Senator Richard J. Gordon, chair and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, eyes reducing the cost of COVID-19 testing using an alternative system – the saliva test that is faster and 99.9 percent reliable.
Growth of the agriculture sector despite numerous setbacks in 2020 should convince the administration to give it priority especially in the proposed Bayanihan 3, said Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Monday.
GO: “Base sa usapan namin ni Pangulong Duterte, sang-ayon naman po siya na ipagpaliban pansamantala muna ang pagtaas sa rates ng contributions ng PhilHealth habang may pandemya pa tayong kinakaharap. Subalit, alam rin ng Pangulo na kailangan ng batas para maisakatuparan ang deferment."
Concerns about the safety of millions of OFWs amid the global pandemic will ease as more countries roll out their COVID-19 vaccination programs, Senator Cynthia Villar said.
Senator Richard J. Gordo called on the Social Security System to submit to the Committee proposals on how the implementation of the 2021 contribution increase can be suspended without shortening the fund life of the SSS.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon backed the position of the Food and Drug Administration that without the proper authorization, the distribution and administration of unauthorized Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine is illegal and punishable by law.
Legislating reforms in instilling discipline among the ranks of the Philippine National Police appears to be needed to address the likes of Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca, said Senator Win Gatchalian.
Senator Francis Pangilinan called on the government to immediately impose a travel ban on countries that were monitored to have the new coronavirus variant, and not wait for a local transmission before doing so.
Senator Imee Marcos said a police sergeant who shot dead a mother and son in Tarlac on Sunday is likely to have several protectors within and outside the police force.