Loren Legarda
Lorna Regina "Loren" Bautista Legarda (born January 28, 1960) is a Filipino politician, environmentalist, cultural worker, and former journalist who has served as a senator of the Philippines since 2022, following previous terms spanning from 1998 to 2004 and 2007 to 2019. During her tenure, she served as president pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines from 2022 to 2024. Before entering politics, she began her career as a news reporter until becoming a news anchor. She previously served three terms in the Senate from 1998 to 2004 and from 2007 to 2019. She is the longest-serving female Senator in the history of the Senate, and the only female in the Philippines to top two senatorial elections: 1998 and 2007. Legarda was also the House Deputy Speaker during her three-year stint as the representative of Antique from 2019 to 2022.
Quotes
[edit]- There have also been many opportunities for cooperation in the field of cultural and heritage preservation; but nothing can be more pronounced than our joint initiative on climate action,”
- Seize the moment? No. Create it.
- Culture is not mere adornment; it is a vital engine of livelihood and economic growth.
- Culture is what binds us as a nation.
- What we choose to preserve today—our knowledge, our traditions, our stories—will ripple through time, shaping lives long after we are gone.
- These terraces endure because of the quiet brilliance of a people who, long before the world had the language for it, understood sustainability, engineering, and balance.
- We need to invest in blue carbon initiatives that will help protect our coral reefs, seagrass beds, lush mangrove forests, and other coastal and marine sources. Let us implement Philippine environmental laws in our efforts to bring back the bounty and restore the ecological integrity of our bodies of water.
- The risks are rapidly growing not only for those in coastal communities, as climate change drives rising sea levels, warmer oceans and increasingly ferocious cyclones. We need to recalibrate our strategies on climate change adaptation, invest in blue carbon initiatives, and embrace the available solutions that nature presents to us.
- This has always been one of the challenges of the department. It's already the 2023 budget and it's still a challenge. My question is, will there be a time when we will no longer have backlog?
- Senator Loren Legarda says noting that since 1998, her first term as senator, the DepEd always had an annual backlog in providing enough school buildings, classrooms, study tables, among others, to students.
- https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/30/when-will-there-be-zero-backlog-on-educational-facilities-legarda-asks-deped/
- Let it be a lesson to those doing the budget — whether you’re a big department or a small bureau or commission — you present it to the DBM. You think about it for one year.
- Senator Legarda as she warned that accommodating last-minute appeals could set a dangerous precedent for the budget process.
- https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/bicameral-conference-committee-updates-2026-budget-december-17-2025/
- The Supreme Court has now spoken with clarity on the matter of the ₱60 billion withdrawn from PhilHealth pursuant to Special Provision 1(d), Chapter XLIII of the 2024 General Appropriations Act, and Department of Finance Circular No. 003-2024. The Court declared the provision unconstitutional and directed, and I quote: As a consequence of the unconstitutional transfer of the subject PhilHealth fund to the National Treasury pursuant to Special Provision 1(d) of the 2024 GAA and DOF Circular 003-2024, the remitted funds amounting to ₱60 billion to PhilHealth must be returned to the coffers of PhilHealth.
- The bicameral conference must confront the question of whether this satisfies the Court’s directive to ‘return’ the full amount to PhilHealth.
- Senator Legarda as she noted that while the House of Representatives realigned ₱60 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways budget to PhilHealth, the amount was earmarked for benefit package improvements rather than returned to the reserve fund
- https://lorenlegarda.com.ph/legarda-moves-to-ensure-philhealth-funds-are-fully-restored-and-protected/
- These practices—though indirect—operate in effect as fund diversions similar to what transpired in 2024. I will file a bill to ensure that sin tax earmarks and the statutory shares from PAGCOR and PCSO are automatically appropriated and released to PhilHealth, strengthening the integrity of its funding streams,
- Legarda raising the issue of unremitted allocations due to PhilHealth
- https://lorenlegarda.com.ph/legarda-moves-to-ensure-philhealth-funds-are-fully-restored-and-protected/
- I’m not lecturing. No, it’s true because I was there for five years and sometimes hanggang last minute, they submit in the bicam. Why should they submit in the bicam? Pag-isipan nila ang kanilang NEP. National Expenditure Program, the President’s budget. That’s why ayaw na ayaw namin may insertions sa bicam.
