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.

Senator Loren Legarda Lauds Outgoing Sonny Angara

 

With the President deeming his qualities apt for the position, Senator Sonny Angara will be the new Secretary of Education. This is an important task especially since it is affecting millions of students, teachers and non teaching personnel, but since he has been in the senate for over a decade, Senator Loren Legarda wanted to convey her admiration for the young statesman.

She mentions how he has been able to dedicate years of hard work and service to the Filipino people, which she dubbed as his ability to listen, study and dedicate what he does for meaningful legislation. She also reiterated how dedicated he is in the Senate and hopes it be replicated in the halls of the Department of Education which he'll be taking over from former Secretary and VP of the country.

Senator Legarda says "Sonny has always been pushing boundaries, displays his competence and has been very efficient, hopefully apply great reforms in the education system. He has passed over 340 laws, sponsored/authored it. It's a reflection of how he has been dedicated to improve the lives of Filipinos across the country."

She adds "We will miss how eloquent you are, your sharp mind and how you effortlessly contribute good work in the Senate. We hope to work together for the benefit of the entire nation as you become the new Secretary of Education."

Later on, Sonny also mentioned how Senator Loren Legarda took him under her wing when she was still the leader of the Senate a few years ago. He was thankful for that opportunity, of being taken cared of when he was just starting.

Senator Loren Legarda Issues Statement on Philippine-Japan RAA

About a week ago, the Philippines and Japan signed an agreement which they call RAA (Reciprocal Access Agreement) which would make it possible for Filipino soldiers to train in Japan as part of their defense cooperation. Honorable Senator Loren Legarda is serving her 4th term, and this landmark agreement will surely be affecting a lot of our decisions and foreign policies. Here's a statement from the environmental superhero:

Seeing the positive impact of this particular agreement and advantages especially for the Pacific region and national security, our allies certainly will be instrumental in making sure we won't get bullied in our own turf. The Senator's support for the ratification of this agreement in the Senate will become instrumental in the formalization of its terms, and hopefully would become advantageous to both parties in this very volatile time.

Here's to championing not just environmental causes, but issues of national interest! Cheers!

Zubiri Welcomes PH - Japan RAA

It's been a week and a few days since the PH-Japan Reciprocal Access Pact was signed. This RAA came at a very opportune time especially since tensions in the West PH Sea has been at an all time high. Former Senate President Zubiri made mention about the initial talks about this with former Japan Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko and presented it to the President, and the signing is certainly beneficial for inter country training and familiarity of equipment between the two countries. 

He also reminded how much of an ally Japan is especially with the help they have provided for the Navy and Coast Guard. The joint exercise between PH and Japan is going to be historic, and will bolster even more effort, cooperation in different activities as visiting forces agreement gets details soon. 

The goal is to have defined peace in the region, and stronger ties between forces, and have inter operability as we further promote security measures in our exclusive economic zone, and the Indo-Pacific region.

Senator Loren Legarda Issues Message on 126th Philippine Independence Day

It's the 126th year of Philippine independence and this June 12th, Senator Loren Legarda has released this message:

 The Senate surely has changed a lot these past few months, but I hope everyone's loyalty won't come from political sectors. They have the hand to help even more people, which I hope is the reason why they chose this calling.

I guess today more than ever, we need to celebrate it despite the threats that are looming in the region. This is the time for nationalism, and action. Her wish for a more developed and environmentally caring Philippines is surely in the horizon. I spent my Independence day outdoors helping spread the word about how to help in causes, hope you made your day productive too!

Happy 126th Philippines!

KORINA Interviews Juan Ponce Enrile at 99

If there's someone to ask about the path to immortality in the Philippines, there's probably one person you have in mind, former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. The statesman turned 99 years old this year and what better way to ask about his life, politics and thoughts about the countless memes on the internet which he was able to also see especially during the pandemic. He will answer all these questions and more on Rated Korina which will be available on the Korina Sanchez Roxas YouTube Channel.

This will be a 2 part exclusive interview with JPE and will include stories about how he started working as a yaya, fisherman, farmer, sales man, construction worker, a tortured man during the Japanese war who was able to escape, became a lawyer and have worked with 6 Philippine Presidents in his lifetime. 

 

 

Make sure you subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@KorinaSanchez1 as the first episode already has over 100K views in just a single day. If you're wondering why it's he's still sharp at 99, or what he feels about his detractors, or maybe how politics has been in the last few years, or if he saw Adam and Eve in the flesh, those will be seen on the show. So make sure you sub and get the latest episodes on the Korina Sanchez Roxas channel!

