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Dateline Iloilo, 3rd flr. Street anne bldg. Luna St. , La Paz, Iloilo City (2026)

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3rd Flr. Street Anne Bldg. Luna St. , La Paz

07/05/2026

CHIZ TELLS FARMERS: CROP INSURANCE VITAL SAFEGUARD AGAINST THREATS OF EL NIÑO

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has encouraged farmers to enroll in insurance programs offered by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), stressing that coverage is a vital safeguard against the threat of El Niño to cut yields and raise production costs.

“Insurance is one of the most practical shields our farmers can rely on in times of drought and crisis. I urge them to enroll so they can access protection and support when losses occur,” Escudero said.

The senator made the call following PCIC’s announcement that it has set aside P150 million in drought insurance for Western Visayas, with P100 million earmarked for rice and corn farmers and P50 million for high‑value crops and coconut growers.

Escudero linked the insurance push to his earlier proposal to tap the P30‑billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), created under Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, for long‑term interventions. He pointed to the P15‑billion allocation for “Other Priority Programs” that could be redirected to irrigation, credit, and productivity projects.

There are also other funds under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) this year that the government can tap to mitigate the effects of El Niño, including the P730.9 million allocation for small‑scale irrigation projects. The fund is intended for the construction, restoration, improvement, or installation of irrigation systems in accordance with the master plan approved by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“This allocation can be tapped to help farmers strengthen their resilience to El Niño. Short‑term aid is important, but we also need structural programs that strengthen production and give farmers the capacity to withstand drought and rising fuel prices,” he said.

“Ang mahalaga ay matulungan silang makabangon at makapagpatuloy sa produksyon, upang manatiling matatag ang ating suplay ng pagkain kahit sa gitna ng krisis,” he added.

As the nation continues to reel from the rising fuel costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, agriculture authorities continue to warn of a moderate to strong El Nino later this year, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raising the likelihood of development to 79 percent by June.

01/05/2026

Cayetano pushes full-picture approach in Blue Ribbon flood control probe

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday questioned the attention being given to the partial report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the flood control probe, stressing that the inquiry should remain focused on establishing the full truth rather than a single portion of the findings.

“Sa tingin ko, we’re making a mountain out of a molehill doon sa partial [report]. May opportunity tayo na ayusin ang ugat, hindi lang one-time, big-time,” Cayetano said in a media interview on April 28 during an ocular inspection of infrastructure projects in the City of Taguig under the partnership of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the city government.

Cayetano made the statement after a draft or partial committee report on the flood control probe, circulated among senators in February by committee chair Panfilo Lacson, remains unsigned and incomplete as the investigation continues.

Cayetano said the current discussion risks narrowing the scope of the investigation, with several aspects remaining unresolved.

“Ito lang ang tanong ko: why so much fuss about the partial [report] when we have the opportunity to have the whole and bigger picture?” he added.

He noted that some senators have already reviewed the report but are not in agreement with certain portions, underscoring the need for continued deliberation.

“In fact, marami sa amin ang nakabasa na and we don’t agree with the report. Hindi sa ayaw naming pumirma, we [just] have a lot of disagreements there… That’s the beauty of having 24 senators – everyone can question,” he said.

Cayetano emphasized that the Blue Ribbon inquiry is still ongoing, with more stages expected as additional testimonies and evidence are examined.

“Ako personally, hindi pa tapos. Iniimbestigahan mo pa lang, marami pang yugto, marami pang nabubuksan,” he said.

The Minority Leader also raised concern over how the issue is being framed, noting that early narratives may not reflect the full complexity of the investigation.

“Ang unang naging problema is we didn’t start with the truth. ‘Di ba, from the start, sinasabi natin na hindi lahat ‘yan ghost [projects, pero] pinalabas na lahat ghost para mas maraming magalit. Ngayon, ina-admit nila na hindi naman pala lahat ghost,” he said.

Cayetano said conflicting accounts and shifting statements further highlight the need for a thorough and complete process, warning that focusing on limited findings may lead to incomplete conclusions.

He further stressed that the objective of the inquiry is to establish the full picture of the issue, not just isolated portions of the report.

