The Senate Committee on Ways and Means handles tax-related bills and issues. Since Senator Francis Escudero chairs the committee, he had the chance to discuss Lito Lapid's bill seeking tax reliefs for lawyers giving legal aid to indigent clients.

Stop. I know what you're thinking. Lito Lapid has a bill? Yes.

In my opinion, the bill is relevant and significant. (What do you think?) Watch how Escudero guided Lapid during the press conference.

In Escudero's opinion, party affiliation is thicker than wedding sponsorhip. He thinks the bill will receive the urgent certification since Lapid is allied with the administration.

Wedding sponsorship? Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stood as one Escudero's principal wedding sponsors.

Session Hall seatmates Senators Francis Escudero and Juan Ponce Enrile took turns in condemning the actions of certain foreign chambers who asked the president not to touch the Epira Law. Unfortunately, the two senators (and UP Law products) let off steam (one in English and the other in the vernacular).

Enrile must have really liked Escudero's argument as it prompted him to say, "Salamat bata at gwapitong senador."

The Philippine Daily Inquirer published a special series of their Talk of the Town feature during the campaign period. It gave the voting populace a peek at the minds of the candidates regarding national issues. This entry intends to present the viewpoints of Senator Francis Escudero in the five-part Talk of the Town series.

FIRST PART: SENATE BET GIVE STAND ON GREEN ISSUES
DATE: 22 APRIL 2007
Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA)

“I intend to go through the fine print to find out if indeed the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If not, I shall seek its amendment and, if not possible, will reject it.”

Moratorium on Coal-Fired Power Plants
“This should have been planned a long time ago. We cannot do this overnight, but we do have to do it sooner than later and we have to provide contingencies for alternative sources of power, which are cleaner and more environment-friendly.”

Ban on Incandescent Bulbs in Favor of Compact Fluorescent Lamps
“The economic implications of such a proposal would have to be studied as our people might not be able to afford such a shift. But everything else being equal, I see no reason why we should not.”

SECOND PART: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO STOP THE KILLINGS?
DATE: 29 APRIL 2007
Extrajudicial Killings
“Simply implement the law that prohibits it. The executive branch must resign in its armed services to prevent and avoid extrajudicial killings. Strict observance of the concept of command responsibility must be enforced.”

Attitude toward Militant Party-List Groups
“They are being harassed. They should not. We should, in fact, encourage them to participate in democratic processes and to completely abandon any extra-constitutional activities, if any, instead of pushing them to the wall thereby forcing them to look for other avenues to express themselves.”

THIRD PART: ISSUES: HELLO GARCI, GMA LEGITIMACY, PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT
DATE: 05 MAY 2007
Hello Garci
“It must be brought to its logical conclusion and those responsible should be brought before the bar of justice. This can be done by (1) Subjecting it [taped telephone conversations between Ms Arroyo and Garcillano] to a voice analysis by a mutually agreed upon authority (2) requiring all parties to submit an affidavit on the matter so that the issues can be joined.

Legitimacy of GMA Presidency
“Under the prevailing system, yes. However, we are questioning the factual basis of such a legal proposition which, to my mind, has no legal leg to stand on given the evidence we have on her assumption of office in 2001 and on the 2004 presidential election.”

How to Reform the COMELEC
“A complete revamp. Automation. And representation of both the opposition and administration is key areas and offices to remove any cloud of doubt with respect to its actions and decisions during elections.”

Turncoatism
“If ever this will be prohibited, sufficient time must be given to candidates to choose their party affiliation and not simply tie them down to their party at present – that will give undue advantage to the party in power. We have seen the ill effects of this during martial law and we should avoid it in order to reap, to the fullest, the advantages.”

Shift to Parliamentary Form of Government
“It should not be done at this time. It cannot and will not address the primordial problems of our country and people are facing, namely: jobs, prices and income. Such a shift will only serve the interest of the few.”

FOURTH PART: DYNASTY AND DRUGS
DATE: 06 MAY 2007
Anti-Dynasty Law
“Given a potential conflict of interest since I ran in the district that used to be held by my father until 1996, I will inhibit myself from any such discussions on the matter within the confines of the Senate. It is my firm belief, however, that it is up to the voter if he or she will vote for a candidate even if he or she has relatives in government or will no longer vote for such a candidate because of such relations.”

Importation of Low-priced Medicines
“I am in favor of such a move if indeed it will redound to the benefit of our people. Safety nets would have to be provided, however, in connection with quality control and intellectual property rights.”

FIFTH PART: PLATFORM AND DONORS
DATE: 13 MAY 2007
Platform in Broad Strokes
“First, to bring the voice and vote of the people to the Senate; Second, to focus one more lower prices, more income and no additional taxes; Third, institutionalize the GK approach in restoring the dignity of the Filipino; Fourth, to promote nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all Filipinos; and, Fifth, fight for what is right and fight against what is wrong…yes pag tama at no pag mali.”

Source of Campaign Funds
“Well-meaning friends and acquaintances who share my vision and my platform. We do not have a budget for our campaign. We simply make do with what we have.”