Alagang Angara

Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara is urging employers not to engage in discriminatory recruitment practices that favor men over women just to avoid paying additional benefits, particularly maternity leave claims.

“Employers should never hire new employees based on their gender, much more if the intention is to evade payment of maternity benefits. Such practice is not only unfair; it is also illegal,” said Angara, co-author and sponsor of Republic Act 11210 which extends the paid maternity leave to 105 days from 60.

Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara called for the full implementation of a 30-year-old law mandating the establishment of rainwater harvesting system in all barangays nationwide in the wake of the water shortage that could go beyond Metro Manila and Rizal province.

Angara was referring to Republic Act 6716, also known as the Rainwater Collector and Springs Development Act of 1989, which requires the construction of rainwater collectors in every barangay to prevent flooding and ensure the continuous provision of clean water during dry seasons. 

Senator Loren Legarda, a topnother in at least two senatorial elections, has endorsed the reelection bid of Senator Sonny Angara in a video message in which she praised him for pushing numerous laws proved beneficial to every member of the Filipino family. 

Legarda, who is now running as congressional representative of the lone district of Antique, said Angara authored more than 180 laws, including the Free College Education Law, Free Kindergarten Law, and the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.

Senate leadership, with Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto joining the long list of political leaders and influential groups endorsing his candidacy.

Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara said every barangay in the country should have a birthing facility to help reduce the risk of maternal and infant deaths.

“There should be a safe and sustainable birth center in every barangay to give mothers and their children access to health care providers without breaking the bank,” said the lawmaker, who is running under the platform “Alagang Angara.”

Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara said the government should invest more in water infrastructure and implement practical local government measures like rainwater collection to help the country cope with drought and consequent water shortages during dry season and El Niño events.

Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara said the Philippine National Police should make it a priority to protect government critics, including the Catholic priests who came forward to reveal that they had been receiving death threats after criticizing President Duterte’s war on drugs.

“If anyone should be protected, it should be the critics of the government. This is to show that we are a democracy and we value freedom of speech and expression,” Angara said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) first vice chair and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chair Ghazali Jaafar, whom the lawmaker said was “determined to get the best deal for his constituents.”

The 75-year-old Jaafar reportedly died at around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, three days after confinement in Metro Davao Medical and Research Center in Davao City due to heart problems. 

“He was a voice of reason and a voice for peace and will surely be missed,” Angara said.

Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara wants government regulators and Congress to look into the cause of the water shortage affecting parts of Metro Manila and Rizal province even as he called for long-term solutions to meet the country’s growing water demand.

This as Angara expressed concern over the ongoing water service interruptions across the concession area of Manila Water, causing inconvenience to many businesses and residents.

Government should roll out an “El Niño action plan” in food-growing areas in the country before the drought caused by the weather phenomenon unleashes its full brunt on farmers who are also grappling with low prices of rice and coconut.