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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

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.

11/03/2026

CHIZ WANTS FULL FORCE OF LAW VS OIL HOARDERS, PROFITEERS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero called for the strict and full enforcement of the law against fuel hoarding and profiteering to safeguard Filipino families from opportunists seeking to exploit the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Escudero said that while global instability continues to drive uncertainty in oil prices, local profiteers must not be allowed to exploit the crisis and aggravate the hardship and uncertainties confronting ordinary citizens.

The veteran legislator urged the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to intensify monitoring and enforcement.

Escudero said close coordination with law enforcement agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) must be sustained to swiftly dismantle profiteering networks, prosecute economic saboteurs, and protect consumers.

“Enforcement must be swift, decisive, and unforgiving to send a strong message that economic sabotage will not be tolerated,” he pointed out.

He said fuel hoarding and profiteering are acts of economic sabotage that weaken the country’s ability to withstand external shocks and inflict harm on the citizenry, especially the middle class and indigent families.

“Petroleum supply is a matter of national security. The government must ensure that no profiteer or hoarder escapes accountability, and that violators face the full weight of penalties prescribed under Republic Act 10623,” Escudero said, referring to the amended Price Act Law.

The senator noted that while Presidential Decree 1865 first penalized petroleum hoarding and adulteration during the administration of President Marcos Sr., today’s Price Act goes further by explicitly defining profiteering, hoarding, and cartelization of prime commodities as economic sabotage.

Under the Price Act, violators face fines ranging from P5,000 to P2,000,000 and imprisonment of five to 15 years.

“Every peso added through profiteering is a peso stolen from jeepney drivers, market vendors, and wage earners who already struggle to make ends meet. We must protect the most vulnerable from opportunists who exploit crises for private gain,” he added.

Escudero also appealed to consumers not to panic or rush to purchase fuel in anticipation of price hikes, noting reports of temporary shortages in some gas stations over the weekend.

“Panic buying only worsens the situation and plays into the hands of profiteers. I call on the public to remain calm and vigilant, while government agencies ensure steady supply and strict enforcement against hoarding,” he concluded. #

05/03/2026

CHIZ: PRESIDENT MUST BE GIVEN PERMANENT POWER TO DEAL WITH RISING OIL PRICES

Senator Chiz Escudero on Wednesday (March 4) called for amendments to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law that will empower the President to suspend or lower excise and value‑added taxes (VAT) on fuel whenever global oil prices exceed the benchmark assumptions for Dubai crude set in the government’s Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF).

According to Escudero, the current safeguard in the TRAIN Law or Republic Act No. 10963 is “too narrow” and requires specific conditions before excise taxes can be suspended. He said a broader amendment is needed to ensure faster relief for consumers during oil shocks caused by force majeure events such as wars or global crises.

The veteran legislator shared that this has always been his position to grant the President automatic authority to suspend tax impositions to protect the public from sudden fuel price increases.

“The law should be amended to automatically give the President that power to suspend or lower excise and VAT rates when prices exceed the estimated range of Dubai crude oil based on the BESF, which guides government budget assumptions,” he said.

“Government cannot enjoy windfall in excise taxes at the expense of the public because of increase in prices brought about by force majeure,” Escudero added.

The senator’s proposal comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that he will ask Congress for emergency powers to reduce excise taxes on petroleum products if Dubai crude exceeds $80 per barrel, a move the Chief Executive envisioned will help protect the Filipino people from impact of rising global oil prices.

Escudero said that the while the President’s request for emergency powers is a step in the right direction, a permanent amendment would be more effective.

“We should not wait for every crisis to pass through Congress before action can be taken. The law must already provide the president with the automatic authority to act when conditions demand it,” he pointed out.

03/03/2026

READ: STATEMENT Sen. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero On the Death of Mary Ann de Vera

I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mary Ann de Vera, our kababayan who lost her life amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. No Filipino should have to pay the ultimate price simply because she sought honest work to provide for her loved ones.

In the short term, our government must act with urgency to ensure the safety of every Filipino in the affected regions. This must be our foremost priority. I echo calls for the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure that contingency and evacuation plans are fully operational, and for the said agencies to provide direct, proactive communication with our OFWs in vulnerable areas.

