After Municipal Water Rights, Legarda Files Measure to Strengthen Vessel Monitoring, Combat Illegal Fishing, and Pierce Corporate Veil to Further Protect Small Fisherfolk

In a resolute move to protect the country’s marine wealth and secure the livelihoods of local coastal communities, Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill No. 2521, otherwise known as the proposed “Fisheries Vessel Monitoring Act.”
The measure seeks to establish a clear, proportionate, and accountable electronic vessel monitoring framework to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing within the Philippines’ extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its 36,289-kilometer coastline.
“Napakahalaga ng ating karagatan, napupuno ito ng yamang bumubuhay sa ating bansa. […]

Legarda: Protect indigenous culture and knowledge, start with respect

As the country observes National Indigenous Peoples Month this October, Senator Loren Legarda called for stronger protection of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and traditional knowledge, stressing that growing appreciation for Indigenous clothing, weaving, music, rituals, and other cultural expressions must be accompanied by respect for the communities that created and continue to preserve them.
“Magandang makita na mas maraming Pilipino ang humahanga sa ating mga habi, sining, kuwento, tradisyon, at kaalamang katutubo. Kasabay ng paghanga, mahalagang itanong kung kinikilala ba natin ang […]

Legarda: Protect Aeta rights, lock in Filipino gains before Pax Silica deal is sealed

With the detailed agreement for the Pax Silica-linked Clark project still being shaped, Senator Loren Legarda urged the government to proceed cautiously to the next stage and subject any additional long-term commitment to a clear public-interest test, saying headline investment and job projections cannot by themselves establish the net benefit to the Philippines.
Legarda said any final agreement must pass two basic tests: it must deliver clear and measurable gains for Filipinos, and it must fully protect the rights, land, livelihoods, […]

Legarda seeks stronger CHR with power to provide real protection and remedies to human rights victims, away from threats of budgetary harassment

Senator Loren Legarda filed Senate Bill No. 2497, or the proposed Commission on Human Rights Charter, on September 24, 2026, seeking to strengthen the Commission on Human Rights as the country’s National Human Rights Institution and give it clearer powers to investigate violations, protect victims and witnesses, and provide effective remedies.
“Ang kasiguraduhan na pangalagaan ang ating mga karapatan ay kung may institusyong may kapangyarihan at kakayahang protektahan ito. Para sa isang biktima, mahalaga ang may malalapitan, may makikinig, at may […]

Legarda calls for “Tapat na Paglilingkod”: ₱2.75-T Loss from Corruption and Inflation Underscores Need for Systemic Reforms Amidst Economic Crises

In light of the worsening state of corruption in the Philippines, Senator Loren Legarda has underscored the urgent need to shift away from individual political attacks and toward systemic transparency and comprehensive institutional reform. The call comes as recent data highlights a staggering economic toll on the nation, severely exacerbating the suffering of Filipinos amidst an ongoing oil crisis.

“Ang korapsyon ay higit pa sa usaping politikal, ito ay moral. Sa pagkamkam sa kaban ng bayan, buhay ng sambayanan ang nagdurusa. […]