By strengthening the protection of the citizen whose testimony is necessary and indispensable for the successful prosecution of a case, we also stren… - Francis Escudero

Statistics and information has become the lifeline in policy-making the world over. We must be at par with our neighboring countries, if not the world, to be equipped with vital and current information on world trade, events and trends.

Besides, Mr. President, distinguish colleagues, he has twenty years experience of being number two already, as he reportedly plays number two in matriarchal household with his wife.

Still the Constitution tells us emphatically that the power of the purse belongs to Congress. It is hoped, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, that with these proposed amendments in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget or GAA, Congress will adhere to the ruling of the highest Court in the land and regain its Constitutionally-mandated control over the purse strings.