Press Release

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has maintained that the national government should consider non‑tax revenue options, including the bidding out of exploration and production agreements over the country’s indigenous coal resources. The veteran legislator made the statement as economic managers continue to study ways to strengthen revenue generation to sustain social protection programs, energy transition efforts, and long‑term fiscal stability. He said this approach on indigenous resources could help generate additional funds while supporting ongoing fiscal and development priorities.To date, several tax proposals remain under review as part of the government’s broader fiscal strategy. Among the measures being examined are adjustments to excise taxes on sweetened beverages a...

Bacolod City, Philippines – RestaurantsInBacolod.com, the first online directory dedicated toMetro Bacolod's dining scene, is inviting restaurants, cafés and other food establishments in Bacolod, Talisay and Silay, to join the platform ahead of its official launch on June 15.The website aims to become a essential guide for residents and visitors looking for places to eatin Bacolod, while helping local food businesses increase their online visibility and reach morecustomers.The directory will feature restaurant profiles that may include menus, photos, contactinformation, business hours, social media links, and location details, making it easier forcustomers to discover and connect with local establishments."We want to create a single destination where peo...

 Free data and messaging to all customers in the affected regionsGlobe in partnership with Starlink deployed its satellite-to-mobile service in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the said provinces. Globe deployed the service to support emergency communications and disaster response in the badly hit areas upon approval of its demo permit from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The deployment marks Globe's first use of Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology for disaster  and emergency response in the Philippines. Over 700,000 Globe and TM customers stand to benefit from the deployment, providing them with messaging through WhatsApp and SMS at a time when it is needed most. Globe will o...

Seeking to bridge gaps in access to essential government services, a group has proposed a science and technology-driven development program for a Bukidnon-Magahat Indigenous Peoples (IP) community through the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.The initiative is part of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc.’s (HBONI) Project Tikang (Step) in Sitio Madaja, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, which aims to bring government services and development opportunities closer to isolated and underserved communities.Project Tikang Lead and journalist Reymund Titong said the effort was born out of the widening gap in access to services between urban centers and hinterland communities, and that CEST comp...

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 pr...

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 vo...