Jasha Gamao

PASAY CITY— The Senate Committee on Agriculture assembled on Tuesday, February 10, uncovering what lawmakers describe as a sophisticated network of agricultural economic sabotage. 

During the hearing, a picture emerged of a "cartel-like structure" fueled by questionable companies, counterfeit branding, and a suspicious lack of oversight. 

Senators warned that the current rice trade irregularities mirror the scale of past infrastructure scandals, suggesting that these operations are bolstered by high-level financiers and deep-rooted collusion between private entities and corrupt officials.

Under the hot seat, officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) were grilled over "technical smuggling" and the inexplicably fast-tracked issuance of import clearances. 

Committee members pointed to a pattern of diversion tactics that allow illicit goods to flood the market, bypassing standard regulatory hurdles. 

With the investigation intensifying, the panel emphasized that this systemic rot threatens national food security, vowing to unmask the politicians and "big-time" players pulling the strings behind the scenes.

PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate formally adopted a resolution on Monday, February 9, to condemn the Chinese Embassy for issuing "disrespectful" and "unprofessional" public statements against Filipino leaders. 

Senate Resolution No. 256 principally authored by Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan condemns the embassy’s recent outburst, which targeted officials and institutions for defending the country's sovereignty. 

Senators stated that the embassy’s language lacked the "restraint and courtesy" required by international diplomacy and violated the principle of non-interference.

The resolution received strong bipartisan support from 15 senators, who emphasized that the Philippines has an inherent right to protect its maritime interests under international law. 

During the floor deliberations, sponsors clarified that the measure is a necessary response to a "systemic propaganda campaign" aimed at silencing voices that speak out against foreign aggression. 

By adopting the resolution, the upper chamber sent a unified message that it will not be intimidated by foreign efforts to malign Philippine defense institutions and personnel.

Beyond the condemnation, the Senate has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take immediate diplomatic action to uphold the "dignity of the Republic." 

This includes filing formal objections and potentially elevating the matter to international bodies if the hostile rhetoric continues. 

The resolution also reaffirmed the country’s firm stance on its 2016 arbitral victory, asserting that the peaceful defense of sovereign rights should never be met with diplomatic harassment.

PASIG CITY—The Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation officially launched its nationwide public consultations on the “Kontra Dinastiya Bill” this Monday, February 9, in Pasig City along with the City Government officials led by Mayor Vico Sotto.

Led by Committee Chairperson Senator Risa Hontiveros, the move aims to gather diverse perspectives to craft a law that finally addresses the long-standing grip of political clans on Philippine governance. 

By taking the debate out of the halls of the Senate and directly to the community, the panel seeks to build a grassroots mandate for this landmark reform.

During the consultation, Hontiveros engaged in direct dialogue with local government officials, academic experts, and youth leaders to ensure the proposed legislation remains practical and reflective of the public's needs. 

The discussions focused on defining the scope of prohibited relationships and identifying loopholes that have allowed dynasties to persist despite the constitutional mandate against them. 

Advocates at the event emphasized that a genuine anti-dynasty law is essential to leveling the playing field for emerging leaders and improving local accountability.

“Sa tulong po ninyong lahat, buo ang paniniwala ko, ipapasa po natin ang isang Kontra Dinastiya Bill,” Hontiveros told the crowd, expressing confidence that public support will provide the necessary momentum to hurdle legislative challenges. 

As the committee continues its series of meetings, the feedback from these sessions will be integrated into the final version of the bill. The panel expects these consultations to bridge the gap between policy and reality, moving the Philippines one step closer to a more inclusive democratic system.

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PASAY CITY—The Senate Committee on Energy, led by Senator Pia Cayetano, officially opened deliberations on Monday, February 9, to tackle the country’s dual crisis of mounting garbage and rising electricity costs. 

The hearing focused on a suite of legislative measures designed to institutionalize Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technologies, which convert non-recyclable residual waste into usable heat, electricity, or fuel. 

By integrating these systems into the national grid, lawmakers aim to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on rapidly filling sanitary landfills while simultaneously boosting the renewable energy sector.

During the session, Cayetano emphasized that the bills represent a proactive shift toward "responsible innovation." The proposed framework seeks to streamline complex regulations and provide clear legal guidelines for both local government units and private investors. 

Beyond simple waste disposal, the legislation positions WTE as a strategic tool for climate change mitigation and flood control—preventing plastic waste from clogging urban drainage systems while generating cleaner power for the Filipino public.

The government’s move signals a readiness to turn long-standing environmental challenges into economic opportunities. 

By classifying WTE as a renewable energy source, the measures offer fiscal incentives to developers who can provide scientifically validated solutions to the nation’s 92-million-ton waste projection. 

"This is about safeguarding the environment for future generations," the committee noted, as they work to finalize a regulatory roadmap that ensures these facilities meet strict health and emission standards under the Clean Air Act.

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PASAY CITY—The Senate Committee on Basic Education moved to dismantle the nation’s massive 166,000-classroom deficit during a high-stakes public hearing on Monday, February 9. Led by Senator Bam Aquino, lawmakers met with government officials and private stakeholders to streamline construction and maximize the ₱67.9 billion budget allocated for school infrastructure. 

The committee’s primary goal is to shift from bureaucratic delays to rapid execution, ensuring every peso translates into a safe learning environment for Filipino students.

The hearing scrutinized three specific construction modalities: traditional projects led by the DPWH, localized builds through LGUs, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). 

By comparing these methods, the committee aims to identify which process delivers the highest quality at the lowest cost and fastest pace. 

Senator Aquino emphasized that the "right price, process, and timing" are non-negotiable if the government hopes to provide long-term solutions to the unending shortage.

With the funding already secured, the committee set a firm benchmark to launch the construction of at least 26,000 classrooms within the year. This aggressive target serves as the first major milestone in closing the 166,000-unit gap. 

As the hearing concluded, the message to implementing agencies was clear: the budget is ready, the modalities are set, and the urgency of the education crisis demands immediate results.

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