Sen. Robin: No More Delays in Fulfilling Promises to Fighters Who Availed of Amnesty
The government must not waste any more time fulfilling its promises to extend assistance to former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who availed of the state’s amnesty program. Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla stressed this on Tuesday after chairing a consultative meeting with officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the Senate. “Sa totoo lang, ang daming pinaguusapan ngayon na hindi pa pinaguusapan. Dapat pinaguusapan, paano tayo makaka-deliver sa pinangako ng gobyerno sa MILF (Today we discussed many things that were not widely known. What we must do now is think of how government will deliver on its promises to the MILF),” said Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs. During the meeting, participants bared how the government has not fulfilled its promises to former MNLF and MILF fighters who availed of amnesty. Since 2014, only 26,145 decommissioned combatants had received assistance, while 14,000 more have yet to be decommissioned. Of the 26,145 who received any form of assistance, not all have been given the full socio-economic package promised to them. “Frustrated ang combatants namin, bakit hanggang ngayon di pa delivered ang commitment ng gobyerno… siguro di dapat parang pagong na umuusad yan (Our combatants are frustrated. Why is the aid promised them not yet delivered… the fulfillment of the promises should not be this slow),” said Mohagher Iqbal, a former official of the MILF and now a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament. Padilla said he will discuss the matter with fellow Mindanao senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Ronald dela Rosa, to look into what happened. He said he and Zubiri in particular were surprised over the situation. “Hindi ba meron tayong pinasang batas? Yun pala kwentuhan pa lang yan. So yan aasikasuhin natin (We passed a law for amnesty that turned out to be all talk. We will do something about it),” he said.
Sen. Robin Appeals to Gov’t for Less Restrictive Treatment of Refugees
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla on Thursday appealed to the government to adopt a less restrictive treatment of refugees and stateless persons, especially those displaced by armed conflict, violence, persecution and insecurity. Padilla made the appeal in a message of solidarity at the culminating activity of the 10-year implementation of the National Action Plan to End Statelessness in Makati City. “Sana ang gobyerno namin medyo lumuwag nang kaunti… Sana ganyan din maging mentalidad ng leaders sa bansang ito, hindi tayo puro kwento. Kasi sa sarili nating bayan meron tayong stateless sa Sabah (I hope our own government will be less restrictive in treating refugees and stateless people. I hope our leaders adopt a mentality of walking the talk, because even in our own country we have stateless people in Sabah),” he said. He lamented many refugees and stateless persons are Muslims, even as he stressed the government can do something to help them. “Meron tayong siguro ang makakatulong sa atin, nandiyan ang DOJ (We can do something to help. The Department of Justice is there),” he said. Padilla filed last February Senate Bill 2548 strengthening the Philippine government’s protection for refugees and stateless persons, especially those displaced by armed conflict, violence, persecution and insecurity. He said the bill seeks to institutionalize the policy in the determination of eligibility for protection of a refugee or a stateless persons by creating a Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Board, which shall be an attached agency of the Department of Justice. Also, the bill prohibits the State from removing or expelling a refugee, except for grounds of national security or public order, from the Philippines to a country where he/she would be at risk of persecution. The bill was deliberated upon last September by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Before Padilla’s message, Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan stressed the need for continued collaboration to end statelessness. Atty. Maria Ermina Valdeavilla Gallardo, head of the Philippines Office ng United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), noted there are 4.4 million stateless people worldwide, and stakeholders must face new challenges including the plight of abandoned children of migrant workers. “It is about restoring humanity, ensuring every child person woman has a chance to say ako ay Pilipino,” she said.
Sen. Robin Pays Tribute to the Late Sen. Santanina Rasul
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla on Friday paid tribute to the late former Sen. Santanina Rasul, who passed away on Nov. 28. Padilla, a Muslim, noted Rasul was the first female Muslim to serve in the Senate. “Inaalala siya bilang isang taga umpisa, tagapagturo, at dedikadong pampublikong lingkod na ang pamana ay kinabibilangan ng mga landmark na batas na nagtataguyod sa mga karapatan ng kababaihan, mga reporma sa edukasyon, at mga pagsisikap sa pagbuo ng kapayapaan (She will be remembered as a trailblazer and dedicated public servant whose legacies include landmark laws that upheld the rights of women; educational reforms; and efforts for peace),” he said. “Nasa Diyos tayo, at sa Kanya tayo babalik (To God we belong, and to God we will return),” he added. Padilla chairs the Senate committee on cultural communities and Muslim affairs.
