JINGGOY EXTENDS RELIEF TO FIRE VICTIMS IN SAN JUAN CITY

MANILA, December 31, 2012-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada spent an afternoon during the New Year’s Eve with the homeless families affected by the tragic fire incident which happened on the early dawn of Christmas day.

 

Sen. Estrada conducted a relief operation today in San Juan City Sports Arena for scores of affected residents of Brgy. St. Joseph. The nearby Brgy. Corazon de Jesus basketball court serves as temporary shelter for approximately 1,400 families or an estimated 6,000 individuals who were rendered homeless for the holiday season because of the fire.

 

St. Joseph covered court and Pinaglabanan Elementary School also serve as evacuation and relief centers for more than 400 families. Initial reports from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) indicate at least 1,700 families all in all were displaced due to the incident.

 

Former President Joseph Estrada, with the local government, previously announced resettlement and housing plans and procedure for the affected residents. Meanwhile, the local government has launched a 10-day provision of meals, medical station, tents, among others.

 

Jinggoy, who served as Vice Mayor and Mayor of San Juan City for three consecutive terms, immediately organized a relief operation and dispatched relief items last December 25. Sen. Estrada was then joined by his wife Precy and eldest daughter Janella in the distribution of basic necessities, as they visited the site of ruins and surveyed of the damage brought about by the fire.

 

In the past few days leading to today’s activity, Sen. Estrada provided cooked meals, blankets and other useful materials to the families.

 

“Napakalungkot ng nangyari sa mga taga-San Juan. Kung kailan pa naman dapat masayang nagdiriwang ng Pasko at Bagong Taon nawalan sila ng tahanan at mga ari-arian. Ilang araw bago nangyari ang trahedya ay nakapagsagawa pa kami ng aming taunang Christmas gift-giving para sa mga taga-St. Joseph sa ilalim ng parehong covered court na ngayon ay pansamantala nilang tirahan,” Sen. Estrada laments.

 

One of Jinggoy’s Senate staff was also one of those who lost his home during the incident.

 

Sen. Estrada was assisted by DSWD-San Juan Chief Jessica Quitor, Arena Manager Lyn Manansala, Public Order and Safety Office Chief Rene Ramos, Brgy. St. Joseph Captain Nelly Duka and council.

CL Health Chief urges the public to avoid use of firecrackers for New Year celebration

BALER, Aurora, December 31, 2012-Department of Health (DOH) Region 3 Regional Leonita Gorgolon appealed to Central Luzon revelers to safely welcome 2013 by avoiding use of firecrackers.

In a cellphone interview, Gorgolon said that she urge everyone to use safer materials to create noise such as stereos, vehicle horns, cans, and pots and pans. Also, the celebration could be as happy and complete by participating in community fireworks display, parties and concerts.

For those who would be victims of firecracker-related incidents, the Central Luzon Health chief advised them to bathe the exposed skin with alkaline soap as a home first-aid remedy before rushing to the nearest hospital.

If ingested, patient should be given raw egg whites. Do not apply oils or induce vomiting.

“All emergency facilities of DOH-retained hospitals in the region are on red alert status. All local government unit run hospitals are also ready to give medical attention to firecracker victims,” Gorgolon stated.

Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) recorded a total of 465 firecracker-related injuries from December 21, 2011 to January 5, 2012.

Most of the victims sustained burns and blasts that include amputation on severe cases while some sustained injury on the eyes and gunshot wound.

For the current holiday season, RESU has already tallied nine injuries of children playing with piccolo.

‘I didn’t chicken out of Aurora gov race’- Angara

BALER, Aurora, December 30, 2012-Sen. Edgardo Angara has clarified that he didn’t chicken out of the gubernatorial race in this province amid claims of his detractors that he was afraid to lose, saying he would surely win the governorship but didn’t want to be an absentee governor.

          In a media briefing, Angara said he was sure he would be elected governor if he didn’t back out of the race.

