Jasha Gamao

PASAY CITY – The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations moved into high gear Thursday, February 19, as it began deliberations on three key international treaties designed to enhance the Philippines' global standing. 

Committee Chairperson Sen. Erwin Tulfo led the session, questioning experts from the DFA, DOJ, and DepEd to ensure the agreements align with national interests. 

The hearing focused on standardizing diplomatic cooperation, moving beyond formalities to establish concrete frameworks in education, fiscal policy, and legal repatriation.

Central to the discussion are three transformative deals: the Tokyo Convention, which aims to streamline the recognition of higher education degrees across the Asia-Pacific; a Double Taxation Agreement with Cambodia to ease financial burden on cross-border trade; and a crucial treaty with the United Kingdom on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TTSP). 

The UK pact would allow Filipinos convicted abroad to serve the remainder of their sentences closer to home. By involving stakeholders from the academe to legal experts, the panel signaled its intent to finalize these agreements and strengthen the country’s bilateral and regional ties.

MANILA – Malacañang issued a brief and pointed response after Vice President Sara Duterte officially announced on Wednesday that she will seek the presidency in the 2028 national elections. 

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro confirmed during a briefing that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is fully aware of the Vice President’s declaration. 

Rather than offering an extended political commentary, the President’s reaction was distilled to a simple, two-word message: "Good luck."

''Nadinig niya po, at ang sabi niya po ay 'good luck.” the Palace official said.

The Palace’s concise statement comes as the political rift between the nation's top two leaders continues to widen. 

According to Castro, the President also took note of Duterte’s public expressions of regret and her requests for forgiveness regarding her past political alliances. 

“Yun lamang po at nadinig niya po ang mga sinabing pinagsisisihan at humihingi ng kapatawaran itong si Bise Presidente,” Castro added.

Despite the significance of the Vice President’s early bid for the country’s highest office, the administration appears to be keeping its distance, with Castro emphasizing that the President’s "good luck" remark was his full and formal response.

PASAY CITY – Senator Risa Hontiveros responded on Wednesday, February 18, following Vice President Sara Duterte’s official announcement of her entry into the 2028 presidential race. 

Embracing the early start of the political season, the Senate Deputy Minority Leader emphasized that the upcoming elections are ultimately a matter of choice for the Filipino people. 

Hontiveros, who has emerged as a key opposition figure, appeared unfazed by the Vice President’s declaration, signaling that the democratic process thrives on competition and diverse options for voters.

While she is considered a potential challenger to the Duterte camp, Hontiveros maintained that her specific role in 2028, whether running for president or vice president, would depend on the consensus of a united opposition. 

Invoking the concept of "free will," the Senator urged Filipinos to exercise it in shaping the country’s future. 

“Sabi ng mga paborito nating mga philosophers, tayo ay may free will, gamitin natin.” Hontiveros said.

"Our favorite philosophers say we have free will, let’s use it," she added, positioning herself as a ready alternative as the political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections begins to take shape.

MANILA – Malacañang brushed off Vice President Sara Duterte’s formal announcement of her 2028 presidential bid, saying it was long expected. 

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified in her press briefing on Thursday, February 19, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains undeterred by the development. 

"Hindi naman po kasindak-sindak 'yung paga-announce na siya ay tatakbo sa pagkapangulo dahil ramdam na ramdam na po, even before, ang kanyang pangangampanya sa labas.” Castro said.

She added that the Vice President’s intentions had been clear for some time, making the official declaration more of a formality than a surprise.

“So, hindi po nakakagulat na siya ay mag-announce na siya’y tatakbo,” Castro continued.

"Therefore, it is not alarming that she announced that she will run [for President],” Castro told reporters, emphasizing that the Palace had long observed Duterte’s active movements across the country. 

According to the Press Officer, the Vice President’s "campaign-like" activities on the ground were evident well before the announcement, removing any element of surprise. 

The Palace stressed that the administration remains focused on its current mandate despite the early stirrings in the political landscape.

PASAY CITY – The Senate of the Philippines greenlit several landmark measures on Wednesday, February 18, aimed at uplifting the country’s most vulnerable sectors. 

During Session No. 46, lawmakers passed Senate Bill No. 1624 on final reading, establishing the Congressional Commission on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security (AGRICOM) to modernize and strengthen the country’s agricultural policies. 

The chamber also approved SBN-1629, which mandates the establishment of multi-faith prayer and quiet rooms in public spaces, and SBN-155, a reform measure aimed at reducing "red tape" for indigent Filipinos seeking emergency government financial assistance.

Beyond these approvals, the Senate resumed floor debates on two other priority bills. 

SBN-1508 seeks to empower the Department of Health (DOH) to directly manage hospital bed capacity to prevent overcrowding, while SBN-1822 aims to expand inclusive support systems for persons on the autism spectrum. 

These measures signal a proactive legislative push to ensure that essential government services, from food security and healthcare to social support, remain accessible and responsive to the needs of marginalized Filipinos.