On Human Rights Day, Legarda Renews Call for Climate Justice

As this year’s observance of International Human Rights Day coincides with a critical climate change conference in Paris, Senator Loren Legarda today stressed the urgent need to address the climate crisis as a way of upholding basic human rights.

Legarda, UN Global Champion for Resilience and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said “the climate crisis is an all encompassing threat to our basic human rights – food, potable water, shelter, decent livelihood and life itself. If we are to uphold human rights, we must address climate change, not only by addressing its impacts but more importantly limiting global warming through deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.”

Legarda: Bicam Approves Proposed 2016 National Budget

Senator Loren Legarda announced that the bicameral conference committee approved today the proposed Php3.002 Trillion national budget for 2016 following the consolidation of the respective versions of the Senate and House of Representatives.

The bicam report will be presented by Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, and Rep. Isidro Ungab, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, to their respective chambers during the Session today for ratification before the same is submitted to President Benigno Aquino III for his signature.

Legarda Renews Call to Strengthen Awareness on Women’s Rights

In observation of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), Senator Loren Legarda underscored the need to strengthen public awareness and campaigns on women’s rights in order to prevent and combat all forms of gender-based violence.

“Violence against women and girls–including trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual violence–remains a serious problem in the Philippines, but many victims choose not to report these incidents due to lack of awareness about their legal rights. Abuse is not acceptable, women have legal rights and individuals can be punished for violating these rights,” Legarda stressed.

Senate cuts CCT funds by P8 B

Legarda chairs the Senate finance committee and is a reserve officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. She heads the smaller chamber’s contingent in the conference committee on the 2016 budget.