Press Release

Mayor Greg Gasataya issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) against the construction of a concrete riprap structure along Sulom Creek in Barangay Villamonte on Friday, November 28,   as part of the city’s intensified campaign to clear waterways and protect the environment.The order followed an inspection of the perimeter fence on November 21, by city officials led by Gasataya, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.“When we inspected the area, we noticed that the land was very loose and may be prone to landslides, especially since there are residents living below the site. We do not want any casualties, which is why urgent action is necessary,” City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu said, citing multiple violations related to the ongoing construction.Earli...

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero commended on Tuesday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for pursuing evidence-based investigations into the flood control budget irregularities that have led to the filing of corruption and malversation cases, stressing the importance of accountability and cautioning against diversions that only protect the guilty and harm the innocent.During the Senate plenary deliberations on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, Escudero said the administration, as stated by Secretary Vince Dizon, has indeed chosen to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even when politically sensitive.“Binabati ko po ang administrasyon dahil hindi sila sumunod at nagpadala sa anumang script o sarswela para ilihis ang mga tunay na salarin tulad ng sinabi ko ...

Former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo  claims against Senator Chiz are not new. These allegations have been denied and and refuted before. This according to Atty. Ramon S. Esguerra. Counsel for Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.There is no direct evidence presented in the testimony of Bernardo linking Senator Chiz to any criminal act. Bernardo revealed that Escudero, who was earlier linked to P142.7 billion in budget insertions in the 2025 spending program, pocketed 20 percent in “commitment” fee for allegedly facilitating the funding for P1.4 billion worth of DPWH contracts.Esguerra added that Speculations and insinuations are not evidence. These are at best hearsay, lack basis, and are self-serving statements that ...

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for the institutionalization of budget transparency and accountability safeguards for all infrastructure projects introduced in the national budget as a way of preventing irregularities and the abuse and misuse of government funds.To ensure that only government infrastructure projects that are technically and financially viable are included in the national budget, Escudero has filed Senate Bill Number 1461 or the proposed Infrastructure Appropriations Integrity Act.Under the measure, all infrastructure projects will have to incorporate mechanisms such as station numbers, geotagging, geodetic coordinates, and other technology-based methodologies that will allow anyone to locate these at any time.“Ang geotagging ay isa sa pinakamahal...

The management of Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges (ABML) has clarified that Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero does not own any property within the development, contrary to claims circulating online and in private circles.In a text message, ABML said that while the residential village does not publicly release its list of homeowners for privacy and security reasons, it was able to verify that no home is listed under the name of Sen. Escudero or any company associated with him.“ABML, like any other residential village in the country, does not divulge a list of its residents or homeowners. However, we are able to confirm that there is no home listed as owned by Sen. Chiz Escudero or any company associated with him,” according to management.ABML added that Escudero and his famil...

Let the people who know best about what they need decide on what projects should be implemented in their respective areas.In the forthcoming 2026 General Appropriations Act and beyond, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said this should be the guiding principle in proposing infrastructure projects, and their inclusion in the national budget, and in the release of funds for their implementation.“Sa dami ng mga lumitaw na problema sa mga government infrastructure projects kabilang na ang mga substandard at ‘ghost’ flood control projects, kailangan talaga na gumawa ng makabuluhan na solusyon para hindi na nasasayang ang pera ng bayan sa katiwalian,” Escudero said.The veteran legislator explained that most, if not all of the abuses committed with regard to the funding of infrastru...

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero reminded all higher education institutions (HEIs) about the moratorium on the collection of student loans in all areas where a state of calamity has been declared.With several parts of the country still dealing with the devastating effects of earthquakes and typhoons over the past month, Escudero said families had to deal with “getting their lives back in order, first and foremost.”“Pinapaalala natin sa ating mga unibersidad, kolehiyo, at pati na din ang mga tech-voc (technical-vocational) institutions na may batas tayo na nagbabawal sa pagkolekta ng mga utang ng kanilang mga estudyante. Sa panahon na may sakuna, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang muling makabangon ang mga nasalanta,” Escudero said in a press release.Under Republic Act 12077, or the Stude...

Senator Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero on Friday, Oct. 10, renewed his urgent call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 277 to strengthen the National Building Code of the Philippines, pointing out that the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces is a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability.The powerful temblor, which triggered tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations, followed the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu province, prompted the senator renew his call for mandatory structural inspections and higher penalties for safety violations in construction, a press release from his office sad.“In the midst of the earthquake that shook Davao Oriental and nearby areas, I am deeply concerned and offer my condolences to the affected families,” Es...

The MassKara Festival 2025 formally unveiled its official logo, “Mass-Kasingkasing,” alongside the announcement of this year’s theme: “One Smile, One City, One Heart” on Friday, Sept. 5.The theme underscores the enduring spirit of Bacolod—one smile that inspires, one city that unites, and one heart that beats with pride and hope, a press release from the organizers said.The festival’s new emblem, Mass-Kasingkasing, is more than a visual mark—it represents the very heartbeat of Bacolod, it added.The elements reflect the city’s culture, arts, traditions, and history, tracing its story back to the tragic sinking of the M/V Don Juan, a pivotal moment that gave birth to the MassKara Festival as an expression of resilience and hope.The logo also pays homage to Bacolod’s rich cul...

 Globe marks the 10th anniversary of its annual GDay celebration this September with a bold promise to bring joy, rewards, and meaningful experiences closer to customers. What started as a simple thank-you a decade ago has grown into a nationwide movement, bringing together digital innovation, real-world experiences, and heartfelt surprises that celebrate the Filipino spirit.“At Globe, we believe the most meaningful rewards are the ones that feel personal, those that are made just for you,” said Bianca Wong, Vice President and Head of Feel Valued Tribe at Globe. “This GDay, we’re celebrating in a way that recognizes our customers’ diverse passions and everyday wins. Whether it’s a surprise gift or a chance to win larger than life prizes on the app, or a fan exper...