          “Firstly, if I went on with my gubernatorial bid, I would surely have won. For me to rule as a good governor, I have to stay in Aurora and will be tied up here and would be unable to fulfill my international commitments,” he said. 

          Angara made the clarification amid the flood of reactions from a local social networking site claiming that he was afraid of losing in a one-on-one face-off with incumbent Vice Gov. Gerardo Noveras, the prohibitive underdog.

          Members of the Aurora Family Community, a vocal critic of the Angaras said the senator is making his supposed international commitments as a “convenient excuse” to back out of the race where they believe he is at risk of losing.

Some local political observers are also giving Noveras more than an even chance of winning over Angara in the socalled “David vs Goliath” match not only because of the vice governor’s “masa” image and his being “kind” but also because of the solid Ilocano votes.

          At least 60 percent of the voting population in the province reportedly belongs to Ilocanos who consider Noveras as their favorite son.

         But Angara said he had no doubts he would win. Then, in an obvious dig at Noveras, he said : “Ang totoong mabait ay ‘yung nakakatulong sa kapwa (One who is really kind is one who is able to help his fellowmen).”

However, Angara reiterated that he had two major international commitments, first as elected member of the  International Executive Board ng Christian Democrats International  or Centrist Democratic International (CDI) and as sponsoring head this month of the Anti-Corruption Conference of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption.

Angara said he is the CDI’s Vice President for Asia Pacific and he will be hosting an Executive Meeting in Manila either in May or June.

Regarding the GOPAC, he said he expects 450 members of parliament all over the world as well as non government organizations involved in anti-corruption programs to attend the conference.

“This is the only international body based in Canada that is focused on anti-corruption measures. Right now, I am the Vice Chairman of this and I just got back from Mexico and I have been asked by the Executive Board if I’m prepared and willing to assume the leadership of this international anti-corruption body immediately after the Manila Conference,” he said.

A third reason, Angara said, is his active role in the Angara Centre for Law and Economics, the international advisory board who is composed of international economists and political scientists.

“This alone, not to count on my national commitments and my local commitments, would really tie me down and I think it is unfair for the people of Aurora that if I become governor, I will become an absentee governor. I think that is not the style I pursued in my public life. If I have a responsibility I assume, I would do it singularly unobstructed by any undertaking except to do it in my work,” he said.

He said his decision was a family decision and that he is confident that the man who substituted for him, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara will get elected governor in his stead.

“He (Arthur) is  the head of the Mayor’s League in Aurora who has been, I think an outstanding mayor of Baler. He is an achiever.”

“I can support Aurora as well as the country through this international organization and my work here in Manila, I think I will do a better job of providing the back-up support to the people of Aurora,” he added. (Manny Galvez)

Celebrate Rizal Day Through Integrity and Nationalism - Legarda

MANILA, December 29, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda urged Filipinos to celebrate Rizal Day by upholding Dr. Jose Rizal’s core values of integrity and nationalism in everyday life.

“Dr. Jose Rizal was an unparalleled visionary whose thoughts and actions have forever changed the landscape of our identity as Filipinos. His ideas began the revolution that earned us our freedom, and his integrity and nationalism continue to inspire new generations,” she said.

“On December 30, we have a collective opportunity to pay our respects to him through reexamining our lives and evaluating how we have contributed to the betterment of our country,” said Legarda.

Legarda Urges Filipinos to Follow Ban on Firecrackers, Guns

MANILA, December 29, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda, alarmed by the increase in holiday-related firecracker injuries, urged Filipinos to follow the ban on firecrackers, guns, and other forms of greeting the New Year that may cause harm to health and the environment.

“According to the Department of Health, the number of fireworks injuries rose to 72 as of December 26. These are unnecessary injuries which could be prevented if we raise awareness on how firecrackers are not the safest way of celebrating the New Year. The toxic fumes produced by firecrackers cause ailments, while a number of cases have been reported of ingestion, especially by children, of poisonous firecrackers. Chemicals used in producing firecrackers and sparklers also contaminate the soil and could leach into the water table, compromising the safety of potable water. This is certainly not the way we want to herald 2013,” she said.

She also noted that the ban on burning rubber tires and firing guns to create noise during the holidays should be strictly implemented. 

“The thick blanket of smoke that engulfs our skies every New Years’ Eve can and should be avoided. We can uphold our traditions without risking the safety of our people. I urge everyone to use noisemakers and trumpets instead of firecrackers or guns, and start the New Year right with love, hope, and genuine concern for the well-being of our citizens and our environment,” Legarda stressed.

Pinoys Now More Aware About Environment Issues—Legarda

MANILA, December 29, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda, a leading environmental advocate, today welcomed the results of a recent Pulse Asia survey showing Filipinos’ growing awareness on protecting the environment and increasing approval of government’s environmental programs.

“The results of the recent Pulse Asia survey indicate that efforts of government policy makers, including legislators, are paying off. Environmental protection is a gut issue and I am glad that many Filipinos are now more aware of this fact,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and UN Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific.

The survey, conducted from November 23 to 29 among 1,200 respondents, showed that protecting the environment was among the national issues that received majority approval ratings. The government’s campaign to stop the destruction and abuse of the environment gained an approval rating of +60 percent, a 10 percent increase compared to last September.

Legarda said more devastating and frequent natural hazards that hit the country in recent years have increased people’s awareness to care for and protect the environment.

She said legislators also contributed much to the cause by enacting landmark environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, Solid Waste Management Act, Renewable Energy Act – of which she is among the major authors – as well as the Clean Water Act.

The Senator has also been pushing for the protection of the environment and advocating for increased awareness on disaster risk reduction and management, authoring laws such as the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, both cited by Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, as among the best laws in the world. She also sponsored the amendatory law to the Climate Change Act, the People’s Survival Fund Law, which mandates the appropriation of one billion pesos annually for the financing of climate change adaptation projects of local governments and organizations.

According to Legarda, although meaningful strides have been made to protect the environment, there is still need to fully implement the environmental laws as well as for heightened action from all stakeholders in disaster risk management.

“Despite increasing awareness about environmental protection and climate change over the past few years, the damage of irresponsible development models and large-scale environmental destruction has not yet been reversed. Government officials, especially at the local level, should increase preparedness by implementing our laws,” she said.

“Furthermore, business communities should be encouraged to invest in clean new technologies, adopt energy efficiency measures and re-engineer corporate social responsibility to reflect the joint values of achieving business sustainability through building disaster-resilient local communities. Even in our own homes, we can strive for sustainable means of living through recycling, composting, and lessening our use of non-renewable resources,” Legarda stressed.

Statement of Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012

Today, Republic Act No. 10354, or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, has been published online in the Official Gazette, after being signed by President Aquino on December 21, 2012. The law will take effect fifteen days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.

The passage into law of the Responsible Parenthood Act closes a highly divisive chapter of our history—a chapter borne of the convictions of those who argued for, or against this Act, whether in the legislative branch or in civil society. At the same time, it opens the possibility of cooperation and reconciliation among different sectors in society: engagement and dialogue characterized not by animosity, but by our collective desire to better the welfare of the Filipino people.

This is the mark of a true democracy: one in which debate that spans all levels of society is spurred by deeply-held beliefs and values, enriching and elevating public discourse, as we all work together to find ways to improve the lives of our fellow citizens.

On the achievements of the administration for 2012

MANILA, Philippines-When the Filipino people gave an overwhelming mandate to President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2010, there were those who remained skeptical of the extent of reforms that can be instituted, given the entrenched culture of corruption and mistrust of government.