Gift Giving Imee on YouTube This Week

If you're secretly trying to find out what Senator Imee Marcos is doing these days, she's prepped gift giving activities during the last quarter of 2022.

It's already up on her official YouTube channel and as of this writing, it's got over 378K subscribers and she's been posting regularly since January of this year. The tone of the uploads have already maintained quite light and heartwarming, a bit different from the stern looking, hard hitting persona she has on Senate sessions.

On recent episodes, she mustered enough strength answer all those frequently asked questions on her social channels including out of this world ones that are both crazy and entertaining. She gamely answered them as best as she can including topics like relationships, and life.

Your Senator Imee will also be sharing her experiences of gift giving at the Philippine Heart Center and the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City. Much of the recipients would be those undergoing heart issues, detainment of which she also inspected facilities and work out laws to increase budgets for them if needed.Start by subscribing to her YouTube channel by searching ImeeMarcosOfficial on the platform.

JV Ejercito Pushes for Universal Health Care Implementation, Housing and More as he runs for Senate

JV Ejercito has done a remarkable job in the Senate. For those who don't know, he's done several landmark bills including the Universal Health Care Law which aims to alleviate the burden of paying for hospital and ailment care for Filipinos nationwide. It would give apt health services, provide assistance in medical emergencies, but it needs time for full implementation hence, his hunger to go back to the Senate.

It really is a no brainer because aside from the actual groundwork in medical institutions and government agencies, it needs funding and he plans to have it sourced from projects that have not been able to utilize funds by putting them all together. He also have pointed out things that can be addressed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the lack of medical facilities, rightful benefits for frontliners, healthcare workers and mismanagement of the PhilHealth program and this could be addressed by the Universal Healthcare Law which he authored. He also have put importance in Housing, Education and the Youth, Job Opportunities, Agriculture and Transportation which would benefit a lot of Filipinos especially now where we're all trying to revive the economy. 

 

He also addressed rumors about laws and statements that have been misunderstood by the transport sector in the past, so it was actually good to ask him about that in person. Being an independent candidate, he's very glad that he got the support of Senators from different parties. Aside from that, it was extra difficult to campaign this year and told us about the hardships he's had and yes, it was a little difficult for him and his family why he wasn't supported by the parties he was expecting to carry him this year. All that is in this video plus THE GOOD ONE telling us about his projects:

You've got 12 Senators to choose this coming May, the stakes are high and if you choose the Senator who made this all happen... that would be a good one.

Antique: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea on Discovery Channel

Just got off the press conference on Antique: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea hosted by the office of DS Loren Legarda and the Department of Tourism. This has been attended by several government dignitaries and executives from Discovery Channel where this will be shown this coming March 23, 2022. This documentary is produced by Studio H20 through DS Loren Legarda's office, the DOT and in partnership with the Province of Antique.

 

 

DS Loren Legarda says "I would want to give my full undivided attention to this project which is close to my heart. During the pandemic, we worked on this which delves on marine biodiversity. This is a Senate project with the DOT so funds will be allocated to them. This is not the first I've done with several groups. We have legislated 94 laws, and if mandated there would be a multitude of national parks and they will be given management plans, this will be my legacy. The loss of plants, animals, on land and underwater could be detrimental for the future. I put all it into bills, together with Senator Villar, and covers 2 areas in Antique which will be part of the feature. This houses marine riches, that puts food in the table, and the discoveries of Studio H2O is just a paradise. We give due recognition to UP Marine Science Institute and RARE Philippines, all our 18 Mayors, Vice Mayors, who will enact local versions. What they did was a community based coral reef monitoring, hired and worked with local people, fisher-folks around the designated areas. They discovered areas suitable for coral growth, more places for fish diversities, 2 endangered species found in our waters, and Manta Rays found only in the country. More exploratory dives should be done as more remains to be seen. I would like to do a project with the DOT, the DENR and LGU's."

 

Boogs Rosales of Studio H2O adds "We really worked hard to push through with our shoot, it will be shown on Discovery Channel for two days. We're glad that we got to work with the various government agencies and have this shown to an international audience. As DS, the funding was from their office, through the DOT. It's a process that went through bidding, it was very hard to work on it. Part of the funding went to also showcasing it in Discovery channel, to promote and highlight the province through visuals and our storytelling."   