- Senator Legarda's response as Congressman Rufus Rodriguez attempted to lighten the mood with a playful remark, saying: Thank you for the lecture, Sen. Loren.
- https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/17/-matuto-silang-gumawa-ng-budget-legarda-slams-agencies-over-misplaced-priorities-in-nep-0746
- This is a gift of safety for our families and a gift of care for nature. Let’s search and clean drainages, let this be our collective offering as we close 2025.
- Every flood reminds us of what we failed to do. Let us not wait for another disaster to act. This should be our responsibility, starting at the barangay level.
- Barangay leaders and residents must work together to map canals and waterways, conduct regular clean-ups, strictly enforce the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and mobilize monitoring teams to check drainage before and after heavy rains
- I also call for community education campaigns to remind households that throwing trash into canals is both illegal and dangerous.
- This confirms the urgency of my appeal. Barangays are our frontlines of disaster prevention. No national plan will succeed if canals at the community level remain clogged with plastic, household waste, and construction debris.
- As principal author of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and the Climate Change Act, I have always said that laws are only effective when implemented at the grassroots level. Every barangay that cleans and protects its drainage system is enforcing these laws in the most direct, life-saving way.
- This role is about securing lives, livelihoods, and our future. We must build a force that protects and empowers,”
- Senator Loren Legarda after her designation as chair, the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation -- the first woman to earn such distinction
- https://filipinotimes.net/latest-news/2025/09/17/legarda-becomes-first-woman-to-lead-senate-defense-committee/
- With the PDUS, we can build a new generation of national security leaders who are ready not only for today’s problems, but also for the challenges of the future.
- Explaining Senate Bill No. 833, one of her key legislative initiatives, which seeks to establish the Philippine Defense University System (PDUS)
- https://filipinotimes.net/latest-news/2025/09/17/legarda-becomes-first-woman-to-lead-senate-defense-committee/
- Security goes beyond arms; it is about trust, preparedness, and shared responsibility.
- On championing the welfare of uniformed personnel, backing proposals to institutionalize salary increases, improve housing and equipment support, and provide scholarships and aid to families of fallen officers.
- https://filipinotimes.net/latest-news/2025/09/17/legarda-becomes-first-woman-to-lead-senate-defense-committee/
- We will continue to foster a transparent and responsible work environment, grounded in the public trust that we are privileged to serve.
- Senator Legarda announcing that all her staff members tested negative for illegal drug use, based on results confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory of the East Avenue Medical Center. The screening last Aug. 20, 2025 was in line with workplace drug-free initiatives.
- https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1257479
- Let us work continuously, conscientiously, and collectively - moving and transforming our nation and society from a state of fragility to one of agility.
- I would be doing Filipinos injustice if I did not work hard to be able to address their concerns, respond to their needs and protect their rights and welfare.
- * To unsettle the comfortable who can look upon suffering and remain unmoved. And to reach those who hold fast to their humanity, that they may know they do not stand alone in defending what gives life its worth: dignity and justice.
- We are a nation that tells its children: Ang edukasyon ang pinakadakilang daan tungo sa pagkakapantay-pantay (Education is the greatest path toward equality).
- Kung patas ang talino, dapat patas din ang pagkakataon (If talent is equal, opportunity should be equal as well).
- Legarda stressing the importance of equitable access to higher education.
- https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/26/legarda-sponsors-bill-to-fix-gaps-in-universal-access-to-tertiary-education-law
- Ang tunay na tagumpay ay ang makita ang ating mga kabataan na nakapagtapos, at nakahanap ng landas tungo sa isang marangal na buhay (The true measure of success is seeing our youth complete their education and build a path toward a dignified future).
- Legarda stressing the link between education, employment, and dignity
- https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/26/legarda-sponsors-bill-to-fix-gaps-in-universal-access-to-tertiary-education-law
- Kung walang pondo, walang pagbabago. At ang katumbas na halaga ng tamang pagpopondo nito ay higit na mas mababa sa kabayarang dulot ng kakulangan—hindi lamang sa mga pangarap na naudlot, kundi sa kinabukasan ng ating inang bayan (No reform is possible without funding. And the cost of adequate financing is far less than the burden imposed by neglect—not only in the loss of dreams, but in the erosion of our nation’s future).