The many achievements of the Aquino administration in 2012 should put those doubts to rest. At home and around the world, the Philippines has become recognized as a bastion of stability and good governance. Through hard work, deft decision-making, and intense political will, the President has laid down the foundations of justice and inclusive growth. Through it all, he continues to clean house, eliminate waste, and put primacy on restoring public trust in our institutions.

Almost a year after calls for “all out war” against Moro separatists were answered by a firm and sober “all out justice” stance by the President, the MILF and GRP signed a historic Framework Agreement that sets the stage for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao. This is among the first successful dialogues between a government and a Muslim separatist movement in the modern era, and could set the template on how to peacefully handle such conflicts across the world.

While an atmosphere of peace is now beginning to set over the conflict-ridden south, the entire country is experiencing a newfound sense of justice and fairness. After the President publicly announced judicial reform as among the bedrocks of his agenda, the House of Representatives impeached former Chief Justice Renato Corona over allegations of betraying the public trust. He was later on convicted and removed from office by an overwhelming majority of Senators. This heralded the arrival of a judiciary characterized not by secrecy and patronage, but by integrity and competence. The appointment of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, and later Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, sustained the momentum of reform in the judiciary.

The message is clear: If a Chief Justice can be impeached-- and a former president put under hospital arrest for alleged plunder and electoral sabotage-- then so can anyone; a crime is a crime, regardless of wealth or status in society. With this principle in mind, the President signed into law the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act, the first of its kind in Asia, which criminalizes the unlawful arrest of civilians and ensures the preservation and protection of every Filipino's civil liberties. This law clearly demonstrates the President's commitment to human rights. Through these reforms, we are strengthening a system where the law serves the people and works towards their full development. Without doubt, we are moving towards a society where fairness reigns-- fueled by a people empowered by its government.

Nowhere is this empowerment more evident than in the investments that the government has channeled towards education, health, and poverty alleviation. Agencies such as the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (which spearheads the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program,) have all experienced sharp increases in their budget, proving the President’s resolve to lift our countrymen from the margins of society.

Congress enacted the Responsible Parenthood Law to foster public health and access to information on reproductive health to citizens who are free to act in accordance with their conscience. In this manner, a deeply divisive issue was finally resolved. Health for the citizenry also informed the momentous passage of the Sin Tax Reform Law. After languishing for several terms, and in the face of tremendous pressure from lobbyists, Congress responded to the bill's certification as urgent by the President, and passed the law before the end of the year. Legislators, commentators, and media have all lauded the President’s political will in passing these laws.

These political initiatives came hand-in-hand with a roaring economy, one that has experienced strong growth and stable inflation despite the uncertainties of the global economy. Philippine GDP growth for the 3rd quarter hit a two-year high of 7.1 percent-- the highest in Southeast Asia, and among the top performing economies in Asia. Meanwhile, the Philippine Stock Exchange index this year broke record high after record high, soaring above expectations and breaching the 5,800 mark. The Philippine Peso also appreciated by as much as 6 percent this year and is projected to gain even more strength in the coming year.

These positive indicators are underpinned by an administration that has maintained fiscal discipline, initiated reforms to ramp up quality public spending, and invested heavily in both social and physical infrastructure. This is manifested in the 2.006 trillion peso General Appropriations Act for 2013, 10.5 percent higher than the 2012 budget. The 2013 GAA continues the Aquino administration’s tradition of an on-time passage of the budget-- eliminating leak-prone reenactments and showing the determination of government to ensure that every peso of the budget is spent wisely.

Not only is the President enjoying the highest sustained public approval ratings in history-- he is also being recognized by the international community as a true leader in foreign affairs. The Philippines has taken the lead in upholding a peaceful, multilateral, and consensus-driven diplomatic approach as regards territorial disputes. In this regard, President Aquino has stood his ground thus gaining the admiration of his fellow leaders in the global arena.