Antique: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea will be shown on the Discovery Channel this March 23rd at 6:15PM and will be replayed on March 24 at 8:15AM and 11:25AM Philippine time. This will also be aired in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and India where Discovery Channel is available.

HERBERT BAUTISTA Bares Plans on Senate Run: Help Industries Grow for the Future

Spent an afternoon in the suburbs of Quezon City for a chance to talk to Senatorial hopeful Herbert Bautista. Who doesn't know the former Quezon City Mayor and the one who reprised the role of several iconic characters during the 80's and 90's, quite popular with the boomers, Gen X, Gen Z's and millenials too. He is "Bistek" to many... and to boot, he's got over 30 full years of experience in public service specifically the workings of local government matters.

During the small conversation, Mayor Herbert lauded the IATF decision to open theaters in the country as this means a lot of workers in the entertainment industry would have jobs again and start making films. He's seen a lot of his friends in the industry suffer a lot, losing their jobs because of the work arrangements just deem it impossible to be normal once again. It just broke his heart to also see people who he's known for years also pass, COVID-19 really has crippled this industry he loves. He sternly hopes that people start to support worthy shows, programs and films to make up for loss time. He's also keen to see how Filipinos would also see the lineup of films at the Metro Manila Film Festival. By the way, her equally popular sister Harlene Bautista and Heaven's Best Entertainment Productions will be putting one called "Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw" starring Ken Chan and Rita Daniela. The film will also have the participation of Lotlot De Leon and Richard Yap. It'll concentrate on two individuals that will spark romance in the most unexpected circumstances so it'll surely be interesting.

 Here's a few minutes of our conversation that afternoon:

 

Aside from that, Mayor Herbert is running for a Senate seat which is a national post. He's raring to not just file bills for the industries he's worked in but also several things that could push locally produced products in the forefront so everyone could make a living. He's crafted several ordinances that also have benefited the LGBTQIA+ sector and also supports the move to have domestic partnerships. To get to know him even more, he's plannig to put out more personal vlogs to showcase what he loves with Filipino culture, how he adores traveling and share his passion. He's got a lot up his sleeve and hopes by sharing much of his story, he could also get to know more people, places and things he's discovering in the Philippines. 

He wants to help, and he hopes you get to be a part of that movement.

Doing More: Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda

The 2022 election will be extremely important for the lives of approximately 104 Million people. Aside from the obvious need for immediate pandemic response, relief and restarting of businesses, sectors heavily affected by the economic stresses of the situation should be addressed. It includes the sectors of education, addressing poverty, the micro small and medium enterprise, child labor, the environment, climate change and those that affect the lives of people. After all, the legislative body has a primary role in creating laws, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda did this for over 18 years in the Senate.

Several laws she made being implemented nowadays include Free College Education, Magna Carta of the Poor, the MSME Law, Child Labor Law, Climate Change Law, most of which has been done during her term.

On her FB page, she recently released a few videos which include testimonies from real people.

I think that's noble and with the accomplishments, she's got a good grasp of what a Senator does. She wants to do more. But would you consider her to be one of you bets this election? 

That's your choice.

"Finding Rizal in a Time of Barriers" Premieres on ANC

In a time when Filipinos are still confined in the walls of our homes, how do we remember our heroes?

This year marks the 160th birthday celebration of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. As a person who enjoyed the subject and much of the life/teachings of the man who proved that the pen is mightier than the sword, there seems to be little to no information available to Filipinos about what he did in Europe. This June 19, a Rizal documentary is set to premiere on the ABSCBN News Channel and ABSCBN Youtube account. It's aptly called "Finding Rizal in a Time of Barriers" which is conceptualized and envisioned by well known environmentalist, cultural mover and journalist, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.

The former Senator had the chance to tour Heidelberg and a little German town called Wilhelmsfeld two years ago. In that place, she met Dr. Fritz Hack Ullmer (who is the great grandson of Pastor Karl Ullmer) who's family hosted our national hero for 3 months in 1886. His lineage (all three generations) had kept Rizal's letters, memorabilia all these years. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of Ambassador Theresa de Vega of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Consul General Evelyn Austria Garcia of the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila + the men and women from the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda. With the pandemic making all things impossible for them to finish everything, they came to help make this happen in time for Rizal's 160th birthday this year.

