Category: Past Speeches [before the 17th Congress]

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Show No Compromise

Speech during the 16th Grand Alumni Homecoming, Isabela National High School Class of 1984

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

I have gone around the country a few times and talked to a great number of people of different social, political and economic backgrounds – none of these are possible if not for a dream.

Minsan, nangarap ang dalawang magulang na mapag-aral ang kanilang walong anak.  Continue reading “Show No Compromise”

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Serving Others by Creating Equal Opportunity

Speech during the Phaltra National Conference and Seminar, The Manila Hotel

If I am not mistaken, this is the third time that I am speaking before this audience.

Not only that. I am sure I have met many of you either in Naga City or Cebu Provincial Capitol Building during the public hearings on the Land Valuation Reform Bill, as well as the discussions on the RESA bill, where a group of officers of the Philippine Association of Municipal Assessors, the Philippine Association of Provincial and City Assessors, and the Association of Treasurers and Assessors of Metro Manila visited my office last year.

The combined intrepidity of Ching Agcaoili, Pearl Segovia, Lina Isorena and Nino Alvina among others, not to mention the strong endorsements coming from PHALTRA, ASTRAMM, PAPCA and PAMAS will certainly leave the 14th Congress no choice but to pass these two important bills, hopefully before Congress goes on sine die adjournment on June 6.  Continue reading “Serving Others by Creating Equal Opportunity”

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Patas na Laban, Para sa Lahat

Speech during the Convocation in Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

I wish to thank President Ben Malayang and the rest of the officials of the school administration for making me a part of today’s convocation here in Silliman University.

While advancements have been made in our country’s educational system in the field of modern information technology, with better techniques and better equipment, we cannot close our eyes to the reality that in these benighted parts, time has stood still for more than half of our population. Sadly, even the basic components of public education never reach millions of Filipinos.

Free public education as enshrined in our Constitution and the basic components of its support mechanisms have become a grave concern in this country whose citizens now belong to the world’s poorest. And this is where social responsibility should become part of our mission and our advocacy.  Continue reading “Patas na Laban, Para sa Lahat”

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In support of equal opportunities for all

Speech during the Midyear Session of the Philippine Dental Association, Baguio City

It has been a privilege to be working with you for the passage of the Philippine Dental Act. Not only have our interactions been most pleasant; it is always nice to see so many smiling faces with pearly white teeth.

In the same breath, let me add the observation that proper dental care has become a luxury for most Filipinos, particularly the poor. But what of course is even more pathetic is that proper health care has become a luxury as well, inaccessible and unaffordable to most.

Our interaction for the passage of the Philippine Dental Act showed how cooperation between lawmakers and civil society can result in responsible legislation that benefits all.  Continue reading “In support of equal opportunities for all”

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Investing in good governance in the interest of equal opportunity for all

Speech during the 8th Annual Convention, Philippine Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, The Manila Hotel

Thank you for inviting me to share my experience in public service, almost two years as chief of our national police and seven as a Philippine legislator.

There have been extraordinary strides in health practices during the last fifty years – vaccines, better equipment, we even have the opportunity to reclaim the fountain of youth.

We, who are present in this pavilion, are living in relatively blessed circumstances for outside this place, real problems beset a great number of Filipinos.  Continue reading “Investing in good governance in the interest of equal opportunity for all”