While these past two and half years have been a period of continued renewal for the country, 2012 in particular has been a year of rebuilding and restoration. This year we saw the full effect of political will used correctly and for the right purposes, knowing that power is merely lent by the people to their leaders to ultimately serve the country’s best interests. By all indicators, this was the best year for the Philippines in a long time, a time for celebration and pride for the reclaimed standing of our country as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other rising nations of the world.

In 2012, we turned the corner, fixed the damage wrought by the crooked ways of the past, and established further that the straight path is the only way forward. Despite the tragedies that have visited the country in 2012-- from natural disasters to the untimely demise of a beloved reformist-- the Filipino people have shown that their spirit cannot be broken. As the administration embarks on 2013, there is all the more reason for Filipinos to travel on the straight path under the leadership of President Aquino and the adherents to his noble cause.

Legarda Hopes for a More Resilient PHL in 2013, Plans More DRR Workshops

Environmental legislator and UN Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) for Asia - Pacific Senator Loren Legarda hopes for a more disaster-resilient Philippines in 2013.

In the course of 2012, Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, organized several workshops on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction.

“We have brought DRR and CCA workshops to the various regions aiming to increase local understanding of natural hazards and climate change and their impact, as well as integrate DRR and CCA into local development planning,” she stressed.

Legarda, in partnership with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), spearheaded the Regional Forum on Effective Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the Greater Metro Manila Area.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Local Government Academy (LGA) and Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), she led workshops that covered local government units within the Pampanga, Bicol, Cagayan de Oro, and Agusan river basins, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Legarda said that she plans more DRR workshops in 2013 to reach not only cities but even the provinces and barangays.

“We want to engage all key sectors in order to foster cooperation, and to promote greater risk awareness in the communities. That is why, along with our DRR workshops, we will distribute geo-hazard maps in all cities and municipalities in the country to aid local leaders in their disaster risk reduction and management efforts,” she explained.

Legarda also said that another vital achievement for the year is the passage into law of Republic Act No. 10174, the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) Law, which will make resources more accessible to those who combat the effects of climate change, especially at the grassroots level.

“The PSF Law, which strengthens the Climate Change Act of 2009, will bring into fruition climate change strategies, plans, and programs within the context of local community-based realities,” she said.

“As we approach 2013, we hope to instill in the mind of every leader and citizen the wisdom to make our nation disaster-resilient to free us, once and for all, from the exhausting and costly cycle of rebuilding our communities every single time nature unleashes its wrath. We aim to have more workshops in 2013 for sharing of best practices among LGUs, while providing information about the PSF, to build up resilience to natural hazards,” Legarda stressed.

For her unwavering efforts on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, Legarda was hailed by the United Nations as one of its Heroes of Resilience.

Be on High Alert for Typhoon Quinta—Legarda

MANILA, December 26, 2012-In light of Tropical Storm Quinta entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Christmas Day, December 25, Senator Loren Legarda urged residents of affected areas to be on high alert.

“Several provinces in Visayas and Mindanao have been given storm signal warnings by the NDRRMC. Under signal number 2 are Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, northern Cebu, Camotes Island, Bohol, and Biliran in the Visayas, and Dinagat Province, Siargao Island, and Surigao Del Norte in Mindanao. As the storm already made landfall today, we hope that local government units have led all citizens in preparing for the possible consequences. Our people should not hesitate to evacuate, more so if they are living in hazardous areas,” she said.

Legarda, the UN Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, said that everyone must know whether their geographical location puts them at high risk or not.

“Filipinos in every barangay need to know this information, and with early warning signals at least seven days before any typhoon arrives, we will be able to radically minimize the casualties. This is why we have been advocating the use of geo-hazard maps,” she stressed.

“Barely three weeks have passed since Visayas and Mindanao were ravaged by Typhoon Pablo, which caused the death of 1,067 Filipinos and about 37 billion pesos in damages. The arrival of Typhoon Quinta is proof that stronger and more frequent weather disturbances are the new norm, and we cannot, even for one moment, be complacent. Thousands of lives are at stake, and I urge the cooperation of LGUs, non-governmental organizations, and citizens on the ground in order to build up our resilience to these natural hazards,” Legarda concluded.

