Latest news with #Hontiveros
GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
No mention of online gambling in SONA 2025 a ‘missed opportunity', says senators
Several senators on Monday expressed disappointment that President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. failed to mention the government's steps to address the proliferation of online gambling in the country during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Senate majority leader Joel Villanueva, who is pushing for the total ban of online gambling, lamented how Marcos seemingly sidestepped the issue which 'wreaks havoc on the lives of our people.' 'Nakapanghihinayang lamang na hindi nabanggit ng Pangulo ang kanyang posisyon laban sa salot na dulot ng online gambling. Patuloy po ang panawagan natin–ipagbawal na po ito nang tuluyan. Wala itong naiaambag na mabuti sa ating lipunan,' Villanueva said. (It is unfortunate that the President did not mention his position against the consequences of online gambling. We continue to call for its total ban as it does not contribute anything good to our society.) Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, said that Marcos not tackling the issue of online gambling in his SONA was a 'missed opportunity.' 'Sayang, walang pagbanggit sa online gambling. 'Yun din 'yung isang hinahinan ko ng resolution recently, containing at least a dozen provisions, kasama na 'yung pag-ban ng koneksyon sa gitna ng mga online gambling platforms at mga e-wallets or super apps,' Hontiveros said in an ambush interview. (Too bad he didn't mention anything about online gambling. I filed a resolution about that recently, containing at least a dozen provisions, including banning the connection between online gambling platforms and e-wallets and super apps.) 'Missed opportunity, sayang, hindi niya binanggit 'yun,' she added. (It's a missed opportunity that he didn't mention that.) Hontiveros earlier filed a bill seeking to ban online gambling access in e-wallets and super apps. The measure also seeks to bar those aged below 21 from online gambling platforms and prohibits the advertisement of online gambling in public spaces, tri-media, and social media. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano also said his personal wishlist for the SONA was the action against online gambling. 'In the same manner na nag-standing ovation sa POGO, that's one thing na kung may wishlist ako, sana nag-announce ng total ban ng online gaming,' he said in an ambush interview. (In the same manner that there was a standing ovation when he mentioned the POGO ban, I would have wanted it if Marcos announced a total ban on online gaming as well.) Cayetano has filed the Anti-Online Gambling Advertisement Act of 2025, which seeks to ban gambling promotions across all media platforms. This measure complements his sister Senator Pia Cayetano's Ban on Online Gambling Act, aiming to prohibit both domestic and offshore online gambling. — RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Risa, Kiko, Bam urge SC to reconsider ruling on VP Sara impeachment
Senators Risa Hontiveros, Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino on Monday called on the Supreme Court (SC) to reconsider its decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional. The three senators disagreed with the high court's decision, which stated that the Senate lacked jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings because the complaint was declared null and void. 'Congress, acting in good faith and following prevailing jurisprudence, followed the law in initiating and transmitting the complaint. To retroactively apply a new definition of what it means to 'initiate' an impeachment case—after the fact—can be likened to changing the rules in the middle of the game. It is unfair,' the senators said in a joint statement. Voting 13-0, the SC deemed that the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte are barred by the one-year rule. The high court also found that the articles violated the right to due process. The SC decision is immediately executory, but a motion for reconsideration may be filed. Hontiveros, Pangilinan, and Aquino asked the high court to reconsider and apply the Fairness Principle, which states 'that retroactive application of new legal interpretations should not harm those who relied in good faith on old ones.' The lawmakers also asked the SC to uphold the Doctrine of Operative Fact, which recognizes 'that actions already taken under a prior, valid interpretation should be recognized as legally effective.' 'In doing so, the Court would not be undermining its power of review, but rather giving full effect to all branches of government, consistent with the doctrine established in Civil Liberties Union vs. Executive Secretary—that no constitutional provision should be read in a way that negates another. The powers of the Court, the House of Representatives, and the Senate must all be given proper and balanced effect,' they said. The senators also called on Filipinos, on every institution that still believes in accountability, and on the SC to 'harmonize the seemingly conflicting provisions of the Constitution on judicial review and the exclusive powers of Congress.' 