Legarda welcomes passage of AICS bill on third reading, cites need for swift, protected aid

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda welcomed the Senate’s approval on third reading of Senate Bill No. 1966, which institutionalizes the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, establishing a permanent legal framework for one of the government’s primary social protection mechanisms.

In her explanation of vote, Legarda underscored the urgency of making crisis assistance more reliable, responsive, and protected from misuse, especially as many Filipinos continue to face economic strain, health emergencies, and climate-related disasters.

“Ang AICS ay isa sa […]

Legarda secures Senate approval of expanded tertiary education subsidy

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has successfully authored and steered the passage on third reading of Senate Bill No. 1894, enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931). The measure strengthens the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to ensure that financial assistance is directed to the most financially vulnerable students.

“This measure strengthens RA 10931 and ensures that the promise of free and equitable tertiary education truly reaches the poorest Filipino families,” Legarda said.

Legarda, Chairperson of […]

Loren Legarda re-elected Senate President Pro Tempore, vows decisive, disciplined, compassionate Senate leadership

Senator Loren Legarda was elected Senate President Pro Tempore on Monday, returning to the chamber’s second-highest post, which she previously held from July 25, 2022 until May 20, 2024, during the 19th Congress.

A four-term Senator, Legarda extensive legislative experience to the position, having chaired key committees such as Finance; Higher, Technical and Vocational Education; Foreign Relations; Environment and Natural Resources; and National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation. She led priority measures on education, climate action, women empowerment, cultural […]

Legarda urges VAT review on electricity charges amid rising inflation

Amid rising inflation, Senator Loren Legarda urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Finance (DOF), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to immediately review the VAT treatment of electricity bill components that may be unfairly increasing consumer costs.

Latest PSA data show overall inflation rising sharply to 7.2 percent in April 2026, from 4.1 percent in March, driven mainly by higher food, transport, and utility costs. For ordinary Filipinos, this means more expensive meals, costlier commutes, and higher electricity bills.

Legarda […]

Legarda: Culture is the strength that sustains Filipino identity and nation’s recovery

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized that safeguarding culture is inseparable from rebuilding the nation, declaring it the living strength that preserves Filipino identity, empowers resilience, and sustains recovery in times of crisis.

Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts and has championed cultural preservation for nearly three decades, delivered this message at BANTAY KULTURA: National Retooling of Cultural Education Scholars and Faculty on May 9, 2026, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, organized by the National Commission for […]