Francis Escudero Quotes (354 quotes, page 2)

“It’s a step backwards after having fully automated elections previously. Returning to manual elections is a cause for serious concern due to its dangerous implications on the country’s electoral process.”

Francis Escudero

Journal http://www.journal.com.ph/news/top-stories/comelec-asked-to-step-up-listing-of-voters
2015

Country

“• Amendment in the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund and the Pension and Gratuity Fund, requiring the DBM to submit, within the first quarter, to Congress the amounts allocated to the Judicial Branch, Legislative Branch, Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman, and that in no case shall releases to the said offices exceed the amount submitted to Congress also for purposes of utilizing these as savings to augment the budget of these constitutional offices;”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

“It has been said Mr. President, that while we can only read the prose in the laws we pass, he sees numbers in them, and imagine them in digits.”

Francis Escudero

2013, Speech: Nomination of Senator Ralph Recto as Senate Pro Tempore

Law , Imagination , Reading

“Like billions of Catholics around the world, I greet Pope Francis’ election with a great measure of hope and optimism because it signals a fresh start. For many Catholics, this beacon of hope and optimism could very well rekindle a faith scarred by scandals and controversies.”

Francis Escudero

Zambo Times http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/62673-Binay,-senatorial-bets-join-Catholic-faithful-in-welcoming-election-of-Pope-Francis.html
2013, Mid-Term Campaign Trail

World , Faith , Hope , Optimism

“The issue of prisoner swap is highly emotional and delicate. We have to carefully tread within the ambit of a particular country’s laws, which we would also like other countries to respect ours. But as a government, it behooves us to do everything within our capacity to give our people what the government should – to protect its people in and out of the country.”

Francis Escudero

Zamboanga Today http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3233:dfa-sets-prisoner-swap-talks-with-china&catid=26:inside-stories&Itemid=182
2011

People , Law , Country

“Third. The funding of projects, activities, and programs that were not covered by any appropriation in the GAA. The law prohibits, according to the court, the augmentation of a non-existent program, activity, or project with an appropriation in terms of specific allotment classes, either Personal Services, Maintenance and other Operating Expenses, and/or Capital Outlays within the subject GAA.”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

Law , Personality

“The government has to be proactive and prepare for the worst-case scenario. Our farmers have to be given all kinds of assistance to make up for the projected crop losses because of the drying up of farmlands. Our farmers are going to need all the help they can get in the coming months, and national agencies should be ready to work with local governments to pull our farmers through this difficult season.”

Francis Escudero

The Philippine Star http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/08/17/1488983/government-urged-help-farmers-affected-el-nino
2015

Loss , Help , Season

“The agreement signed by the GRP and the MILF did NOT CHANGE our laws. Terrorists are still terrorists. Law enforcement operations are still law enforcement operations. It is still illegal to shoot a policeman especially if he is unarmed. Nothing has changed, in so far as our laws are concerned. On Mr. Iqbal's comments, I think it is part of their hard ball. They have been calling the shots from day one and our negotiators probably have been infected by Stockholm Syndrome taking the side of the MILF, instead of our side. From my point of view, both the OPAPP and the GRP and the MILF should WIN THE TRUST OF THE PEOPLE first before winning the trust of each other. If they do not have the trust of the majority of Filipinos, any agreement they sign will simply be unacceptable.”

Francis Escudero

Escudero, F. [Francis]. (2015, March 16). Retrieved from Official Facebook Page of Francis Escudero https://www.facebook.com/senchizescudero/posts/10153138861210610/
2015, Facebook

People , Law , Thinking , Change

“I am hoping that President Aquino will be able to sign the Senate Bill 2834 or PAGASA Modernization Bill into law within the year to give long-overdue upgrades to the weather bureau’s equipment, staff pay, research capabilities and communication reach. The bill also aims to arrest the brain-drain problem in the agency by increasing the basic pay, allowances and other benefits of its workers.”

Francis Escudero

Escudero, F. [Francis]. (2015, July 3). Retrieved from Official Facebook Page of Francis Escudero https://www.facebook.com/senchizescudero/posts/10153401664525610/
2015, Facebook

Law , Hope , Communication , Problem

“This is not the first attempt to pass a right-of-reply bill in the Senate. A similar bill was filed in the pre-martial law chamber but did not prosper.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Statement: I Stand by the Side of Freedom

Law

“b) Non-commencement of the P/A/P or the inability of the agency to obligate a released appropriation within the first semester of the year;”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

“In California, the entire net income of its grant California Lotto has been exclusively earmarked for its schools.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Speech: The Socio-Economic Peace Program of Senator Francis Escudero

School

“• Increase of P500 million for the Quick Response Fund of the Department of Health;”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

Health

“• Increase of P108.907 million for Jail Facilities under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to be sourced from the cut in Monitoring and Evaluation Cost of PAMANA and the Grassroots Participatory Program of the DILG-OSEC;”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

“These are our six priority areas. But I should add the Environment and Tourism.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Speech: The Socio-Economic Peace Program of Senator Francis Escudero

