OF TREES AND FOREST I was very happy last week when I received a basket-full of kamote (sweet potato) from one of our associates. Kamote is one of my favorite things to eat. It was part of my childhood and I continue to enjoy it today. I know that in the provinces it has remained a staple in many...
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri’s signature on the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill is now the only thing left before the copy of the measure is transmitted to Malacañang for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s approval....
At least two senators said they support the proposal to bring to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly the country’s problem with China on the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara (Senate PRIB Photo) “It’s one option that we can take into...
Senator Francis Tolentino has met with Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Theresa Dizon-Vega to discuss the Adaptive Governance Innovation for Local Executive (AGILE), a program he launched in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. AGILE program is implemented in partnership with the Korean...
FINDING ANSWERS Since former Senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon passed away last June 12 as our nation celebrated Independence Day, tributes and accolades have poured in attesting to his distinguished reputation as military man and public servant. There’s no doubt he was a great and outstanding...
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, June 19 filed a resolution calling on the Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to sponsor a resolution before the United Nations (UN) General Assembly calling on China to stop its harassment of Filipino vessels in the West...
The Senate Committee on National Defense and Security is willing to study the Department of Finance’s (DOF) latest proposal in reforming the pension system of the military and uniformed personnel (MUP). The Marcos administration’s economic team is now proposing that MUPs in active service...
Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday, June 19, led the commemoration of the 162nd birth anniversary of the country’s National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, in Calamba City, Laguna. The lessons and legacy left behind by Rizal should inspire the present and future generations by striving to change for...
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Sunday, June 18 expressed his support to former Senate president Franklin Drilon’s recent remarks on the need for the Upper Chamber’s leadership to address criticisms about the lack of decorum of some senators....
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday, June 18 renewed his call for the government to fast track reforms in the Philippine education sector to boost Filipinos competitiveness especially in the international market. Sen. Sherwin...
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is now seeking the passage of a bill that would institutionalize the publication of the so-called “The People’s Budget” or a simplified version of the annual national budget and other similar documents. In filing Senate Bill No. 2251 or the proposed...
BETTER DAYS Last February, as chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, we conducted a hearing on the bill providing for Protected Geographical Indications (GIs) of locally produced agricultural or natural products, processed products, or any products of...
