Category: Speeches

Posted on

The Dialectic of Terrorism

Speech Before the Philippine Constitution Association

I want to thank all of you – most specially PHILCONSA Chairman Conrado F. Estrella and President Camilo L. Sabio – for your very kind invitation. It is not everyday that one is honored with this opportunity. In fact, not all senators of this republic have been honored with this invitation. The honor is mine today. And I mean to keep it.

The Constitution is what unites us as a Nation, as a People. Those who revere it, are blessed both in their person and in their profession. Those who severe it, are forever harassed both in life and in death.

It was the Nation that I had in mind when a year ago people went to the streets and made their protest against a popularly elected president. It was the Nation that I had in mind when Congress started an impeachment proceeding against him. I was, then, Chief of the Philippine National Police.  Continue reading “The Dialectic of Terrorism”

Posted on

Tyranny of Corruption in a Soft State

Speech Before the Rotary Club of Chinatown Manila, Century Park Sheraton

I want to thank all of you for your very kind invitation. I am here to listen more and talk less. What you ask is more action and less speeches, better executives and wiser lawgivers.

There are two kinds of crisis in government – then and now. One is the quiet crisis among civil servants whose diminished quality of life persistently produces low morale. The other is the noisy crisis that arises from a lack of responsiveness in the bureaucracy to the citizenry. If we are to address both, is there a need to reinvent and reengineer government?

When we talk of reinvention or reengineering, we want to see a government that works better and costs less. The goal is admirable and beyond argument. There are, however, many questions about the means to achieve it.  Continue reading “Tyranny of Corruption in a Soft State”

Posted on

A Wake-Up Call

Speech Before the Lions Club of Manila

There is one invitation that can not be subject to refusal. It is a rare invitation, so rare that people in public life dream to receive but do not always get. When such invitation comes, the feeling is one of relief and gratitude. I am referring to the invitation of Senator Ernesto Maceda. Thank you very much, Senator Ernie!

I did not know that Senator Ernie was a Lion. What I knew was the fact that anyone appearing before the Maceda Committee or Committees in the Senate was advised to enter the lion’s den with courage and care. That must have been an intimidating advice.

But those who appeared before Senator Maceda would invariably say that they left the hearings a wiser man than when they entered. I hope to leave your meeting a very wise man, indeed.  Continue reading “A Wake-Up Call”

Posted on

Of Sacred Cows and Cash Cows

Speech before the Rotary Club-Hiyas ng Bacoor, Heritage Hotel, Pasay City

I would like to thank all of you for your very kind invitation. There is no second home to me other than the company of fellow Rotarians. You and I make mankind our business to serve and protect. Without fear, without favor.  Continue reading “Of Sacred Cows and Cash Cows”

Posted on

In the Company of Predators

Speech at the Senate Flag-Raising Ceremony

Let me first thank Senate Secretary Oscar Yabes for his very kind invitation. He must have liked my maiden privilege speech last Monday to invite me to deliver my maiden flag-raising speech today.  Continue reading “In the Company of Predators”