“b) all legal provisions of past and present Congressional Pork Barrel Laws, such as the previous PDAF and CDF Articles and the various Congressional Insertions which authorize/d legislators – whether individually or collectively organized into committees – to intervene, assume or participate in any of the various post-enactment stages of the budget execution, such as but not limited to the areas of project identification, modification and revision of project identification, fund release and/or fund realignment, unrelated to the power of congressional oversight;”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

Law , Past

“• A new General Provision on Reportorial Requirements stating that such shall be posted in the website of agencies for at least three (3) years;”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

“• A new Special Provision under the Unprogrammed Fund providing appropriation cover for the release of funds previously deposited in the Bureau of Treasury for the Implementation of Remedies, including safeguard measures pursuant to R. A. No. 8800, the Safeguard Measures Act of 2000.”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

“Through three terms in the Lower House and two terms here, Mr. President, he has earned the reputation as a lawmaker with a head for numbers, and an eye for figures – whether tax, budgetary, and perhaps in a previous lifetime, of the female kind.”

Francis Escudero

2013, Speech: Nomination of Senator Ralph Recto as Senate Pro Tempore

Housing

“I deplore the decision of the junta in Myanmar to continue the illegal house arrest of Nobel peace prize laureate and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Statement: on the latest conviction of Aung San Suu Kyi

Peace , Democracy , Decision , Housing

“• Detailed listing of the Farm-to-market road projects under the Department of Agriculture is now found in Volume II-A of the GAA. This is used to be a lump sum appropriation Mr. President both under the NEP and the GAB;”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

“Our party should be the Filipino people. And we should be loyal not only to liberals, nationalists, or other party members, but to every Filipino.”

Francis Escudero

Avendano, Christine O. "'We're running under Partido Pilipinas", Philippine Daily Inquirer, 18 September 2015, p. A15.
2015

People

“We sign a contract for a North Rail that cost $17 million per kilometer while the equivalent cost in Shanghai is $7M.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Speech: The Socio-Economic Peace Program of Senator Francis Escudero

“I write to tender my irrevocable resignation as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee on Finance and as co-chairman of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Public Expenditures, effective immediately.”

Francis Escudero

2015, Letter to Senate President Franklin Drilon

“Again, good morning, thank you, and long live the Filipino people!”

Francis Escudero

Manila Bulletin http://www.mb.com.ph/full-text-escudero-declares-vice-presidential-bid-for-2016/
2015, Speech: Declaration as Vice Presidential Candidate

People

“Thank you, Mr. President and thank you distinguished colleagues. We ask earnestly for your help in the timely passage of the 2015 National Budget. At this junction, Mr. President, may I ask that we recognize Senate President Pro-Tempore Recto.”

Francis Escudero

Sponsorship Speech on the FY 2015 National Budget http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2014/1118_escudero3.asp
2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

Time , Help

“We must enlist the best and the brightest to serve in government, and pay them a salary equivalent to what they would earn in the private sector.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Speech: The Socio-Economic Peace Program of Senator Francis Escudero

“While we simply see the provisions, he would see the costs hidden in each section, and then proceed to remind us of their burden to taxpayers.”

Francis Escudero

2013, Speech: Nomination of Senator Ralph Recto as Senate Pro Tempore

“While it is true that we are recipients of certain aids from the US government and without making excuses for the misgivings of our law enforcement, it is not for foreign entities to rate us or grade us or whether we pass their benchmark or not, especially when no bases are given. We are not their students and they are not our teachers to say the least.”

Francis Escudero

Interaksyon http://www.interaksyon.com/article/13916/chiz-to-dfa-quiz-us-embassy-on-basis-of-statement-about-sex-seeking-visitors
2011

Law , Teachers

“On Wednesday, his remains will be transferred to the House of Representatives at the Batasan Complex. The House of Representatives will be holding necrological services at the Plenary Hall at 9a. m.”

Francis Escudero

2012, Statement: on the Passing of His Father Rep. Salvador H. Escudero III

Housing

“I laud the Supreme Court for its decision to allow Sen. Grace Poe to run for president in the May 9 national elections. The Supreme Court once again sided with the rule of law in upholding the petition of Sen. Grace to reverse the partisan, biased and unfounded decision of the Commission on Elections disqualifying her from the presidential race. The decision of the Supreme Court is not only a victory for Sen. Grace but a victory for other foundlings who aspire to seek for higher office in order to serve the country. This is a great day for the Filipino people.”