Sen. Robin Sponsors, Pushes Immediate Passage of FOI Bill
“Sa isang demokratikong pamayanan, wala pong boss kundi ang taumbayan. At bilang tagapaglingkod ng bayan, tungkulin nating tumugon sa mga tanong ng ating mga pinaglilingkuran. Sa panukalang batas po na ito ang bawat Pilipino na humihingi ng impormasyon ay may karapatang mabigyan ng access sa mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan (In a democracy, the people are the boss and the government is duty-bound to address their concerns. The FOI bill ensures people who ask for information from government agencies will have access to it).” On this note, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla sponsored and pushed for the immediate passage of Senate Bill 2880, which stemmed from the consolidation of various versions of the People’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, said the FOI bill will apply to all executive, legislative and judicial offices, constitutional offices, local governments, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), and other instrumentalities. He added the bill complies with Art. III, Sec. 7 of the Constitution, that “(t)he right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized”; and Sec. 28, Art. II of the Constitution, that: “Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.” The bill lists exemptions including information that concerns national security and defense; diplomatic safety; information in executive session of Congress; trade secrets; and presidential privilege. Also exempted are personal information in Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth including address, details of dependents, signatures of government employees, and copies of their IDs. “Kabilang rin po sa konsiderasyon sa pagbalangkas ng panukalang ito ang layunin ng Republic Act 10173 o Data Privacy Act of 2012 na nangangalaga sa ating right to privacy (The bill takes into consideration RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 that ensures our privacy),” said Padilla. “Nais ko na ring banggitin na binibigyang-diin ng panukalang batas na ito ang Republic Act No. 9485 o Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 na naglalayong mapabilis ang serbisyo ng gobyerno (I wish to stress that this bill upholds RA 9485 of the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 that aims to speed up service in government),” he added. Padilla said the bill aims to foster transparency and accountability on the collection and spending of public funds. He said this will also help fight corruption. “Isang napakagandang hakbangin po nito kung tunay at tapat ang ating intensyon sa tamang paggastos ng pera ng bayan. Hindi lamang nito mahahadlangan ang mga modus sa pagbubulsa ng ating kaban, mas mapapaigting rin po nito ang pananagutan ng mga opisyal ng pamahalaan (This will enhance the proper spending of public funds by disrupting the modus of pocketing people’s money, and by enhancing the accountability of government officials),” he said. Also, he said the bill encourages agencies to use simple language and Filipino in disclosing information. “Upang magkaroon naman po ng ngipin ang ating batas, naging partikular na rin po tayo sa mga administrative offenses, gayundin sa mga karampatang parusa, sa mga lalabag sa sinasaad ng ating FOI bill (The bill has penalties for administrative offenses and violations),” he said. “Mayroon din pong probisyon sa sistema ng incentives at rewards upang mabigyan naman natin ng tamang pagkilala ang mga ahensya o lokal na pamahalaan na nakikiisa at sumusunod sa mga panuntunan ng freedom of information (It also has incentives or rewards for agencies and LGUs that follow the FOI),” he added.
Sen. Robin’s Bill to Punish Abusive Debt Collectors
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla has filed a bill to punish abusive landing and financing companies that force borrowers to settle their debts through harassment, shaming and similar practices. Padilla filed Senate Bill 2882, after noting RA 9474 (the Lending Company Regulation Act) and RA 7394 (Consumer Act) do not have enough protections against such unethical practices. “Over the years, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Data Privacy Commission and law enforcement agencies have received numerous complaints against Financing Companies (FCs) and Lending Companies (LCs) harassing, shaming, and employing abusive, unethical, and unfair means upon their customers/clients to force the settlement of debts. Likewise, there has been a proliferation of misuse of customer/client personal information and the public disclosure of unpaid loans or balances,” he said in his bill. He added such lending companies even use third-party providers to evade liability from such unethical practices. Padilla said his bill imposes on FCs and LCs the ultimate responsibility for the prohibited acts, to address the intentional evasion of liability. “This proposed measure declares it as a policy to regulate the collection practices of FCs and LCs to deter the use of means that are prejudicial to the interest of the public,” he said. Under the bill, prohibited acts include: Use of threat of violence or harm Use of obscenities, insults or profane language to abuse the borrower Use of social media and other online platforms to humiliate the borrower Disclosure or publication of borrowers’ personal information Contacting the borrower at unreasonable or inconvenient hours “Notwithstanding the borrower’s consent, contacting the persons relatives, colleagues, or acquaintances other than those named as guarantors, surety, or co-makers shall also constitute unfair debt collection practice,” Padilla said. A fine of P50,000 shall be imposed for the first offense; P100,000 for the second offense; P500,000 to P1 million and a 90-day suspension of lending and financing activities for the third offense; and the revocation of certificate of authority to operate as an FC or LC for the fourth. The FCs and LCs shall also disclose to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) the information on their third-party service providers, including their registered phone numbers used in debt collection.
