OF TREES AND FORESTS I congratulate the Manila Bulletin as it celebrates its 125th founding anniversary! It is amazing to think that the Manila Bulletin started as a shipping journal on Feb. 2, 1900 with its avowed purpose of giving “the public accurate and reliable shipping and commercial...
OF TREES AND FOREST (Part II) I do not consider myself an alarmist. In fact, I almost always see the glass half-full than half-empty. But I also think that a good manager, whether in government or the private sector, needs to be aware of certain situations that may impact the...
OF TREES AND FOREST (Part I) Two surveys released by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) one week apart this new year really piqued my interest. No, they are not surveys about the senatorial candidates for the 2025 national elections (although I would find that interesting as well). The two...
(Social Weather Stations) A non-commissioned survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) from Dec. 12 to 18, 2024 revealed a decline in satisfaction ratings of key government officials, specifically Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Francis Escudero, Speaker Martin Romualdez,...
OF TREES AND FOREST The first New Year’s resolutions were made some 4,000 years ago. Since the ancient Babylonians started pledging their allegiance to the reigning king or crowned a new king, and made promises to repay debts in the year ahead in order for the gods to bless them in the new...
Senators have expressed support for the aim of the “National Rally for Peace” organized by the religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). Members of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) gather at Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Monday, January 13,for their National Rally for Peace.According to Manila...
OF TREES AND FOREST Why do we celebrate the new year? Why do we go through all the trouble of going back home to the provinces or gathering everyone around the dinner table before the clock strikes midnight? There is a psychological importance to bidding goodbye to the old year and to welcoming a...
By SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS ESCUDERO As Filipinos across the country gather with family and friends on this very special occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a prosperous New Year to everyone. This period is always filled with hope as we bid farewell to one year and welcome the next. Although...
OF TREES AND FOREST (Second of two parts) One of my staff asked me recently: “Sir, what was your Christmas like when you were growing up 25 in Tondo?” I do not know why but my memory immediately took me back to Mary Johnston. Mary Johnston Hospital (MJH), run by the United Methodist Church, is...
By SENATE PRESIDENT FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO On this special day, I join our fellow countrymen and the entire Christiandom in celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. This joyous occasion reminds us of the boundless love and hope that the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ brings to humanity. As we...
For senators, Mary Jane Veloso's repatriation shows the Philippine government's commitment to the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero hopes that Veloso’s repatriation is only the first of many Filipinos similarly situated in various parts of the...
A consumer rights advocate called on the Senate to amend key provisions in the proposed measure to renew the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) franchise, aiming to protect consumers from further power rate hikes. In a letter addressed to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and other...