'We did not swear an oath only to protect positions by way of technicalities. We swore to protect the Constitution—and the right of every Filipino to demand truth and justice. If we allow this precedent to stand, we risk silencing the very process meant to keep power in check,' they added. Pangilinan and Aquino on Monday officially joined the Senate majority bloc by voting in favor of Senator Francis Escudero to remain as Senate president. Hontiveros is still in the minority bloc with Senator Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III as the new leader. The Senate impeachment court is set to vote on whether to proceed with the deliberations after receiving the Supreme Court's ruling on the Articles of Impeachment filed against Duterte, according to spokesperson Regie Tongol. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Proceed with VP Sara trial despite SC decision? Senators weigh in
Several senators on Saturday expressed their views on whether or not to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte following the Supreme Court's decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against her as unconstitutional. In a message to reporters, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri warned that the Senate may be held in contempt should it proceed with the trial. "We may be courting a contempt order from the Supreme Court and a possible constitutional crisis, not to mention a dangerous precedent, should we proceed with the impeachment trial in defiance of a unanimous en banc ruling of the High Court," Zubiri said. "Ignoring the SC decision is tantamount to eroding the very principle of 'judicial review' established in Angara v. Electoral Commission, 63 Phil. 139 (1936), and in turn, endangers the delicate system of checks and balances that is foundational to our democracy. Whether we agree with the decision or not, the Supreme Court remains as the final arbiter of constitutional issues—lest we destabilize the very framework of government," Zubiri said. "Respect and honor the Supreme Court of the Republic. PERIOD," Zubiri added. Interviewed on Saturday morning, Senator Risa Hontiveros noted that more than a few of her colleagues in the Senate were dismayed with the Supreme Court ruling. Asked if there was still a chance for the impeachment trial to proceed this year, Hontiveros said, "Laging may pag-asa (There's always hope)." "Well, abangan natin. Nababalitaan ko may mga nagco-consider mag-file ng motion for reconsideration. May mga wise na mga column at sulat na inilalabas, payo, kung paano puwede pa ring sa diwa ng pagrespeto sa Korte Suprema, pero puwede pa ring salbahin yung proseso ng impeachment," Hontiveros said. (Well, let's see. I hear that there are those who are considering to file a motion for reconsideration. Wise columns and letters, advice, have come out, on respecting the Supreme Court while saving the impeachment process.) The high tribunal ruled unanimously, deeming that the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte is barred by the one-year rule under Article XI Section 3 paragraph 5 of the Constitution. Moreover, magistrates ruled that the articles violate the right to due process. The Supreme Court also said the Senate cannot acquire jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings. Upcoming discussion Senator Erwin Tulfo, for his part, said that while he respects the high court's decision, the Constitution gives the upper chamber the sole authority to try and decide on all impeachment cases. "I respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and its interpretation of the constitutional limits that guide the impeachment process. Nonetheless, the Constitution is clear: the Senate shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment," Tulfo said. "If given the opportunity, I am prepared to discharge our solemn duty and allow the evidence to speak for itself… I will act with my fellow Senators in upholding our constitutional mandate with integrity and fairness," Tulfo said. Tulfo said senators will have a discussion on Monday, July 28, if the chamber will oblige with or ignore the SC's ruling. Call to proceed Following the announcement of the SC decision on Friday afternoon, Senator Bam Aquino had maintained that the impeachment trial should proceed as he called on fellow senators to immediately hold a caucus to discuss the decision, which he said "ignored" the Senate's constitutional duty. However, Senator Ping Lacson, in a post on X, said the Senate must respect and comply with the SC's ruling, "notwithstanding the contrary opinions of several legal observers, particularly on the Court's interpretation of Art XI Section 3, paragraph (4) - that the filing of a verified complaint by at least 1/3 of all the members of the House of Representatives shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed." Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday, constitutional law expert Atty. Domingo "Egon" Cayosa said the Senate may opt to proceed with Duterte's trial despite the SC's decision should the legislature assert its "exclusive power" with regard to impeachment matters. Article XI Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution states that: "In case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed." Constitutional duty Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, likewise, said that should the Senate proceed with the trial, a constitutional crisis may still be avoided. "I believe a way out of this impasse can be found in the opinion of former Justice [Adolf] Azcuna on the doctrine of operative facts wherein a Motion for Reconsideration is filed by the House of Representatives citing the operative facts doctrine as basis." "The Supreme Court may then reconsider its ruling and if so, the Constitutional duty for the Senate to forthwith proceed with trial can be observed and respected. In doing so, several provisions of the Constitution namely the Supreme Court's power of judicial review, the HoR (House of Represenatives) power to initiate impeachment complaints and Senate's power to try and decide Impeachment cases are harmonised and all three are given validity and legal effect as it ought to. It is a well established rule in constitutional construction that one provision of the Constitution should not be allowed to defeat another (Civil Liberties Union v. Executive Secretary)," Pangilinan said. To recall, when the Senate impeachment court first convened on June 10, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa made a motion in the Senate plenary seeking that the verified impeachment complaint against Duterte be dismissed. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano later that day moved to amend Dela Rosa's motion to instead have the Articles of Impeachment returned to the House of Representatives without dismissing or terminating the case. The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Vice President was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. Duterte, meanwhile, entered a "not guilty" plea in the verified impeachment complaint filed against her, which she called merely a "scrap of paper." — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Risa Hontiveros open to join Senate 'veterans bloc'
Senator Risa Hontiveros said Tuesday she is open to the possibility of joining the five-man "veterans bloc" at the Senate. The so-called veterans bloc of the upper chamber is composed of Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, Senator Loren Legarda, Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, and Lito Lapid. They are pushing for the reinstatement of Sotto as Senate president, replacing Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero. According to Hontiveros, she also considers herself as a veteran lawmaker, as she is currently serving her second six-year term in the Senate. "I have to be open to all possibilities na consistent doon sa gusto kong pagpapalakas ng oposisyon para sa 2028 and beyond," Hontiveros said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. (I have to be open to all possibilities that are consistent with my goal to strengthen the opposition for 2028 and beyond.) However, she said her final decision on the matter will be revealed on July 28, when the 20th Congress begins its first regular session. Zubiri had floated the possibility of the veterans bloc forming the Senate minority bloc in the 20th Congress. Legarda, meanwhile, said the bloc has yet to decide whether they will be in the minority. Hontiveros also said she does not feel betrayed amid reports that Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and Bam Aquino—both of whom she endorsed and supported during the 2025 midterm elections—will be joining the Senate majority bloc. "Ang akin naman, kanya-kanyang desisyon po 'yan. Nagrerespetuhan kami. And alam din naman nila sa akin naman, patuloy din akong maninindigan sa paraan na tingin ko, consistent para sa akin na mag-ambag pa rin sa pagpapalakas ng oposisyon sa labas din ng Senado," she said. (For me, we have our own decision. We respect each other. They also know that I will continue to stand by my goal to strengthen the opposition outside the Senate as well.) She also reiterated that she continues to talk with Pangilinan and Aquino regarding their plans. Amid speculations that he would join the Senate majority bloc, Pangilinan has maintained that he is willing to work with all political parties in a bid to address high food prices and hunger in the country. 'Alice Guo of Manila' Meanwhile, Hontiveros urged law enforcers to continue investigating those behind the selling of government-issued IDs to non-Filipinos. This developed after Immigration authorities arrested a Chinese woman at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for allegedly misrepresenting herself as a Filipino. The suspect allegedly acquired a fake Philippine passport and birth certificate through late registration despite being a Chinese holding an investor's visa. Hontiveros admitted that such news does not surprise her anymore, as the Senate hearings on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo showed that official Filipino documents "have been up for sale and used for evil." "Nobody should be able to purchase being a Filipino," she said in a statement. "Government agencies like the PSA and DFA should also consider cleaning up their ranks, kung kinakailangan. Dapat bigyang-prayoridad ng gobyerno ang paglinis sa mga dumi at kalat na iniwan ng mga POGO," she added. (Government agencies like the PSA and DFA should also consider cleaning up their ranks, if needed. The government should prioritize cleaning up the mess left behind by POGOs.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
