Senate

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, has assured foreign chambers that the Senate is taking seriously their concern on the boosting of Internet connectivity in the country, saying the quality of digital infrastructure is the cornerstone to economic development and will consequently improve the general welfare of the Filipino people.

The overprice was established to have reached at least P979 million in relation to the procurement of more than 39,000 laptops in 2021.

Sen. Grace Poe has refiled her bill seeking to require Internet service providers (ISPs) to widen their reach and establish a minimum and consistent Internet connection speed.

The report also wants to amend the law on libel making the use of fake accounts or names in making libelous comments as proof of malice.

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said during a hearing that he offered in 2018 to help the Bureau of Customs look for additional sources of funds to augment its budget for automation projections officials then seem to be not interested.

Senators pointed out that Pagcor does not need the permission from Malacañang to temporarily suspend the licenses of e-sabong operators in the country.

The Senate on Monday, Feb. 28, formally filed a resolution urging the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to suspend the operation of the popular "E-sabong" or online cockfight until the cases of the 31 missing cockfight aficionados are resolved.

Sen. Francis Tolentino also questioned the supposed legal authority of Pagcor to grant e-sabong/online sabong operators license to operate.

Under the proposed legislation, all social media networks must also require the real name and phone number of users upon creation of account.

Under the bill, advertisements or images by manufacturers and retailers that encourage the purchase and use of vape products would be prohibited.