“Systemic y’ung corruption. Hindi ito isolated,” he said

30/04/2026

CHIZ: TAP P30-B RCEF FUNDS TO SHIELD FARMERS FROM EL NIÑO, RISING FUEL COSTS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is urging the government to tap the P30-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), created under Republic Act No. 11203, to finance interventions that go beyond short‑term cash aid to shield farmers from El Niño and rising global fuel costs.

Escudero pointed to the P15 billion allocation for “Other Priority Programs, Activities and Projects” under RCEF, or the Rice Tariffication Law, that could be redirected to interventions that “most effectively promote farmers’ productivity, supply resiliency, and address food security emergency situations on rice due to supply shortage or extraordinary increase in prices.”

“Isa pang pwede na makakatulong sa ating mga magsasaka ay yung portion ng P30 billion mula sa rice competitiveness enhancement program, specifically the P15 billion for other priority programs,” Escudero said, noting that this fund can be mobilized for expanded financial assistance, rice credit, and irrigation projects.

The veteran legislator emphasized that government interventions in this time of compounded crisis, marked by El Niño’s looming dry spell and global fuel shocks from Middle East tensions, must be forward looking.

“Makakatulong ang short-term and immediate ayuda subalit kailangan rin natin ng mga pangmatagalang programang magpapatibay sa produksyon at magbibigay ng kakayahan sa ating mga magsasaka na harapin ang tagtuyot at mataas na presyo ng langis,” he added.

Escudero’s shared his suggestion as the Department of Agriculture (DA) started rolling out the P10 billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program, which provides P2,325 each to more than 4.17 million farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.

The DA has described the cash aid as a lifeline against soaring fuel costs, with initial payouts already underway in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

The Bicolano senator added that the goal is to strengthen farmers’ resilience. “Ang mahalaga ay matulungan silang makabangon at makapagpatuloy sa produksyon, upang manatiling matatag ang ating suplay ng pagkain kahit sa gitna ng krisis.”

Agriculture officials have acknowledged that the assistance is modest and primarily designed as short‑term relief. They are also bracing for a moderate to strong El Niño later this year, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Agency raising the likelihood of development to 79 percent by June.

The weather phenomenon is expected to bring prolonged dry conditions, strain irrigation systems, and cut farm output, particularly rice and corn.

28/04/2026

CHIZ CALLS INCREASE IN ILOILO’S READING LITERACY RATE A NATIONAL MODEL FOR REFORM

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero lauded Iloilo for raising its reading literacy rate to 90 percent from 28 percent in just one year, calling the province a national model for literacy reform.

“With what they have achieved, Iloilo demonstrated what coordinated local leadership can deliver when learning outcomes are treated as a collective priority,” Escudero said.

Escudero noted that the dramatic turnaround, which was highlighted by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, came at a crucial moment following the latest Education Commission (EdCom II) report that flagged persistent gaps in foundational skills nationwide.

He said Iloilo’s performance is a “welcome and encouraging development” amid the broader push to strengthen basic education.

The senator cited the province’s approach that combined sustained teacher training, regular assessments, community participation, and partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Synergeia Foundation, offers a replicable framework for local government units (LGUs) seeking to improve reading proficiency.

Escudero emphasized that literacy reform “cannot rely on classroom instruction alone,” pointing to Iloilo’s use of parent‑volunteers, collaboration among LGUs, local accountability, and data‑driven monitoring.

He said the province’s model shows how communities can accelerate learning recovery when they work in unison.

“As an advocate for education, naniniwala akong dapat suportahan at palawakin ang ganitong mga inisyatiba,” added Escudero, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, where he pushed for measures improving access and quality in the sector.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. earlier said the gains were driven by the Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES) Basa program, a localized version of Synergeia’s Proof of Concept model. The province has since expanded the program in partnership with municipal mayors and the DepEd.

22/04/2026

Good life indeed at Styles Residences

21/04/2026

CHIZ SAYS ILOILO CITY’S ‘HEATSTROKE BREAK’ POLICY SAFEGUARDS WELFARE OF TRAFFIC ENFORCERS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has taken notice of what he called a “makataong pagtrato” by the Iloilo City government of its traffic enforcers by institutionalizing “heatstroke break” to protect them from intense summer heat.

In a statement, Escudero commended the city government, led by Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, for institutionalizing a humane safeguard for frontline personnel who spend long hours under direct sunlight.

“Very commendable ang ‘heatstroke break’ na inilabas ng Iloilo City. Simpleng polisiya pero isang makataong pagtrato para protektahan ang kalusugan ng ating traffic enforcers sa tindi ng init,” the senator said.

The veteran legislator urged other local government units (LGUs) across the country to adopt similar measures.

It will be recalled that the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) last month issued a resolution directing LGUs in the National Capital Region to, among others, implement heat‑related safety measures for frontline personnel as summer temperatures in the metropolis continued to soar.

“Hinihikayat ko rin ang iba pang mga LGU sa kapuluan na tularan ang ganitong mga patakaran na nauna nang inilunsad ng MMDA para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng kanilang mga tauhan,” he added.

Iloilo City began implementing a 30‑minute shaded “heatstroke break” for its traffic enforcers after the area recorded a 41‑degree Celsius heat index last week. The measure aims to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and exhaustion among personnel exposed to direct sun for long stretches as they carry out their duties. #

19/04/2026

CHIZ COMMENDS ILOILO FOR ITS EXCELLENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero lauded the provincial government of Iloilo for earning a five-star rating from the Department of Energy (DOE) for its energy efficiency program in the face of the ongoing oil crisis and continuing fuel price pressures.

In issuing his commendation, Escudero said the initiative of the local government offers a workable model for addressing the continuing fuel crisis, and Iloilo’s performance under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) shows how proactive governance can help provinces manage fuel consumption and operational costs amid price volatility.

The veteran lawmaker urged other provincial local government units (PLGUs) to pursue similar programs to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on their constituents.

“Iloilo has shown what disciplined, data‑driven energy management can achieve. Binabati ko ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Iloilo sa pamumuno ni Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. sa pagkamit ng perpektong rating mula sa DOE,” Escudero said.

The senator noted that Iloilo’s initiatives such as the establishment of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Desk, regular driver training programs, and strict monitoring of fuel consumption, are practical measures that other provinces can adopt without requiring large budgets.

The DOE also cited the province’s four‑day workweek, carpooling schemes, and prioritization of essential travel as effective fuel‑saving steps that earned the province a perfect rating.

Escudero also pointed to Iloilo’s ongoing procurement of the Phase II 100‑kilowatt solar photovoltaic system as an example of how PLGUs can gradually build renewable energy capacity while reducing long‑term electricity costs—steps that were institutionalized through Executive Orders 34 and 34‑A issued by Governor Defensor.

“Dapat itong maipakalat at maibahagi sa iba pang mga PLGUs para kanilang mapag‑aralan at maiangkop ayon sa pangangailangan ng kanilang lalawigan,” he stressed.

Emphasizing the need for wider dissemination of the Iloilo framework, Escudero urged the DOE and the provincial government to lead efforts in promoting the model across other PLGUs.

09/04/2026

CHIZ: ROLL OUT ‘FUEL DIFFERENTIAL SUBSIDY’ TO KEEP PUVs ON THE ROAD

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is urging the national and local governments to immediately provide a “fuel differential subsidy” to drivers of public jeepneys, taxis, tricycles and transport operators this April, saying the temporary aid is needed to help them cope with oil price shocks that have already disrupted operations nationwide.

Escudero issued the call as transport groups in various locations such as Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Cebu have reported severe financial strain due to the rapid rise in fuel costs, with some cooperatives slashing trips and others warning of possible shutdowns if no immediate intervention is provided.

“I hope the national and the local government can give them fuel differential subsidy to PUJ/PUV/tricycles in the form of cash or voucher for fuel while the crisis is subsisting and the prices are still high for this month of April,” he added.

“Sana ay mabigyan ng karagdagang tulong ang ating mga drivers at transport operators bukod sa nailaan na ng pamahalaan para sa kanila sapagkat hindi naman talaga sapat ang subsidiyang binibigay,” the veteran legislator said.

