Category: Past Speeches [before the 17th Congress]

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Our Responsibility, Our Destiny

Speech at the First Graduation Ceremony of the Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario, Batangas

Marami pong salamat sa kinakatawan ng Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario para sa paanyaya.

Lagi kong tinatanggap ang pagkakataong bumalik sa Batangas dahil buo ang aking paniniwalang iilan na lang ito sa mga lalawigang kilala sa kanyang paninindigan laban sa mga mapagsamantala sa ating karapatang mamuhay na may dignidad at patas na laban.

In my work as a representative of the people, I have gone around our country many times and talked to a great number of people from all walks of life – none of the blessings and privileges that I have enjoyed over the years would have been possible if not for a simple dream.  Continue reading “Our Responsibility, Our Destiny”

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Ang Kahulugan ng Patas na Laban Para sa Lahat

Speech at the Commencement Exercises of the University of Manila

Let me begin with a true story.

Once upon a time there was a poor couple who had eight children and making both ends meet was a constant struggle.

The father was a jeepney driver. And so the wife had to augment the family income by selling dried goods in their town’s public market. There were many times when the couple had to forego their share of the day’s meals because the brood of eight always came first. Even their schooling came ahead of the couple’s basic needs.  Continue reading “Ang Kahulugan ng Patas na Laban Para sa Lahat”

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The Nature of Service

Speech at the Kabagis Congress

Good evening.

This is the first time that I will be speaking in front of this audience and I thank former councilor and your Secretary-General Abet Quilala for the opportunity.

Kabagis has always been synonymous with service.  Continue reading “The Nature of Service”

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Ipaglaban ang Patas na Laban Para sa Lahat

Speech during the induction of officers of the GSIS Retirees’ Association

Atty. Alfredo Pineda, EVP Leonarda Perez, newly inducted officers, members of the Board of Directors, ladies and gentlemen:

No ifs, no buts. We live in a time of increasing insecurity.

The greatest challenge facing us today is how to guarantee a society that is just, fair and treats each other with respect, rich or poor, influential or not.  Continue reading “Ipaglaban ang Patas na Laban Para sa Lahat”

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Don’t Compromise on the Future

Speech during the commencement exercises of Masbate Colleges

Were I to present myself, it would be as a country bumpkin born and raised in a little known town in Cavite.

In my work as a representative of the people, I have gone around the countryside many times and talked to a great number of people of different social, political and economic backgrounds – none of the blessings that I and my seven siblings are enjoying now are possible if not for a dream.

Minsan, nangarap ang dalawang magulang na mapag-aral ang kanilang mga anak.  Continue reading “Don’t Compromise on the Future”