As the world marks the fifth annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, Senator Loren Legarda issued a call for stronger measures to address the ongoing battle for clean air and climate resilience. Reflecting on the passage of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749), Legarda emphasized the need for renewed commitment to environmental protection and public health.

“When I championed the Philippine Clean Air Act 25 years ago, we knew the battle for clean air wouldn’t be easy. Yet today’s headlines reveal a troubling truth: we are still fighting for clean air, and the climate crisis is taking a grave toll on public health,” Senator Legarda said.

Legarda underscored the urgent need for more robust enforcement of environmental laws, as well as the implementation of effective climate resilience strategies to safeguard both the environment and the well-being of Filipinos.

“I say enough is enough. We need stronger implementation and more effective climate resilience. The future of our people and our planet is on the line. Let’s finish what we started.”

As a long-standing advocate for environmental protection, Senator Legarda continues to push for legislative reforms that strengthen climate action, renewable energy development, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

The news of Guo Hua Ping’s arrest in Indonesia, also known as Alice Guo, is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to combat the corruption she is involved in. Her escape and evasion from accountability here in the Philippines clearly demonstrate a blatant attempt to avoid justice.

We will closely monitor the progress of the investigation to ensure that every aspect of this case is thoroughly examined and clarified. It is essential that the full story of corruption is uncovered, the entire truth revealed without any cover-up, and all those involved identified so that appropriate actions and penalties can be imposed for any violations of the law—whether it’s illegal activities related to POGOs such as human trafficking, identity theft, money laundering, or other illicit transactions.

We must not allow this kind of corruption in our country. The Philippines is for Filipinos—let us not allow ourselves to become victims in our own land to foreign entities whose aim is to exploit and bring harm to our people and society.

We welcome this significant development in a case that has captured the nation's attention.

The apprehension of Shiela Guo and Cassandra Li Ong is a crucial step forward in our ongoing efforts to uncover the truth. I am confident that Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, will be located soon and made to answer the serious allegations surrounding her identity and involvement in illegal activities.

I have no doubt that the Senate, in aid of legislation, will pursue this investigation to its full resolution, ensuring that justice prevails and our laws are upheld.

Senator Loren Legarda lauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of Blue Economy Bill on the third reading on Monday.

Legarda, the principal author and principal sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2450, emphasized the importance of the proposed law since it provides more ways to protect and strengthen the Philippines' marine biodiversity.

“I welcome the support of our colleagues in voting to approve the Blue Economy bill on the third reading. This proposed measure establishes a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and stewardship of our coastal and marine resources, which are vital to our nation's economy, environment and heritage,” Legarda said.

“The Blue Economy Act aligns with the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably managing the oceans, seas, and marine resources,” she added.

Once the bill is signed into law, the potential of the Philippines' marine resources could be maximized through the adoption of more holistic approaches in coastal communities. This could be achieved through the promotion and adoption of sustainable practices and the protection of the country's rich marine biodiversity.

Blue bonds shall also be issued by the government, in which the proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance or refinance eligible blue programs, activities, and projects catering to the maritime industry.

“The Blue Economy Act represents a porthole, if you may, from which we can see what surrounds us. It is like the biblical talents left by the master for the servant to enrich. We are all given this wealth so we may be worthy stewards,” remarked the lawmaker.

“With the bill’s approval on the third reading, we fulfill our sacred duty to the planet and our people to protect the health and resilience of our coastal and marine ecosystems, while maximizing their potential to foster inclusive economic growth and enhance the well-being of present and future generations of Filipinos,” she concluded

Senator Loren Legarda filed a Resolution for the Senate to investigate, in aid of legislation, the recent series of child rape to strengthen the implementation of laws against it.

"We are very concerned with the alarming increase of child rape cases, especially that many of the perpetrators are relatives of the victims, trusted individuals," Legarda said.

"We need to find out whether our current laws are enough or are even being properly implemented to punish the guilty, protect the victims, and empower the state to help the victims recover anew," she added.

It may be recalled that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) released a statement strongly condemning reported rape cases involving children.

The CHR also emphasized that the cases are a grave violation of human rights and stressed the need for effective protective measures for children.

According to the Child Protection Network Foundation, Inc. (CPN), 2,890 of the 4,079 child violence cases reported from January 1 to May 26, 2024, were sexual abuse/assault.

"We are seeking for Congress to pass Senate Bill No. 2401, which we filed, to institutionalize the establishment of Women and Children Protection Units in all government hospitals," asserted Legarda.

"We are also seeking to assess if the substantial amount spent regularly on gender issues is making a significant impact on the most critical issues on gender and child rights," she added.

Legarda, who pushed for the passage of numerous laws championing women's and children's rights, called for better implementation of them, such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Also sought to be implemented properly are the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and its expanded version, and An Act Promoting for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape.