FERJENEL G. BIRON

Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, in our indispensable duty of confirming the appointment of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment.  I believe it is only proper to reopen the pages of the supreme law of the land.  No less than the Philippine Constitution embodies the commitment of the State to afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all.  This commitment is a major facet of social justice in the Philippines.  The State needs a strong leader to be vanguard of social justice in the field of labor and employment.  It is therefore crucial that we confirm only those who are determined to be qualified and worthy.   And I have confidence that Atty. Bienvenido Estudillo Laguesma is that man.

His two (2) decades of service in the Department of Labor and Employment, occupying various positions from Mediator Arbiter to OIC of the  Provincial Labor Office, to a Labor Arbiter, Assistant Director to Regional Director, First Administrator of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board and to Undersecretary until his retirement – had fully clothed him with a thick armor of much experience.  His years of exposure in labor relations, coursing through the changing dynamics and dimensions of economy, technology, gender, and environment, reinforces his adaptability to employment trends and practices which would be favorable to the welfare of workers.

At a young age, he was exposed to work, as he himself sold comics and newspapers to help his father while he was studying in primary school.  Now, in his advanced age, he is still willing to work in service to the government and the people, bringing on the table all his competencies and values noteworthy of a Secretary.  He had been Secretary of the Department of Labor in 1998 and I trust that his past experiences have given him the wisdom to better fulfill the duties of a Secretary the second time around.

In line with the State's aspirations for social justice, and in line with my own, it is my sincerest honor and privilege to second the motion to confirm the ad interim appointment of Atty. Bienvenido Estudillo Laguesma as Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.

In the course of public governance, there is an interplay of powers of the State - the executive, the judiciary, and the legislative - that operates the life of this country.  Our leaders for these branches take on a great responsibility in the sustenance of our State.  Before us is an admirable man who has commendably served thirty-three (33) years of his life in the judiciary and took the helm as Chief Justice in November of 2018 until his retirement.  

Retired Chief Justice Lucas Purugganan Bersamin now comes before us to do us this public service of manning this time, the executive branch to take on the role of Executive Secretary, a.k.a. “the little President”, a job that is ironically, not little.

After our thorough deliberation in the Committee hearing, I find it unquestionably true that he is mentally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually willing and able to serve our country as Executive Secretary.

I truly believe that Retired Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin is the biggest man in the room worthy to be our “little President”.   His greatness compressed to fit

in the role of the little President that will serve this country best.  I can see that the President of the Republic is in good hands, the country is in good hands.  I therefore, second the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Office of the President. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair  and my dear colleagues. 

“Mr. Chair, esteemed colleagues, it has been a long day, but allow me this  brief time to extend my support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Jaime Jimenez Bautista  as Secretary of the Department of Transportation. 

A dependable network of transport systems and efficient transportation  services play a crucial part in the acceleration of our economic development  especially in this country geographically divided into thousands of islands. 

As the primary government agency responsible for the development and  regulation of our transportation systems and services, the Department of  Transportation, together with its attached agencies, must be led by no less than a  person of high competence, integrity and fitness.  I believe that Mr. Bautista is that man. 

He has vast experience in the private corporate   sector,   performing  managerial and executive roles, involved, among others, in the aviation industry and  airport services.  He was a trusted and renowned leader working in Lucio Tan’s  Group of companies for about forty (40) years, the last twenty-four (24) years thereof for the Philippine  Airlines and its subsidiaries, where he rose from the ranks to being  President and Chief  Operating Officer in 2004-2012 and 2014-2019, and where his managerial methods  were described as strategic and “hands-on”. He is highly intelligent, having  graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce  (Accountancy), from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1977. 

This is Mr. Bautista’s first appointment in the government.  I sincerely believe  that the Philippine government is fortunate to be rendered of his time, his skills, and his  public service.  A man of above average intellectual functioning, a trusted leader,  and an experienced executive, I look forward to him elevating the Philippine Transport system to sustainable global standards, connecting our beloved country,  its islands, and its people to the rest of the world, through land, air and sea.  

With fervor, I therefore second the motion for the confirmation of the ad  interim appointment of Mr. Jaime Jimenez Bautista, as Secretary of the Department  of Transportation. 

Thank you.”

“A strong economy for a strong Republic.  

To achieve this end, our National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) must be headed by no less than a strong leader. 

I stand before this august Body to extend my support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Arsenio Molina Balisacan as Secretary of the NEDA because I believe in his strong leadership.

Secretary Balisacan was reportedly born to a poor family.  He pursued his education   relying   on   scholarships    and grants, as well as part-time employment from primary school until his post-graduate degree.  Despite poverty, he graduated magna cum laude of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.  Later, he obtained a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics in UP Los Baños and a Doctorate in Economics in the University of Hawaii.

From humble beginnings his life flourished by his wit, hard work and determination. He has relevant leadership and management experience in both the private and public sectors.  He worked in the academe as Research Intern, to Professor, and to Dean of the School of Economics ON UP-Diliman.  For eight (8) years since August 2004, he was Chairperson of the Board of Advisors of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) – Team Energy (formerly Mirant) Center for Bridging Societal Divides. In the government, he began as a lowly research assistant of the Cotton Research and Development Institute, and soon played various roles in the Department of Agriculture, and the National Economic Development Authority. Finally, he excelled in his career and soon became the Chairperson of the Philippine Competition Commission in February 2016 until his appointment as Secretary of the NEDA on 30 June 2022.