Beyond the immediate crisis, however, lies a deeper, chronic, long-term challenge.

For decades, millions of Filipinos have left home not because they wanted to, but because they felt they had to. They braved distance, uncertainty, and in some cases instability, simply to earn a living. This tragedy reminds us that while we honor the sacrifice of our OFWs, we must also confront the reality that many leave for regions that are economically promising yet geopolitically fragile.

Our long-term response must therefore focus on development at home — sustained job creation, stronger local industries, competitive wages, food and energy security, and real opportunities in our provinces. We must build an economy where working abroad is a choice, not a necessity—because our countrymen deserve a choice.

A choice to stay close to their families without sacrificing dignity or opportunity. A choice to pursue prosperity without placing themselves in harm’s way. A choice to build their future here in the Philippines if they so wish.

We will continue to honor and protect our overseas Filipino workers. But the greater tribute we can offer them is to build a nation strong enough that leaving home is no longer the only path to a better life for their family.

02/03/2026

CHIZ URGES GOV’T TO PREPARE COORDINATED RESPONSE TO PROTECT FILIPINOS IN M. EAST

Senator Chiz Escudero urged government agencies to intensify coordinated protection measures for Filipinos across the Middle East, citing the more than 2.2 million Filipinos living and working in the region and the over 1,100 Filipinos currently in Iran who may be affected by the escalating tensions following recent strikes in and around Iranian territory.

In issuing the call, Escudero stressed that the sheer scale of the Filipino presence in the region demands a response that is both urgent and anticipatory.

Escudero acknowledged President Marcos’ directive to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to activate contingency plans and account for Filipinos in affected areas. He said this swift action is essential, especially with Saudi Arabia hosting over 865,000 Filipinos, the UAE nearly 650,000, and significant communities in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman that could be impacted by any regional spillover.

Escudero emphasized, however, that advisories alone are not enough given the magnitude of the risk. With millions of Filipino families depending on the safety of their loved ones abroad, he called for a more unified and forward‑leaning approach that ensures embassies, welfare officers, and crisis teams are operating with synchronized information and clear protocols should conditions deteriorate.

The veteran legislator proposed the activation of a coordinated Middle East Crisis Command Center to consolidate real‑time monitoring, map out safe corridors, and pre‑position evacuation assets in friendly ports or airports.

He added that assistance should likewise be extended to Filipino travelers who may be stranded in airports or transit hubs due to flight cancellations, ensuring they receive timely guidance, temporary support, and clear information on available routes or repatriation options.

“Such a mechanism is not alarmist but a necessary safeguard, especially for our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in high‑risk areas like Israel and Iran, where mobility may be restricted and communication lines may be disrupted,” he pointed out.

The senator also underscored the need to maintain reliable communication channels with the OFWs. Emergency hotlines, check‑in systems, and temporary assistance for connectivity would help ensure that workers remain informed and reachable, particularly those in sectors with limited mobility such as domestic work, construction, and caregiving.

Escudero, who has consistently championed the welfare of OFWs, said the country must continue strengthening systems that protect Filipinos abroad, as he noted that they have long been a stabilizing force for the Philippine economy, and their safety must remain at the center of the national response.

“I am prepared to work closely with our foreign and migrant‑worker agencies to ensure that every Filipino in the region is accounted for, protected, and supported,” he said.

25/02/2026

CHIZ CHAIRS NEW SENATE PANEL THAT WILL TACKLE BILL BANNING OFFICIALS, KIN FROM GOV’T. CONTRACTS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero will lead Senate hearings on a priority measure that will disqualify relatives of public officials from entering into government contracts, following his appointment as chairperson of a newly created subcommittee under the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation.

The Senate approved Escudero’s designation during plenary on Monday after Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri disclosed that the move was made at the request of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, chair of the parent committee. The chamber then referred the proposal under Senate Bill No. 783 to Escudero’s subcommittee, underscoring its role in bolstering transparency and accountability in public procurement.

The senator from Sorsogon, who principally authored SB 783, has long championed reforms to bar public officials and their relatives up to the fourth civil degree from participating in government contracts. The bill, co-authored by Senators B**g Go and Joel Villanueva, is currently pending.