Christmas Message of Senator Loren Legarda

I pray for a peaceful, bountiful and joyful Christmas Season for everyone.

May we all be grateful for the blessings received and welcome the coming year full of hope and with a strong resolve to make our communities safe from disasters.

I wish everyone a green and safe Christmas and New Year.

SENATOR ANGARA'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

This Christmas feels like deja vu: we mourn once again for another thousand victims of a year-ender megastorm. For the 65 years that we have been recording our weather, Typhoon Pablo may be the second deadliest storm to date, after Typhoon Uring, which killed more than 5,000 people in 1991.

This Christmas Eve, while many of us gather around a table with a warm meal, let us pause for a moment of silence to give our respects to our countrymen in Mindanao. That while we celebrate this night with the laughter and joy of our family and friends, many in Mindanao weep and have to bury their dead. To them, it is a painful season.

May our silence be solemn and true, so that even for just a moment, we also grieve. But then, let this grief be replaced with hope. That despite all the irreversible damage to families and futures, there is still something to look forward to. For there is still tomorrow, and we still have each other. Many may have lost a part of their kin, but they still have us, the whole Filipino family.

We are not alone in looking forward to this tiny spark of hope. Other nations have come to share our grief, and we are very grateful. Let us thank all the local, national, and international governments and non-governmental organizations. Let us also thank the various institutions, corporations, and organizations that have lent us a helping hand. 

Some of them are the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Save the Children Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, the Catholic Church, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and the Philippine National Police. 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Food Authority (NFA) never failed to make their presence felt as they themselves spend their Christmas holidays with the victims of the Typhoon.

To the many groups, families, and individuals who have showed their support by giving aid or soliciting aid, may God bless all of you and all of us, and keep us determined in drawing strength from each other, especially this holiday season.

May we all continue to share our blessings and inner strength to those who may find it difficult to comprehend the meaning of Christmas in such challenging times. May the true value of Christmas show itself in our kindred spirit as a Filipino family and as a Filipino nation. May we all have the courage to hope and smile once again.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Legarda Alarmed Over Reports of Human Traffickers in Mindanao's Devastated Communities

MANILA, December 22, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda expressed extreme alarm over reports of human traffickers prowling Mindanao's devastated communities in the wake of Typhoon Pablo, and urged local government officials and citizens alike to remain vigilant.

“I have always emphasized that disasters are linked inextricably to poverty and socio-economic inequality. It is important to realize that the changing climate will have its worst effects on the poorest of the poor, and nowhere is this clearer than in these reports of human traffickers prowling Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Men, women and children from marginalized and devastated communities are at high risk, and we must do everything in our power to stop these illegal operations once and for all,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, was reacting to a report that human traffickers are looking for potential victims among the survivors of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

“The problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, and this will only become more pronounced as our people are left vulnerable due to disasters. We are now seeing the intersecting forces of natural hazards and human greed, and how they threaten those who are already marginalized. This is an issue of utmost importance,” she said.

“We have seen the need to strengthen the existing law, and we have acted swiftly on it. But human trafficking, and the related problems of the illegal sex trade, forced labor, and other forms of slavery, is a complex web. Battling it requires concerted effort from all sectors of society,” she added.

“Remember that traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society and this is the injustice that we must act against. Those responsible must be caught and subjected to our criminal laws. Furthermore, we also look forward to the immediate enactment of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” Legarda stressed.

The proposed measure is a strengthened version of the anti-trafficking law as it covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability, among other salient features, thereby covering more individuals.

Legarda Urges Filipinos: Find Unity Among Diversity

MANILA, December 22, 2012-As the country celebrates the Christmas season, Senator Loren Legarda urged Filipinos to find unity among diversity.