- Legarda calls on colleagues in Congress to prioritize education in the national budget.
- https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/26/legarda-sponsors-bill-to-fix-gaps-in-universal-access-to-tertiary-education-law.
- The State must strengthen the educational and developmental foundations of children from birth through Grade 3, as this is considered a critical period in learning and development of cognitive skills.
- When students fall behind in the early years, they face mounting difficulties in grasping more complex lessons in higher grades, and many never fully catch up.
- The measure directly responds to the urgent need to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional development during the critical years of Kindergarten to Grade 3, so that no child is left behind at the very start of their educational journey and early deficits do not turn into lifelong disadvantages.
- Legarda says in her privilege speech seeking to improve the development of children from birth to grade 3 to help fix the country's education crisis.
- https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/27/tmt-newswire/legarda-seeks-to-improve-k-3-to-help-fix-education-crisis/2289590
- Let us act with urgency. Let us act with resolve. We cannot allow this crisis to persist.
- We cannot allow another generation to be lost. Every year of delay means more children reach higher grades carrying gaps that could have been prevented in their earliest years.
- The learning crisis already affects productivity, employability, and social cohesion; addressing it at its roots is a matter of justice and national interest.
- Times are changing, and our defense institutions must be able to keep pace. The threats we face today are no longer confined to land and sea, but now include cyber intrusions, disinformation operations, and other ‘gray zone’ tactics that test our cohesion and national resolve.
- The harassment experienced by Filipino fisher folks in the West Philippine Sea and the shadowing of Philippine vessels signifies the fact that national security concerns have entered everyday conversations among ordinary Filipinos.
- We need a Department of National Defense that can respond to the future, with the professional civilian capability, legal authority, and funding tools to do its job well
- We also need an Armed Forces of the Philippines that is not burdened by outdated planning cycles and bureaucratic constraints, but is able to adapt swiftly to rapidly evolving technologies
- I rise today to sponsor a measure that seeks to give long-overdue recognition, protection, and dignity to the individuals who form the most accessible arm of our public health system
- Legarda during her privilege speech calling for the swift passage of the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).
- https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2188100/loren-legarda-bats-for-magna-carta-on-barangay-health-workers
- Barangay health workers are the first to knock on doors, the first to identify health risks, the first to guide mothers and children, and the first to respond to emergencies in communities where formal health facilities remain distant or limited.
- This vital workforce deserves a law that recognizes both its history and its future. It is for this reason that as early as the 14th Congress, I filed a Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, grounded in the belief that Universal Health Care cannot succeed without those who make health care work at the grassroots.
- In every community I visit, I meet BHWs who serve out of commitment rather than compensation. They monitor pregnancies, track immunizations, care for the elderly, and mobilize whole barangays in times of disaster. Yet many continue to work without clear tenure, standardized benefits, or adequate institutional support
- The minimum wage should be a living wage. It must not only cover food and shelter but also provide access to education, health care, and social participation.
- Our cultural heritage is not a commodity to be traded or exploited. It is a shared legacy that defines who we are and gives tangible expression to the historical experiences, ideas, and exchanges that have shaped our communities.
- It demands our collective effort to protect, preserve, and pass on to future generations.
- Legards says of cultural heritage.
- https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/18/legarda-seeks-end-to-treasure-hunting-commercial-exploitation-of-national-cultural-heritage
- When the very law meant to protect our heritage becomes an instrument for its exploitation, we must act decisively to repeal it.
- Every artifact, every historical site, every archaeological find tells the story of who we are as a people. When these are destroyed or taken for profit, we lose more than objects; we lose our identity, our history, and our shared heritage.
- You cannot defend cultural heritage with one hand and sign off on treasure hunting permits with the other. This bill closes that contradiction and asserts that our laws stand firmly on the side of protection, not extraction for profit.
- The preservation of our nation’s built heritage is not merely a matter of aesthetics or nostalgia. It is a duty to safeguard the tangible expressions of our collective memory, identity, and history,
- Our built heritage is often lost not to neglect, but to unaffordable upkeep. This bill eases the tax and cost burden on owners who meet conservation standards, making restoration feasible.
- The bill recognizes that heritage protection cannot rest solely on regulation and enforcement. It must be supported by positive incentives that mobilize both public and private stakeholders toward a common goal: the preservation of our built heritage for future generations.