14-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Hontiveros wants e-wallets, super apps to also ‘self-regulate' vs. online gambling
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday expressed hope that e-wallet and super app companies will take steps to self-regulate amid the prevalence of online gambling in the country. Hontiveros, who earlier filed a bill seeking to ban online gambling access in e-wallets and super apps, made the remark as three of the country's largest integrated resort-casino operators said that their online gaming operations comply with laws and regulations. 'Kung sinasabi ng malalaking mga casino na sumusunod na sila sa mga kasalukuyang regulasyon, okay yun. Ibig sabihin, hindi rin magiging problema kung magdagdag man ng paghihigpit pagdating sa online gambling,' the lady senator said. (If big casinos say they are following regulations, that's well and good. That means there should be no issue if we tighten access to online gambling.) Despite this, she questioned why e-wallet and super app companies are seemingly silent regarding claims that have made online gambling easier to access. 'Sa dami ng reklamo na napadali ng e-wallets at super apps ang online gambling, bakit tila tahimik ang mga kumpanyang ito? Umaasa akong magkakaroon rin sila ng sarili nilang regulasyon dahil hindi biro ang mga buhay na nasira at pwedeng masira dahil sa online gambling,' Hontiveros said. (With so many complaints pointing to how phones have made online gambling too easy to access, why are e-wallet and super app companies silent? I hope that they would also take steps to self-regulate. Too many lives have been ruined and could be ruined by online gambling. Too many families have already been hurt.) 'Napakaraming nagme-message sa opisina namin sa Senado, dahil sa dami na ng nalululong, nalulubog sa utang, at namamatay dahil sa bisyo na ito. Sa ganitong sitwasyon, hindi na sapat ang pagsunod lamang sa batas. Kailangan din nating makiisa,' she added. (My office in the Senate has received numerous messages from people desperate for help. These are reports of loved ones who have become addicted, buried in debt, and who've taken their own lives due to this vice. In this situation, it's not enough that we follow the law. We also need to care. We need to act together.) 'Enablers of debt' Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito, who also filed a resolution seeking for the regulation of online gambling and lending in the country, said that e-wallet companies have become a way for Filipinos to go into debt. 'Ang e-wallet ay ginawa para padaliin ang buhay ng mga Pilipino, hindi para maging enablers ng sugal at utang—dalawang bagay na sumisira sa mga pamilya at kinabukasan. Hindi dapat pinapayagan na gatasan pa ang kahinaan ng ilan nating kababayan,' Ejercito said. (E-wallets were created to make the lives of Filipinos easier, not to be enablers of gambling and debt—two things that destroy families and the future. It should not be allowed to take advantage of the weakness of some of our countrymen.) 'Once a financial tool begins enabling addiction, it is the government's duty to intervene. To strictly regulate and stop them from further fueling this gambling culture,' he continued. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), for its part, is now looking to have payment service providers (PSPs) create a facility that would allow users to create a separate online gambling transaction account (OGTA), which will then be placed under stricter rules in a bid to protect clients from risks associated with the industry. Under a draft circular released to stakeholders for exposure, the central bank is looking to have players create an OGTA in order to participate in online gambling. With the creation of an OGTA, all lending options in the digital platform will be disabled. Monumental step Senator Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed this move by the BSP, emphasizing that it is a monumental step toward the responsible use of digital services. 'Daily caps, time limits, and biometric verification can help curb the alarming rise of gambling addiction, especially among the youth,' he said. Like the other senators, Gatchalian has also proposed a measure that would impose strict regulations for online gambling in the country as part of efforts to address the growing gambling addiction especially among the youth. — BM, GMA Integrated News