In filing the bill on August 4, 2025, Escudero emphasized that banning officials and their kin from government projects would “boost procurement safeguards” and close gaps that allow undue influence in public transactions. He also stressed that such reforms are vital to restoring public trust and ensuring that government resources are allocated fairly and transparently.

“This subcommittee will ensure that integrity in public service is not only discussed but institutionalized,” Escudero said.

“By disqualifying relatives of officials from government contracts, we close the loopholes that allow undue influence and strengthen the country’s procurement safeguards as part of our continuing efforts to fight graft and corruption,” he added.

The creation of the subcommittee reflects the Senate’s commitment to prioritize anti-corruption measures, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s call to eliminate undue influence in public transactions. With Escudero at the helm, hearings are expected to fast-track deliberations and consolidate legislative proposals that safeguard government procurement from familial and political interference.

“Makakaasa ang taumbayan na ang mga pulong na ating pangungunahan ay mananatiling transparent at bukas sa pagdinig ng bawa’t panig upang matiyak na ang resulta ng mga public hearings na ito ay malinaw, at tunay na nagsusulong ng tapat na pamahalaan,” he concluded.

19/02/2026

CHIZ: DESIGNATION OF SORSOGON AS PILOT AREA FOR CLASSROOM EXPANSION INITIATIVE UNDERPINS PROVINCE’S COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero welcomed the Department of Education’s (DepEd) designation of Sorsogon as pilot area for its expanded classroom construction initiative, saying the province’s selection is a recognition of the local government unit’s (LGU) long-standing commitment to better education.

In commending the initiative, Escudero said the move affirms the principle he earlier advocated: capable LGUs, when empowered through national partnerships, can accelerate progress in critical sectors like education.

The senator has earlier called on the national government to pursue a tripartite agreement among DepEd, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), to empower qualified LGUs to achieve accelerated growth through improved infrastructure, stronger rural connectivity, and better school facilities.

Escudero said the selection of Sorsogon reflects DepEd’s confidence in the province’s readiness to deliver.

“This collaboration reflects the same framework that I advocated recently about national agencies partnering with LGUs that have proven capacity and stability,” Escudero said. “DepEd’s confidence in Sorsogon shows how this model can deliver faster, more accountable results.”

The veteran legislator issued the statement after Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed the forthcoming signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), tentatively set on February 11 in Malacañang, with the President expected to witness the ceremony.

Escudero, who served as governor of Sorsogon from 2019 to 2022, emphasized that education has always been a priority for the province. During his term, he strengthened school infrastructure, expanded digital learning support, and implemented pandemic‑era interventions to ensure continuity of education. These efforts complemented the province’s broader infrastructure and peace‑and‑order gains, positioning Sorsogon to lead in addressing the classroom backlog.

Under the proposed MOA, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon will undertake school building projects through the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF). The LGU will lead procurement and construction, while DepEd will provide financial assistance and technical guidance to ensure compliance with national standards and quality assurance requirements. The joint undertaking is designed to combine local agility with national expertise, enabling faster and more accountable project delivery.

Escudero said the collaboration is a model for how national and local governments can work together to solve systemic challenges. “DepEd’s openness to new approaches and Sorsogon’s readiness to deliver make this partnership a strong step toward ensuring that every Filipino learner has a safe, dignified, and functional classroom,” he noted.

He expressed hope that the pilot implementation in Sorsogon will pave the way for similar partnerships nationwide, especially in areas with the capacity to deliver infrastructure efficiently.

For his part, incumbent Gov. Jose Edwin “Boboy” Hamor expressed gratitude for the opportunity and affirmed the province’s readiness to implement the projects. He noted that Sorsogon’s growing self‑reliance in infrastructure implementation is the result of sustained economic momentum and institutional strengthening. “Our province is eager to support DepEd’s mission of providing adequate and conducive learning spaces,” he said.

02/02/2026

CHIZ TO HEALTH, BORDER AUTHORITIES: KEEP PROTOCOLS AND PREPAREDNESS SYSTEMS FULLY ACTIVE VS NIPAH

Amid rising global concern over the Nipah virus, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged health and border authorities to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that preparedness systems remain fully operational.