- When farmers lose, the entire nation suffers.
- Why allow importation at the height of harvest? The result is farm gate prices collapsing while market prices remain high. Traders profit, but farmers are left behind.
- If we do not dismantle the monopoly over cold storage and import permits, this crisis will repeat every year. Government must buy directly from farmers and build farmer-managed storage facilities so they can compete fairly.
- Relief must be responsible. We can ease the burden on ordinary families without draining government funds. This reform lowers VAT where it matters most, on everyday consumption, while ensuring that those who can afford luxury and premium goods continue to contribute fairly
- Why should basic goods and luxury items pay the same VAT?
- Poor households spend a much larger share of their income on food and essential needs. When we tax survival and luxury at the same rate, the burden falls disproportionately on those with the least capacity to absorb it
- Electricity for basic household use is not a luxury; it is a daily necessity that keeps our homes functioning and our children studying
- If we are serious about easing the burden on Filipino families, we must ensure that the tax system does not unnecessarily inflate their power bills
- These amounts are already contributions of our citizens to good public causes, missionary electrification, cleaner energy, and lifeline rates for the poor. Let us not increase the burden by taxing these contributions again
- Lower VAT for ordinary Filipinos, stable revenues for government, that is the balance we are striking…In a time of rising costs, we must cushion families wisely and sustainably
- This year’s Women’s Month calls us to move beyond recognition into integration, to ensure that equality defines how our institutions, schools, and workplaces function every day
- When women are economically empowered, families thrive and communities become more resilient. Supporting women’s enterprises means investing in the future of sustainable development
- Women are frontliners of climate action and guardians of resilience. When we invest in women’s capacity to lead, from barangay councils to national policymaking, we fortify the nation’s defense against climate and environmental risks
- Our women preserve our culture, nurture our youth, and ensure harmony in communities. They are the teachers who shape values, the culture-bearers who keep our heritage alive, and the community leaders who bridge differences and nurture unity.
- Recognizing their leadership is not only an act of equality, but it is also an affirmation of the nation’s strength and identity.
- The strength of our nation lies in the empowerment of every Filipina. When women are protected, supported, and given equal opportunities, progress becomes stronger and inclusive.
- What are we doing differently from before, and what concrete steps can we take now to improve literacy and numeracy?
- How do we take out the load, administrative duties of teachers, not totally, just so that they could focus on teaching and not the admin stuff.
- Why shouldn’t our rich literary heritage and diverse voices be celebrated alongside the world’s best?
- Legarda on the Philippines being the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair
- https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/2024/11/10/2398878/senator-loren-legarda-we-are-nation-storytellers-just-rizal
- This opportunity allows us to shed the constraints of colonial frames and celebrate our rich heritage on a global platform. By reclaiming our heritage and sharing it with the international community, we can showcase our vibrant and authentic narratives to foster greater understanding and appreciation.
- Receiving this Guest-of-Honour scroll is more than symbolic — it represents our stories, transcending borders through the universal language of literature.
- Our presence here (at the Frankfurt Book Fair) is a testament to the collaborative efforts of passionate individuals, institutions and government agencies.
- Our presence here (at the Frankfurt Book Fair) is a testament to the collaborative efforts of passionate individuals, institutions and government agencies.
- The Philippines is a nation of storytellers just like Rizal. This is where the oral traditions of our ancestors seamlessly blend with the written works of our contemporary authors.
- To speak of foresight in this context is not an academic exercise. It is the most practical expression of survival and the most strategic expression of leadership.
- Legarda made a strong call to action for foresight-driven diplomacy and leadership
- https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2101640/loren-legarda-calls-for-foresight-driven-diplomacy-leadership
- Environmental diplomacy and cultural diplomacy are not separate pursuits. They are converging forces that give nations both the strength to endure and the power to inspire
- You are the torchbearers of foresight. You bear the responsibility of anticipating change, of preparing with discipline, of envisioning with courage, and of listening with humility
- Legarda addresses the regiona's diplomatic educators and future leaders
- https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2101640/loren-legarda-calls-for-foresight-driven-diplomacy-leadership
- The 12 percent VAT on basic food items, the ones low-income families and the poorest households actually consume, is a levy on the poor
- Corruption in government always presents itself as normal and regular. Corruption always wants to hide in plain sight.