“In a few days we will be celebrating Christmas, an occasion observed by Catholics. But even non-Catholic Filipinos respect the occasion and join us in celebration. This is what we, as a nation, must aim to do—respect one another’s beliefs and culture. We must find unity among diversity,” Legarda said.

The Senator explained that this is the reason why she has been proposing measures that seek to bring an awareness of other people’s culture.

Legarda co-sponsored Senate Bill 3289, declaring the Chinese New Year a special holiday in the Philippines, which was recently approved on Second Reading by the Senate. It aims to recognize the immense contribution of the Chinese-Filipino community in the Philippines.

She also filed a bill declaring the first week of February as “World Interfaith Harmony Week” in the Philippines. The measure will mandate all government agencies to observe activities advancing the message of harmony and goodwill in accordance with religious traditions and practices during the Interfaith Harmony Week.

“We need to find genuine understanding among people of different faiths and belief systems. We must push for a harmonious society that is democratic, and built on communication and mutual respect,” Legarda stressed.

Legarda also authored the declaration of Eidul Adha as a national holiday.

Legarda Alarmed Over Reports of Human Traffickers in Mindanao's Devastated Communities

Senator Loren Legarda expressed extreme alarm over reports of human traffickers prowling Mindanao's devastated communities in the wake of Typhoon Pablo, and urged local government officials and citizens alike to remain vigilant.

“I have always emphasized that disasters are linked inextricably to poverty and socio-economic inequality. It is important to realize that the changing climate will have its worst effects on the poorest of the poor, and nowhere is this clearer than in these reports of human traffickers prowling Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Men, women and children from marginalized and devastated communities are at high risk, and we must do everything in our power to stop these illegal operations once and for all,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, was reacting to a report that human traffickers are looking for potential victims among the survivors of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

“The problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, and this will only become more pronounced as our people are left vulnerable due to disasters. We are now seeing the intersecting forces of natural hazards and human greed, and how they threaten those who are already marginalized. This is an issue of utmost importance,” she said.

“We have seen the need to strengthen the existing law, and we have acted swiftly on it. But human trafficking, and the related problems of the illegal sex trade, forced labor, and other forms of slavery, is a complex web. Battling it requires concerted effort from all sectors of society,” she added.

“Remember that traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society and this is the injustice that we must act against. Those responsible must be caught and subjected to our criminal laws. Furthermore, we also look forward to the immediate enactment of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” Legarda stressed.

The proposed measure is a strengthened version of the anti-trafficking law as it covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability, among other salient features, thereby covering more individuals.MANILA, December 21, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda expressed extreme alarm over reports of human traffickers prowling Mindanao's devastated communities in the wake of Typhoon Pablo, and urged local government officials and citizens alike to remain vigilant.

“I have always emphasized that disasters are linked inextricably to poverty and socio-economic inequality. It is important to realize that the changing climate will have its worst effects on the poorest of the poor, and nowhere is this clearer than in these reports of human traffickers prowling Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Men, women and children from marginalized and devastated communities are at high risk, and we must do everything in our power to stop these illegal operations once and for all,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, was reacting to a report that human traffickers are looking for potential victims among the survivors of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

“The problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, and this will only become more pronounced as our people are left vulnerable due to disasters. We are now seeing the intersecting forces of natural hazards and human greed, and how they threaten those who are already marginalized. This is an issue of utmost importance,” she said.

“We have seen the need to strengthen the existing law, and we have acted swiftly on it. But human trafficking, and the related problems of the illegal sex trade, forced labor, and other forms of slavery, is a complex web. Battling it requires concerted effort from all sectors of society,” she added.

“Remember that traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society and this is the injustice that we must act against. Those responsible must be caught and subjected to our criminal laws. Furthermore, we also look forward to the immediate enactment of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” Legarda stressed.

The proposed measure is a strengthened version of the anti-trafficking law as it covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability, among other salient features, thereby covering more individuals.