can assassinations be stopped,” Escudero stressed as he condemned the brazen killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo right in his own home […]

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Politics

ESCUDERO TO GOV’T: REVIEW JEEPNEY PHASEOUT PLAN

Senator Chiz Escudero called on the government to review its Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, saying it was “hastily planned, haphazardly implemented and offered no safety nets whatsoever to the drivers and operators”. Escudero made the call, in support of the resolution filed by Senator Grace Poe urging the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory […]

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Politics

EXPAND TECH-VOC SUBSIDY COVERAGE – ESCUDERO

Senator Chiz Escudero has sought the passage of Senate Bill 1360 which aims to expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) by amending Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, in a bid to include private higher learning and technical-vocational institutions. Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on […]

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Politics

BAN ‘NO PERMIT, NO EXAM’ POLICY, SAYS ESCUDERO

Senator Chiz Escudero, chair of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, asked his colleagues to pass Senate Bill 1359, per Committee Report No. 6, that prohibits the “no permit, no exam” policy imposed by some educational institutions, calling this practice the “cruelest of fines.” Aside from banning the “no permit, no exam” rule, […]

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ESCUDERO TO GOV’T: CRAFT SUPPORT MEASURES FOR RCEP

Touted by the administration as the “world’s biggest free trade deal,” the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could, however, make the Filipino farmers the biggest losers if the agreement would overpromise but underdeliver like similar laws and treaties in the past. Senator Chiz Escudero warned that RCEP could end up for farmers as another Rice […]

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Politics

GIVE AGRI PRIORITY WITH OR WITHOUT RCEP – ESCUDERO

Senator Chiz Escudero has underscored the need for government to expedite the provision of much needed help in the agricultural sector to make it truly resilient and competitive internationally “with or without” the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement. “Matagal ko nang panawagan sa pamahalaan na bigyan ng tunay na prioridad ang sektor […]

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Politics

ESCUDERO TO DOH: STUDY PH MENTAL HEALTH STATE

Alarmed over reports of suicide cases among students, Senator Chiz Escudero has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to lead a nationwide study that will enable the government to get a bigger picture of the current mental health state of Filipinos. Escudero stressed a comprehensive study is needed to have a holistic and effective […]

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Politics

MAHARLIKA FUND NOT EXEMPTED FROM TAX – ESCUDERO

Senator Chiz Escudero said the current administration should uphold its “no tax exemption” policy as he questioned the perks to be accorded to the proposed Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), which will manage the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF). Escudero expressed concern on the many privileges that the MIC will get supposedly to attract investors and augment […]

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Politics

PLUG LOOPHOLES IN MAHARLIKA FUND BILL – ESCUDERO

Senator Chiz Escudero said he is open to the creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) but reiterated that the proposed legislation in its current form needs further amendments to address the “many gaps and loopholes”. “Hindi ako tutol sa pagtatayo ng isang sovereign fund pero panawagan ko sa gobyerno at sa administrasyon, pag-aralan naman […]

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Politics

ESCUDERO TO ACUZAR: BUILD 1-M HOUSES PER YEAR

Senator Chiz Escudero said the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) should build at least one million units annually in the next six years to narrow down the housing backlog and provide more affordable homes to the Filipino people. Escudero issued the statement as he welcomed the appointment of long-time builder and property […]