Sen. Robin Bill Creates Basulta Autonomous Region
A bill filed by Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla seeks to create a new autonomous region for the people of Sulu, following its exclusion from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Padilla filed on Tuesday Senate Bill 2879, which establishes the Basulta Autonomous Region composed of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi provinces. “To further promote political stability and economic development in the Sulu archipelago, this bill aims to create an effective political entity, provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the cause of the people of Sulu, and that of the people of the provinces of Basilan and Tawi-tawi,” Padilla said in his bill. He added the bill seeks to establish the Basulta Autonomous Region to help address the specific needs of the island provinces, particularly in the delivery of basic services. It likewise “seeks to foster meaningful and effective governance and sustainable development, characterized by respect for culture, traditions, and diversity,” he added. Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi are part of the BARMM, which also covers Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Lanao del Sur. But the Supreme Court, in a decision dated September 9, 2024 declared Sulu as not part of BARMM after the Sulu voters rejected the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Under the bill, the proposed new autonomous region shall include the city and provinces that shall vote favorably in a plebiscite for the ratification of its organic act in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The national government shall provide the autonomous region with a proportionate and equitable share in the annual national budget and foreign-assisted projects. Also, the proposed autonomous region will have its own Regional Assembly. Meanwhile, the bill provides for sharing in exploration, development and utilization of natural resources in Basulta. In the case of uranium and fossil fuels, these may be co-managed and the revenues shared equally between the national government and Basulta government. Indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples shall have a five-percent share of net revenues from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, including natural gas projects in the territories covered by native, traditional or customary title. The dispensation of justice in the autonomous region shall be in consonance with the Constitution, Shari’ah, traditional or tribal laws, and other relevant laws.
P9 Billion Pasay City budget for 2025 questioned; call for transparency in health services funding urged
Pasay City Councilor and Mayoral candidate Wowee Manguerra expressed alarm over the “bloated” budget of the city for 2025, amounting to P9 billion, with a significant portion allocated to the City Health Office and Pasay General Hospital. According to Manguerra, it is puzzling that the Pasay City Government is allocating such large funds for healthcare, yet residents do not feel the benefits, as there continues to be a shortage of hospital rooms and medical facilities. She highlighted the allocation of P1,071,072,472.53 for the City Health Office and P930,894,641.15 for Pasay City General Hospital. “Why do we have a bloated budget but still lack medical services?” Manguerra stated during the budget deliberation of the Pasay City Government held at Sheraton Hotel, Pasay City. She also questioned the considerable allocation for the Office of the Mayor, amounting to P3,871,369,674.37, as well as for the University of Pasay at P128,058,012.01 and the Pasay Social Welfare Department (PSWD) at P178,653,595.28. “The budget for the City Mayor’s Office and our hospital is large, yet the people do not feel the same benefits that are received by residents in other cities in Metro Manila,” Manguerra added. Manguerra assured that he would continue to monitor the budget deliberations and called for transparency in the city’s budget process, suggesting that the deliberations be made public through Facebook Live. “We have an obligation to the citizens. We are funded by their taxes, and it is only right that we remain accountable,” she emphasized. Meanwhile, Manguerra also criticized the lack of a clear breakdown of the budget allocations. “Department heads should improve their PowerPoint presentations to show the public the breakdown of the funds and where they will go. The information should be clear and detailed so that the people understand how their taxes will be used,” she explained. Manguerra further insisted that residents are clearly calling for “better governance” and a transparent process in the use of funds. “Many citizens express doubts about how the Pasay City budget is utilized. The overall sentiment is clear: the residents of Pasay demand significant and tangible improvements in healthcare services, reflecting the true intentions behind the city’s substantial budget,” Manguerra concluded.
Sen. Robin, Coast Guard Planning Movie to Debunk Fake News on WPS
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla is planning a movie that will inform the public about the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and to drum up support for the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies involved in defending our territory. Padilla disclosed this on Wednesday during a ceremony aboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua, marking the promotion of actor Gerald Anderson Jr. to auxiliary captain in the Coast Guard. He said Anderson will star in the movie. “Gagawa po kami ng public information na pelikula na pinagbibidahan po ni Gerald (We are planning a public-information movie that will star Gerald),” said Padilla, who chairs the Senate committee on public information and mass media. He said this will show how the entertainment industry can play a big role in fighting fake news. “Ang kababayan nating nabubuhay ngayon siguro 90% fake news, siguro magamit nyo ang artista para magbigay ng tamang impormasyon lalo sa ganap natin di lang sa loob ng ating bansa kundi sa ating teritoryo (Filipinos now live in a time where about 90% of the information they are exposed to is fake news. We can tap the entertainment industry to deliver accurate information on what is happening not only in our country but also in our territory),” he said. Padilla congratulated Anderson on his promotion, saying he is an example not only of a serious and dedicated entertainer but also a Filipino who shows his love for country by being part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The lawmaker reiterated his call to bloggers and media workers – especially the influential ones – to become Coast Guard reservists as well. “Sana ang bloggers at nasa media, mag-reservist din kayo, pumasok sa PCG, makasama si Gerald at ibang artista na nagbibigay ng serbisyong libre. Kumbaga ang buhay nila, literal yan, na sinasang-alang-alang ang buhay nila (I hope bloggers and media workers become reservists in the Coast Guard, to join the likes of Gerald who render their service for free. They dedicate their lives to the country),” he said. “Sana tulungan nyo kami sa showbiz din na meron kaming isang mukha. At ang mukhang yan magagamit ninyo para sa public information. Gamitin nyo kami, gamitin nyo sila (I hope you can tap the showbiz industry for public information),” he added. Last July, Padilla filed a Senate resolution seeking a commendation and promotion for Anderson, for his work in helping Quezon City residents affected by floods brought by Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon. For his part, Anderson said it was “very inspiring” to be around Coast Guard officials led by Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and Padilla, who he described as his idol. He said Padilla’s recognition of his achievement “inspires me to be even a better person.”
