March 16, 2026
Mr. President,
I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to our Majority Leader, Senator Migz Zubiri, for receiving the National Book Award in the Professions category during the 43rd National Book Awards held on March 14, 2026 at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall.
The award, conferred by the National Book Development Board and the Filipino Critics Circle, recognizes Senator Zubiri’s book, The Road to Peace: Crafting the Bangsamoro Organic Law. This work captures an important chapter in our nation’s history and offers […]
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March 16, 2026
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,
I rise to co-sponsor the Basic Voucher Education Act under Committee Report No. 47, which seeks to establish the Basic Education Voucher Program and strengthen government assistance to students and teachers in private basic education institutions.
Across the country, many public schools continue to struggle with overcrowded classrooms, limited facilities, and steadily increasing enrollment. In numerous communities, particularly in urban and rapidly growing areas, students are compelled to learn in congested conditions that strain teachers, classrooms, and learning […]
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March 16, 2026
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues:
I rise today to co-sponsor Senate Bill No. 1982, which expressly grants the President to suspend the imposition of fuel excise taxes in times of extraordinary circumstances.
We are now experiencing an extraordinary circumstance. There is a rapid and continuous increase in fuel prices brought about by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As we have seen time and again, this situation triggers a domino effect.
Kapag tumaas ang presyo ng petrolyo, bumubulusok din pataas ang presyo ng […]
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March 16, 2026
The Senate has passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1719, principally authored and principally sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda, declaring April of every year as Philippine Veterans Month. The measure establishes a permanent national framework to honor Filipino veterans, preserve their legacy, and strengthen access to welfare and education programs for them and their families.
Legarda said the bill’s approval during the March 16 plenary session affirms the nation’s solemn duty to honor those who fought for freedom.
“Our […]
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March 14, 2026
Filipinos are being hit by relentless increases in petroleum prices that are driving up daily fares and household costs nationwide, with diesel prices increasing by as much as 24 pesos per liter , kerosene by 32 to 38.50 pesos per liter, and gasoline by 7 to 13 pesos per liter in a single week, as oil firms implement staggered “big-time” hikes. At current pump prices of around 70 pesos per liter for diesel, an increase of about 24 pesos represents […]
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