Senator Legarda says "Our national hero Jose Rizal lived in a time where there were barriers on skin color, religion, ideologies and more. He broke though these barriers, and his trip through Germany also earmarked the completion of his most famous book Noli Me Tangere which changed a whole country in the process. He also wrote "A Las Flores De Heidelberg" while studying ophthalmology and lived with scientists and humanists Blumentritt and Virchow in Berlin. You'll also get to know the Ullmer family whome he stayed with for a short time in Wilhelmsfield. The Filipinos need to know about this time in Rizal's life, and we're showing that on the documentary. It will also include stories passed on from his Grandfather Friedrich who was only 14 during Rizal's time. You will also see how special he's regarded in Germany as he remains immortalized in streets, plazas, tons of markers paying homage to our national hero."

This will be shown on the ABS-CBN News Channel this comine June 19th, 2021 which falls on Saturday at 7PM. It will also be streamed simultaneously on ABS-CBN News YouTube channel and the Facebook Pages of the Department of Foreign Affairs, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. Replays will also be done the day after on ANC at 4PM so make sure you catch it at these times.

Happy birthday Pepe!

ANGKAS Gets Strong Support From Senate Hopefuls

Tons of motorcycle enthusiasts, clubs, organizations and Angkas riders converged at the Vertis North grounds to celebrate the Angkas Safety Fiesta. It’s an event where motorcycle ride sharing newbies get to apply, trained for deployment, get tons of freebies, and even watch a day long concert featuring some of the country’s brightest stars and viral sensations. This is part of the commitment of Angkas to educate and arm their riders with the knowledge they need to safely go in Metro Manila and keep themselves safe as well. Albeit being in the middle of some government agencies ire in the past few years, they (orgs and Angkas) have been steadily making their presence felt and got the support of several senate hopefuls, as well as incumbent officials to rally behind them during their programs that afternoon. Under the sweltering heat of the sun, they joined thousands of riders at the venue and started talking about their causes and laws that should help them earn a living for their own families. Even local candidates came in. 

Matteo Guidicelli, Rappers, Dancers and even Dante Gulapa provided entertainment for the day!

JV Ejercito showed his gusto to tell people about the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles act and his landmark bill about the Universal Healthcare bill which not only affects ordinary people but riders there and their families as well. 

A few minutes after Chel Diokno went in front of the stage and said his piece “I believe in justice that is fair, equal for every Filipino. I want to send my intentions of the same, to implement it, and I would like to thank Angkas, the riders and everyone who made this safety fiesta possible.” He then signed the covenant to support motorcycle riders and Angkas. (Senator JV Ejercito earlier signed the same document) 

Senator Bam Aquino followed suit and said “My message is simple, we know you riders have a right to make a living. It is not right for you to do that and we need to change laws, so you can do it right for your family. We shouldn’t put people in jail, we made the bill for ride sharing, this is what we will do to make sure you continue working. You have safety, it is important to support you, we are only 4 right now and we hope we have more people support you, we believe people who work for their families are meant to be helped not burdened.” 

Poe went up on stage and watched how the Angkas training for riders was being conducted. She said “I want to say I am impressed with Filipinos who do work for their own families. We all have our own jobs, my Dad was a rider, my Mom always wanted to stop him. I am saluting Angkas because we need a franchise for different modes of transport. Angkas is both a chance to earn and gives proper training. Do you promise to drive safe? Do you promise to drive correctly and follow the law? Do you promise to keep your riders safe?” (They all answered yes). She then goes saying “I think it is time to have a franchise for Angkas. May I ask you do good with driving? I hope I could be of service to you in the Senate.” 

There were several more candidates who appeared and gave their staunch support to their rider groups and organizations plus Angkas too. They have also signed a covenant ensuring they support laws and policies that would take care of the welfare of motorists and the riding public. Drivers had an opportune time to ask questions, learn from experts and see their senate representatives give their thoughts on matters that may affect their livelihood. It was just a great day to see how interested they all were in enactment of laws and more interesting steps they’ve taken to help their sector. 

Now let’s just wait for them to keep their promises! 

Senate Hopeful De Alban Pushes for Improvement of Showbiz Work Conditions

Senate Hopeful Angelo De Alban

Senatorial hopeful Angelo De Alban met with us this morning for a short meet and greet. He was apologizing because he was late as he was attending to matters about a disqualification case that was filed against him at Comelec/courts.