Sen. Robin Bill Creates Special Province to Ensure Residents’ Right to Vote
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla has filed a bill creating a special province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), to ensure the constitutional right of suffrage for residents there. Padilla filed on Monday Senate Bill 2875 creating the special geographic area to be known as Kutawato province, which will cover 63 “orphaned” barangays that opted in to joining BARMM in 2019. “The establishment of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) reflects the historic aspirations of the sixty-three (63) barangays from the municipalities of Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Pikit, and Aleosan in the Province of Cotabato to become part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as affirmed through a plebiscite held on February 6, 2019,” Padilla said in his bill. Under the bill, the proposed Kutawato province shall consist of the towns of Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, Tugunan, and Ligawasan, which covered the 63 barangays in the Special Geographic Area. Pahamuddin shall be the capital town of the province. Last Nov. 7, Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia noted voters in the 63 barangays could not vote because they currently do not belong to any province. Padilla aired concerns that the current situation of voters in the eight towns may violate their constitutional right to suffrage, as outlined in Section 1, Article V of the 1987 Constitution. “To address this serious concern, this bill thus proposes to create an SGA under the BARMM to be known as the Kutawato Province, to be composed of the eight (8) abovementioned municipalities with Pahamuddin as its proposed capital. It outlines the powers and functions of the provincial government, including but not limited to revenue generation, taxation, land use regulations, consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991,” Padilla said in his bill. “To facilitate the swift development of these newly established municipalities within the SGA and to ensure the provision of essential services to their constituents, it is essential to establish a province that will oversee and support these localities. The creation of Kutawato Province also aims to streamline the delivery of basic services and facilities and enhance local government operations within these areas,” he added. Also, he noted the bill aims to safeguard against the disenfranchisement of residents “by ensuring their access to adequate and effective government services.”
Sen. Robin Seeks Continued Aid for Muslims Victimized by Marawi Siege
While he is thankful for the government’s continued efforts to aid victims of the 2017 Marawi siege, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla called for continued assistance for them. Padilla assured the public that the aid will not be wasted because Muslims, especially the Maranaos, are good at business and can use the aid to completely recover. “Sana lamang po, patuloy ninyo kaming tulungang makabangon dahil alam ninyo kami ay biktima. Mga Muslim sa Marawi sa buong Lanao ay biktima ng dayuhang ideolohiyang ito (I hope the government will continue its aid to help us recover. Muslims in Marawi and the entire Lanao were victims of the armed group that acted on its ideology),” Padilla said at the hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation and Victims’ Compensation on Tuesday. “(Ang pondo) ng taumbayan, shine-share ninyo sa ating mga kababayan sa Marawi na nasalanta ng giyera, hindi masasayang sapagka’t ang Maranao yan ay kilalang mga traders, sila ay mga negosyante (The public’s funds will not go to waste. The funds shared by the public with our people in Marawi will be put to good use because the Maranaos are good traders),” he added. He also stressed Maranaos are an “asset” to the country and will not waste the attention and assistance from the government. “Kumbaga ay inaakay natin silang makabangon (We are helping them get back on their feet),” he said. Padilla thanked anew President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who he credited for continuing the giving of compensation to those affected by the 2017 conflict. He thanked as well Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino and Bong Go for their continued support for Marawi compensation. “Itong usapin sa Marawi, ito ay isang bagay na huwag natin kalimutan. Ito pong nangyari dito nagtagumpay ang sambayanang Pilipinas laban sa isang ideolohiyang dayuhan, ito ang ISIS. Nanalo po tayo dito, nanalo ang ating bayan laban sa ideolohiyang sumisira sa aming religion. Kaya kami po mga Muslim patuloy na nagpapasalamat sa inyo (We must not forget what happened in Marawi. The Philippines triumphed over the ideology of ISIS, which threatens to destroy our religion. That is why we Muslims are thankful they were thwarted),” he said.