In Iloilo province, several cooperatives have already reduced deployed units by more than half as diesel prices more than doubled, leaving operators with little to no income after fuel expenses. In Cagayan de Oro, the city council declared a state of emergency after transport groups reported that fuel costs were consuming almost their entire daily income. Meanwhile, in Cebu, modern jeepney operators warned that their operations were on the brink of collapse as fuel prices continue to surge.

The Bicolano senator said the same assistance should also be extended to farmers and fishermen after a farmers’ group reported during a recent Senate hearing that the number of fisherfolk going out to sea in several Luzon provinces has dropped by nearly half due to spikes in prices of petroleum products.

“We must act quickly to prevent deeper disruptions in food production and supply,” Escudero stressed. “Huwag nating kalimutan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na gumagamit rin ng gasolina at lubhang apektado sa mataas na presyo.”

Escudero said the proposed subsidy should cover the difference between regular fuel prices and the unusually high rates seen this month, stressing that the measure is intended only as a temporary buffer.

09/04/2026

Cayetano itinutulak ang ‘preparation mindset’ kontra reactive culture

Hinimok ni Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano ang mga Pilipino at pamahalaan na baguhin ang nakasanayang ‘reactive culture’ sa mga krisis at mas maging handa sa pagharap sa mga ito upang maibsan ang epekto sa ating bansa

Sa kanyang “CIA 365 with Kuya Alan” Facebook Live nitong April 8, sinabi ni Cayetano na dapat sabay-sabay ang purpose, planning, at preparation lalo na ngayon na ramdam na ang epekto ng oil supply issues sa bansa.

“Ang problema kasi sa walang preparation, malilimit ang [ating] options,” wika niya.

Tinukoy ng senador ang mga matagal nang butas sa sistema, lalo na sa energy at infrastructure, gaya ng kawalan ng sapat na oil stockpile at pagkaantala sa joint exploration.

“Dahil wala tayong preparation, for example sa strategic stockpile ng oil, we're at the mercy of the world market at sa mga presyo at supply ngayon,” wika niya.

Dagdag pa niya, ang mga hindi naagapan noon — tulad ng pag-shift sa electric vehicles at maagang pagkuha ng right of way — ang dahilan kung bakit mas magastos at mas mahirap ayusin ngayon ang mga problema.

Ayon kay Cayetano, normal magkamali, ngunit hindi na dapat inuulit.

“When we make a mistake, we learn from it… Repentance means ‘Mali ang pag-iisip ko, babaguhin ko [ito],’” wika niya.

Giit pa niya, hindi lang gobyerno ang dapat naghahanda kundi pati bawat Pilipino, lalo na sa paghawak ng pera at pag-iisip sa hinaharap.

Binalikan din ng senador ang pagtulak niya noon sa tourism funding sa ilalim ng Bayanihan 2 para sa trabaho, imprastraktura, at training ng workers, na aniya’y makakatulong sana kung nauna itong naisagawa.

Binigyang diin nito ang pangangailangan ng mas maayos na koordinasyon sa gobyerno at mas maagang aksyon sa harap ng krisis, tulad ng pagkakaroon crisis response mechanism na una na niyang isinulong sa Senado.

“Iyon talaga ang intention: na maging mas comprehensive ang approach, mas proactive, and then to not to criticize but to get everyone together,” wika niya.

16/03/2026

CHIZ-LED HOUSING COMMITTEE CLEARS 35 BILLS

The Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement chaired by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has tackled all 35 bills and resolutions on its agenda, reinforcing his “no backlog” policy in the committees he leads.

Among those approved for committee report was Senate Bill No. 934, authored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, which strengthens the government’s authority to expropriate land for socialized housing.

“The measure amends Sections 9, 10, and 11 of the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992 to empower local government units and housing agencies to identify priority areas, streamline land acquisition, and allow expropriation of idle lands, including residential lands under litigation,” Escudero said, noting that the bill supports the administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.

Also approved was SB 70, authored by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, exempting the underprivileged and homeless from the required payment of supersedeas bond to perfect an appeal in ejectment cases. This measure strengthens protections for vulnerable families facing eviction.

The committee likewise passed SB 1863, authored by Senator Bam Aquino, which institutes a loan restructuring and condonation program for socialized and low‑cost housing. This aims to ease the financial burden of housing beneficiaries and improve repayment sustainability.

