Atty. TONY LA VIÑA Sets Records Straight for Senator Loren Legarda and Representative Leandro Leviste

While information seem so murky and lacking these days, the heavy hitting Atty. Tony La Viña is setting the record straight for Senator Loren Legarda and Congressman Leandro Leviste. While the mother and son is abroad taking medical treatment, the lawyer, environmentalist, human rights advocate and academic lead wanted to set the record straight for them in the Philippines.

Atty. Tony La Vina says "This is a very important topic and it's good that we can tell the truth because there's a lot of misinformation and things that are being misunderstood about Senator Loren Legarda and Representative Leandro Leviste. I'll start with the headlines then you can ask about it, but first, there's been no government funds used in any of the projects that they say they benefited from. This should be clear for us. The Solar ng Bayan franchise that was given by congress that was non exclusive, so in other words it's not Leandro's franchise. It wasn't implemented because of the government office, the DOE didn't release a place where it will be implemented, nor rules and regulation for it. It was de facto revoked because it wasn't implemented."  

He also reiterated that claims of Ghost Electricity is unfounded because it was never implemented or generated. He also mentions that the renewable energy service contracts only involve private investments and no monopolies as Leviste only held a small percentage of the total contracts. The financial obligations (accusations of 24/10 billion) were issued to a different company and not to Leviste.

Here's his statement on video:

Atty. Tony La Vina also said that he accepted this case because of his opposition to political persecution and violations in due process, saying both the Senator and the representative didn't commit corrupt acts. He also says there's no outstanding financial obligations in the billions, and no involvement of the Senator but just a mother without any role in her sons business. 

He is here to ensure they get justice. Atty. La Vina also mentions that the Senator will issue a statement in the right time, and is convinced there should be no standing legal case against them.

(His statement is in Filipino, for direct translation, please refer to video. This was done with brevity. Thanks!)

Legarda Pushes for Women's Hand at Disaster Risk Efforts

Change has been happening but more has to be done. In the midst of a huge typhoon today, it is but a good time to see how women play a huge role in disaster risk reduction. Honorable Senator Loren Legarda puts emphasis on how their roles whether lead or not, can actually spark change in the management of it.

At the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, she says "It is important that women have access to resources, training and education to make sure it becomes a reality. This includes those who are marginalized, whether women, girls or those with disabilities in the region. The countries in these areas have to have systems in place to warn people early, evacuation plans, and even recovery if needed be.. with everyone participating."

Her efforts on pushing for legislation that promote gender equality, the Clean Air Act, plus the Magna Carta for Women and the PDRRM act would help promote and protect them in times of disasters in the country. This puts policy making procedures include women as a requirement. Women's role in all these aspects remain important, to hopefully, also put their needs forward, without prejudice, in any decision that has to be made. 

It just makes total sense.

Legarda Pushes for Stronger Clean Air/Climate Measures

It's the 5th time that the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies has been celebrated and this year, Senator Loren Legarda is once again pushing for the better implementation of landmark bill Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. The importance of having strengthened commitment to the cause  is crucial for the benefit of its protection and its effects on public health in general.  

Senator Legarda reiterates "When we did the Philippine Clean Air Act about 25 years ago, I knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park. Knowing the cause for having better quality air is still baring conflicting ideas, statements on recent headlines, means it will surely take grave effects on social and community health. We need to work hard in the areas of stricter implementation in environmental laws and work on climate strategies that will make Filipino lives better. We have the planet on the line, the only one we have. There are a lot of people, and their families that are affected by it."

The Senator has been a stern advocate in environmental causes and wants efforts for climate action, development of renewable energy sources and protection for the communities affected by it.

Make sure you do your share.