Opening Statement of Senator Loren Legarda | Hearing of the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee | March 24, 2026

I have a written opening statement, but I’d like to put it on the record, and I would like to propose, Mr. Chair, una, thank you. I believe that the Defense establishment must be represented. I know that they were invited yesterday. Are they here? DND? Ah, nandiyan po si Usec. Ok, thank you very much.

I would just like to put on the table, Mr. Chair, ang mga binabanggit po ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno, ‘yung mga plano, importante po […]

Senator Loren Legarda’s Message of Congratulations for Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for winning the National Book Award | 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 […]

Co-Sponsorship Speech of Senator Loren Legarda for SBN 1981, under Committee Report No. 47 (Basic Education Voucher Program Act) | 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 […]

Co-Sponsorship Speech of Senator Legarda | Senate Bill No. 1982 – Automatic Suspension or Reduction of Excise Tax on Fuels | 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 […]

Co-Sponsorship Speech of Senator Legarda | Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers | 25 February 2026

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,

I rise today to sponsor the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, a measure that seeks to give long-overdue recognition, protection, and dignity to the individuals who form the most accessible arm of our public health system.

Barangay health workers are the first to knock on doors, the first to identify health risks, the first to guide mothers and children, and the first to respond to emergencies in communities where formal health facilities remain distant or limited.

According to […]