In addition, measures amending the Condominium Act were cleared: AMENDING RA 4726 (CONDOMINIUM ACT): SB 235 (Escudero), SB 922 (Estrada), SB 1442 (Senator JV Ejercito), and House Bill No. 2286 (Representatives Victoria Co‑Pilar, Leila De Lima, et al.) These proposals modernize rules on dissolution and redevelopment of condominium projects, ensuring safer and more responsive housing options for urban dwellers.

During the hearing Tuesday, March 10, Escudero ordered the consolidation of similar bills, while several others were referred to new subcommittees for more focused deliberation. Among these is Senate Resolution No. 254, filed by Senator Bam Aquino, which calls for an inquiry into the implementation, challenges, and gaps in the government’s housing and resettlement programs.

The committee also reviewed the recalibrated housing targets under the Marcos administration. Instead of the earlier goal of one million units annually, the updated target is 1.13 million units for the entire term of the President until 2028. According to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the current backlog stands at 2.2 million units, with only 477,000 units delivered to date.

Escudero pressed DHSUD officials on the recalibrated numbers, recalling that former DHSUD Secretary Jose Acuzar had cited a 6.5‑million housing need.

“My problem with recalibrating numbers is that you are just making the books look good… Let us not fool ourselves that our backlog is that small just so that we can say that we accomplished something during our term,” he said, underscoring the need for transparency and consistency in defining the country’s housing deficit.

The Bicolano lawmaker thanked fellow senators, government agencies, and private‑sector representatives for their participation, emphasizing that sustained coordination and accurate data are essential to crafting effective housing policy.

He said the committee’s action on all pending measures reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every Filipino has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.

13/03/2026

CHIZ: MSMEs NEED BETTER SUPPORT, ACCESS TO LENDING TO BOOST EMPLOYMENT

The surge in unemployment to 2.96 million Filipinos in January 2026 has led Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero to press for urgent action to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), widely regarded as the backbone of the country’s economy that employs about two‑thirds of the national workforce.

Citing the latest Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Escudero said the figures reflect both seasonal job losses and long‑standing structural weaknesses that demand immediate legislative attention.

To help address the situation, the veteran legislator is hoping the Senate will consider expediting the deliberation on the two complementary measures he authored: Senate Bill No. 231, which simplifies tax requirements and reduces compliance costs for MSMEs; and Senate Bill No. 233, which reinstates mandatory credit allocation for small enterprises by requiring banks and lending institutions to dedicate a portion of their loan portfolios to MSMEs.

Escudero noted that his bills have been pending in their respective committees since August of last year.

“Access to credit remains the lifeblood of our small businesses. Without financing, MSMEs cannot restock, modernize, or hire, and without lower compliance costs, they cannot stay afloat long enough to recover,” he said.

The Bicolano senator explained that the two bills form a coordinated strategy for MSME recovery; one reduces operational burdens, while the other ensures capital reaches enterprises that need it most.

“If we want to reverse rising unemployment, we must strengthen the enterprises that employ most of our people. These are practical, fiscally responsible reforms that go straight to the root of the problem,” he said.

Escudero said MSME support is one of the most cost‑effective ways to generate employment without requiring massive new government spending. He warned that delays could lead to more closures and job losses.

“Every month of delay means more small businesses closing and more Filipinos losing work. If we want more families to find dignified, stable livelihoods, we must empower the backbone of our economy,” he said.

According to the latest PSA report, the unemployment rate rose to 5.8%, up from 4.4% in December 2025 and 4.3% in January 2025, meaning 58 out of every 1,000 workers had no job or livelihood. Employment also fell to 47.94 million in January 2026, from 48.49 million in January 2025 and 49.43 million in December 2025.

The report said the steepest year‑on‑year declines were recorded in agriculture and forestry, 1.42 million; wholesale and retail trade, 729,000; and fishing and aquaculture, 140,000. These sectors are heavily dominated by MSMEs.

“Our MSMEs remain the most exposed to economic shocks and the slowest to recover. They are hurting,” he concluded.

Dateline Iloilo

07/05/2026

01/05/2026

30/04/2026

28/04/2026

22/04/2026

21/04/2026

19/04/2026

09/04/2026

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