Francis Escudero

Escudero, F. [Francis]. (2016, March 8). Retrieved from Official Facebook Page of Francis Escudero https://www.facebook.com/senchizescudero/posts/10153924021225610/
2016, Facebook

People , Law , Decision , Victory

“As the lists multiply in number and the lists themselves grow longer, we should ask ourselves who the real victims are in the confusion sowed by Ms. Napoles and those who supposedly want to shed light on the Pork Barrel Scam. Those who have been unfairly dragged into this mess are not the real victims; these lists and affidavits are baseless and lack the kind of evidentiary support that can establish cases against many of those who have been named, myself included. The real victims here are our citizens. After learning the scale at which funds allocated to help them have been efficiently and systematically plundered, our people now seek redress. As it stands, there is an opportunity for our people to obtain justice as the Ombudsman already found probable cause which concluded to filing of the cases. Again, I assure the public that I have never allocated public money using the PDAF or budgetary incentives to any fictitious NGOs set up by Ms. (Janet) Napoles nor have I dealt with her to supposedly solicit or receive campaign funds. Such claim is a total falsity and runs counter to common sense because as early as October of 2009, I already withdrew any intention to run for the presidency and in 2010, I was not even a candidate for any elective position. And by Ms. Napoles’ own list, I am the only one who did not allocate any funds to her foundations from my PDAF releases. Let's keep our eye on the ball and remain vigilant to ensure the conviction of those who truly deserve to be punished for the misuse of public funds. Let us persuade our authorities to focus on evidence, testimonial or otherwise, that has probative value to avoid distractions.”

Francis Escudero

Escudero, F. [Francis]. (2014, May 28). Retrieved from Official Facebook Page of Francis Escudero https://www.facebook.com/senchizescudero/posts/10152473011595610/
2014, Facebook

Money , People , Justice , Support

“During the 50's, the Philippines had one of the highest standards of education in Asia. Many of our neighbors sent their sons and daughters to study at our institutions of learning.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Speech: The Socio-Economic Peace Program of Senator Francis Escudero

Education , Study , Learning , Daughters

“My friends, there have been dozens of economic programs these past 60 years. I myself have seen so many Medium Term Development Programs prepared by very capable men and women from government, academe and the private sector.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Speech: The Socio-Economic Peace Program of Senator Francis Escudero

Women , Men , Past

“It’s the oldest trick in the book. If you are being criticized, create a diversion. Invent tales so that from an aggressor you become the aggrieved party and people will start casting their sympathies at you.”

Francis Escudero

Gulf News http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/destabilisation-cry-to-fend-off-graft-criticism-1.142820
2008

People , Books

“I commend our soldiers for their gallantry and bravery and for fighting for our freedom. I want to know if our soldiers were killed in a legitimate encounter or were they again butchered like pigs like what happened with our five marines.”

Francis Escudero

The Official Website of the Senate of the Philippines http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2011/1020_escudero1.asp
2011

Freedom , Fight

“Which bring us back to my original question: What is wrong with us? Why do we Filipinos always shoot ourselves in the foot?”

Francis Escudero

2009, Speech: The Socio-Economic Peace Program of Senator Francis Escudero

Question

“We witness the President approve a contract with ZTE for $328 million which turned out to be overpriced by as much as 60%.”

Francis Escudero

2009, Speech: The Socio-Economic Peace Program of Senator Francis Escudero

“I think it is time for us to ensconce him in the rocking chair up there that we reserve for senior members of the chamber.”

Francis Escudero

2013, Speech: Nomination of Senator Ralph Recto as Senate Pro Tempore

Thinking , Time

“• Increase of P19 billion for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program to cover past disasters including Yolanda, Glenda and Mario;”

Francis Escudero

2014, Speech: Sponsorship Speech for the FY 2015 National Budget

Past

“Let an hour of darkness enlighten us of the need to change our lifestyles if we are to arrest the continuing degradation of the planet. Let it also remind us of the dark future we are facing if we don't act now.”

Francis Escudero

GMA News http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/154536/news/nation/palace-senators-lgus-to-switch-off-lights-on-earth-hour
2009

Change , Future

“I love putting my kids to sleep. Cherishing every moment of it knowing that it won't be the same once they are all grown up.”

Francis Escudero

Francis Escudero Twitter feed: @SayChiz (9:09 p.m. 2012 September 09).
2012, Twitter Feed

Love , Sleep

“Our roads have become safety hazards in themselves. The government should step up in securing the well-being of motorists and the riding public by upgrading and regulating the country’s road infrastructures, which have been neglected for so long.”

Francis Escudero

The Manila Times http://www.manilatimes.net/escudero-files-bill-mandating-dpwh-to-make-roads-safer/209625/
2015

Country

“Teachers are the most overworked among public servants, having to cope with the tremendous task of educating the youth while at the same time risking life and limb during the entire process.”

Francis Escudero

Official Website of the Senate of the Philippines http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2013/0510_escudero1.asp
2013, Mid-Term Campaign Trail

Life , Youth , Education , Teachers

“On this note, Mr. President, distinguish colleagues, it is my distinct honor and privilege to nominate Senator Ralph Recto as our President Pro Tempore.”

Francis Escudero

Speech: Nomination of Senator Ralph Recto as Senate Pro Tempore (2013 July 22) http://www.chizescudero.com/index.php/media-room/item/716-nomination-of-senator-ralph-recto-as-senate-pro-tempore
2013, Speech: Nomination of Senator Ralph Recto as Senate Pro Tempore