He says “I am a lawyer and teacher by profession, I have a lot of enemies but I have helped a lot of teachers and ordinary working class people. I was also a journalism major in the past so I have a close affinity to the media. The thing is, politics should not be partisan, I am young, about 37, only millennial who is running for office as an independent. I hope people would see me as person with the same mind, same way, as a new breed. I am not old, I have been doing law works for quite a while. I am an advocate of PWD’s and education for people with special needs. I got hurt by politicians whom we helped in the past but didn’t work on our plans for assistive needs. We hope there is active participation in government and also put a stop to TRAIN law. It wasn’t studied further to address current and immediate problems. We live day to day and do not have millions or billions of money, I am someone who wants to be independent so I could work with them both. I want bloggers and the media protected, to work with cyberbullying matters and we have to re evaluate it as it affects and regulates freedom of expression. We all age, we have to integrate also the plight of media workers. I was surprised to receive a petition indicating a very degrading remark against teachers and lawyers. They also indicate that I do not have the capacity to run a national campaign but in the age of internet you can already do all these things. We have sent our reply and I hope they read and understand the qualifications and dedication I put it to rest. I want to look for people who can relay the message, not to be fooled by looks alone and we are deliberating on who could do that and I want improvement and change. Change can be good or bad, for endorsers, we have three in mind but we are still in the process of choosing who can do what I have in mind because I have law experience and I have been doing that for years. We have a labor code but it is lacking, actors and actresses depend on the projects and can be bullied to work. If they are guaranteed not to be abused, that would be good. Government should also actively regulate it as more contracts even have long hours (ordinary working class) and talents are no different. I watch films since I was a kid and I do know a lot of them try to raise funds because they do not take care of their health early on. We have to make laws that are applicable, laws that work because it’s what the industry needs. We need actual government assistance for psychological help, it is limited and we need institutions that could handle syndromes like it.”

He wants people to get to know him better. With the articles on the internet picturing him as a crazy guy who wants to run for office, meeting him practically made us see he’s a normal person like you and me. He’s just got law experience and he has work done in the pontifical university to back it up. He looks so passionate too about this, he says he has to be consistent with it and it enables him to look further to protect peoples lives because of his background.

Is it time to elect new breeds and good guys perhaps? How could they win you think? That should be something YOU as a voter should probably know, he advises we should be discerning as a people and know what’s fact and what’s not.

There you go.

KUMAGCOW 

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Love for Country and Selflesness: Gregorio Honasan

 We had the chance to talk to the honorable Senator Gregorio Honasan again last week and it was fun. Fun in a way that by this time, he's already gone around the Philippines and have seen how much help people need around the country. It's fascinating to see how eager he is to help, to know that he's not doing this daunting task of being the UNA Vice Presidential candidate because of the position; but because our countrymen need it. I've been thinking about his platform about security, land use, food security and what his current party's Presidential candidate wants him to do when he gets elected, to be the crime Czar of the country. Honestly, I haven't really picked who I'm voting for VP yet but he's presenting himself well. He's not out of worldly, he's very humble, he's done a lot in the Senate (we asked him about it earlier) and the looks of it, he genuinely wants to help. I get a little disheartened though when he goes the mile of fighting for his country, what he believes in or die defending it. That's over and beyond patriotism, but he's done it in the past and seeing him still have that fire in his eyes - it was just amazing.

This is the same fire that feeds him to run for Vice President. The Senator had history playing with him. He's been part of what exponentially were several supposed uprisings, rebellion but felt it was the system that wasn't working for him initially. He quips people might have voted for him so he could have a hand on change and work with the system, propose laws that would make his frustrations then become solutions. I feel he's a good man, as he's always been, and he's not even convincing people to vote for him at all. He just sincerely wants to do it for the country, and see winning as a privilege and bonus. That's different.

I even told him point blank the last time that I didn't have a Vice President to vote yet, and he didn't find it offensive at all. The man is humble, I didn't even see this before I even had the chance to talk to him (oh yes I was a little scared to tell him about it). He genuinely wants to help and I find that selfless. He also wants to do more in domestic and international security, so that every Filipino would live the life that they deserve, free from fear of living everyday in or out of their homes. His party's presidential candidate said he'll be appointed as the crime czar and believes he's apt for it. I think so too.  Here's some videos from the small gathering and I hope you could pick up a thing or two about the man who wants to be Vice President soon.

Part 1



Part 2

I hope it would be a good thing to have much of the public to get to know the Vice Presidential candidates. They're not just spare tires and are expected to work much like the head of the Executive branch. I'm glad to have been able to talk to him in a casual setup and ask questions like normal people would want to do. He might have little or no love for himself at times, but he's got more for other people. Thank you for the opportunity to interview you Senator Gregorio Honasan and I hope to meet you again soon.

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