Escudero said that although current health advisories place the Philippines at low risk, developments in neighboring regions underscore the need for sustained, proactive monitoring.

“Public safety depends not only on rapid response but on continuous readiness,” he stressed, noting that several Asian countries have already tightened airport health checks following recent Nipah‑related developments abroad.

The Philippines must match this level of alertness to safeguard travelers and communities, he pointed out.

Nipah virus, first detected in Malaysia in 1998, has resurfaced in India, where authorities are enforcing localized containment measures and expanded contact tracing. Outbreaks have also been recorded in Bangladesh, prompting heightened regional surveillance.

The veteran legislator called on the Department of Health and the Bureau of Quarantine to keep border health protocols fully activated, from thermal scanning and symptom monitoring to clear guidance for arriving passengers. These measures, he said, are critical to preventing the entry and spread of high‑risk pathogens.

He also underscored the need for strong inter‑agency coordination among health, transport, and local government units.

“Preparedness is never the work of a single office. It is a shared responsibility that requires synchronized systems, updated data, and timely communication,” he stressed.

The Bicolano senator added that the government should have already internalized the lessons of past outbreaks.

“We should learn from the mistakes of the past, particularly during the COVID pandemic, and strive to do better. That means not repeating those missteps but instead collating and applying the best practices we developed and witnessed, especially from the healthcare professionals and LGUs who were on the frontlines during that time,” he said.

“Early detection and transparent reporting remain the strongest defenses against emerging health threats. I call on our authorities to continue refining surveillance tools and ensuring that frontline personnel are equipped with updated protocols,” he added.

Escudero likewise emphasized the importance of clear and consistent public advisories to curb misinformation and maintain public confidence. Calm, factual communication, he noted, helps citizens understand risks without panic and reinforces trust in institutions.

“As global health landscapes shift, the Philippines must stay one step ahead,” he concluded.

29/01/2026

CHIZ URGES GOV’T TO ADVANCE TRIPARTITE DEAL TO EMPOWER LGUs

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is calling on the national government to advance the proposed tripartite agreement among the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), saying the framework will empower qualified local government units (LGUs) to achieve accelerated growth through improved infrastructure, stronger rural connectivity, and better school facilities.

In his recent conversation with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Escudero said he was informed that the proposed agreement identifies two key requirements for LGUs that will be prioritized: demonstrated capacity to implement and complete projects, and a stable peace‑and‑order environment that allows development programs to proceed without disruption.

“The national government should focus on LGUs that have shown they can plan well, execute well, and maintain order,” Escudero said. “When local governments are capable, national‑local partnerships become faster, more efficient, and more impactful.”

“Our LGUs should also take advantage of this new business model by meeting these requirements so they can access more support, unlock bigger opportunities, and deliver development programs more quickly to their constituents,” he added.

The Bicolano senator expressed his delight when he was told by Secretary Dizon that Sorsogon is among the provinces that meet the criteria and could serve as a top choice under the tripartite model, citing its strong governance performance and readiness to implement infrastructure programs.

From 2019 to 2022, during Escudero’s term as governor, Sorsogon completed major infrastructure projects such as the Sorsogon Coastal Road, rehabilitated provincial and barangay roads during the pandemic, and strengthened peace and order through support for Barangay Development Projects under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF‑ELCAC). These initiatives created a stable environment that enabled development programs to take root and succeed.

The veteran legislator said the tripartite model is applicable to all provinces nationwide, provided that LGUs meet the agreement’s requirements on capacity and peace and order.

Replicating the approach in similarly capable LGUs, he said, can help spur growth across regions.

He added that the DPWH‑DepEd‑DA partnership can serve as a template for future collaborations aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing education facilities, and supporting agricultural productivity.

“This is exactly how the Local Government Code envisioned development — strong national support matched with capable, empowered LGUs delivering results on the ground,” Escudero pointed out.

“When we back LGUs that are ready and proven, progress becomes faster, fairer, and felt by more families,” he concluded.

Dateline Iloilo

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

16/03/2026

13/03/2026

11/03/2026

05/03/2026

03/03/2026

02/03/2026

25/02/2026

19/02/2026

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29/01/2026

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