Secretary Balisacan is said to be a long distance-runner.  I am hoping that he too could take the Philippine economy to a long distance, and along the way, fasttrack investments, revive and sustain local industries, and accelerate economic growth for our country.  The eradication of poverty in our society has been difficult and  seemingly an impossible feat, such that we have lowered down our expectations  to its alleviation rather than its complete abolition.  Nevertheless, I still have  hope that there will come a time where poverty is uncommon and I am  hoping that Secretary Balisacan, who himself was born from poverty, will  help our country grow out of it.  In view of these, I second the motion for the  confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary of the National Economic  Development Authority. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair and my fellow colleagues  of this Commission!”

“Mr. Chair and my dear colleagues, as we assemble here today as Members of the Commission on  Appointments to give consent to the nominations of the nominees, and confirm the ad interim appointments of the appointees, this Representation would like  to register his seconding speech on record in support of the nomination of Ms. Irene Susan Barreiro  Natividad as our country’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of  Germany, a Career Officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs, who is currently holding the position  of Chargé dáffaires at the Philippine Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Philippines to  the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. 

Many would quip that the most difficult examination in the country is the Philippine Bar Examinations  – this could only be true, for some, if one has not faced the grueling stages to pass the Foreign Service  Officers Examinations, whereby, as claimed, the passing rate is much lower than any other board  exams including that for doctors, lawyers and engineers.  

Our nominee, Ambassador Natividad, has not only passed the Philippine Bar Exams, she was also  successful in taking the FSO Exams in 1992.  And, in 2007, in addition to her impressive credentials,  she likewise passed the Career Minister’s Examinations. 

Described as a highly organized, open-minded, and accommodating individual, Ambassador Natividad  worked her way up in the foreign service organizational hierarchy to assume significant posts here and  overseas.  She started as Principal Assistant in the Office of Legal Affairs, DFA until she became: Third Secretary and Consul in the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa; Director in the Office of Legal  Affairs, DFA; Consul in Philippine Consulate in Honolulu; Career Minister of the Philippine Embassy  in Singapore; Consul General in the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Deputy Permanent  Representative of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations, New York, U.S.A.; and, her present  designation as Charge d’affaires of the Philippine Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Philippines to  the United Nations in Vienna, Austria, and her nomination now as the Philippine Ambassador to the  Federal Republic of Germany.  

Because of her track record in the foreign service, particularly her accomplishments and exemplary  performance as Executive Director of the Office of Legal Affairs, DFA, that led to the creation of the  Philippines-Hong Kong Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement (TSPA); as Assistant Secretary,  who helped secure the ratification of priority bilateral and multilateral agreements on extradition,  mutual legal assistance and avoidance of double taxation, to mention a few; as Deputy Representative  at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York for the successful campaign for the  election of the Philippines to the Human Rights Council and the Economic and Social Council from  2016 to 2020, respectively, this Representation, therefore, together with many others who see her as  a highly competent and reliable diplomat, is confident to second the nomination of a well-respected  and highly regarded asset of the DFA, Ambassador Irene Susan Barriero Natividad as Chief of  Mission, Class I, Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic  of Germany. 

Thank you!”

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, my esteemed colleagues - 

There is no prosperity without trade, no progress without industry.  It is the bloodstream of all governments.  Commercial exchange fuels economic growth, reduces inequality, widens opportunity, and raises the standard of living of our countrymen.  Therefore, our country’s economic survival rests in the efficient and effective management of our Department of Trade and Industry.

So today, it is my honor to sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Alfredo Espinosa Pascual guided by no consideration other than that of his integrity, competence, and fitness.

After thorough investigation and inquiry, Mr. Pascual has demonstrated that his integrity is intact.  He is amiable, cultured, dependable, and highly principled.  His competence to discharge the duties of a Secretary to the Department of Trade and Industry is best measured through his academic prowess, substantial work experience, and achievements, as he held high ranking positions and performed significant roles as a manager, an economist, an administrator, a teacher, an advisor, and a leader throughout his career.

He is a renowned academician, a top-rated international banker and a financial expert.  At the age of twenty-six (26), he was an Assistant Vice President for Corporate Finance of the Philippine Pacific Capital Corporation (now RCBC Capital).  Soon he became the Vice President for Investment Banking of the First Metro Investment Corporation in 1976, and thereafter, as Vice President for International Finance of the State Investment House, Inc. in 1978 to 1979, all the while working as a part-time lecturer of the Ateneo de Manila University from 1973 to 1978.

For nineteen (19) years, he worked with the Asian Development Bank holding the positions of a Senior Investment Officer, as Director of Infrastructure Finance, Director of Private Sector Operations, and as Advisor for Public-Private Partnership.  He was part of the ADB World Panel on Financial Water Infrastructure, and actively participated in consultations with investors, bankers, policy makers, academics, NGOs, and civil society organizations in Manila, Washington, D. C., the Hague, Johannesburg, Paris, and London.

He became President and Co-Chair of the Board of Regents of UP Diliman from February 2011 to 2017.  As President, he was credited for transforming the state university into a research-intensive university, for strengthening public service through organized relief operations and disaster management training, and for forging partnership with the private sector to build revenue-generating projects, such as the UP Town Center in Diliman, among others.  In January 2018 until December 2019, he became the President and CEO of the Institute of Corporate Directors.  In 2021, he became President of the Management Association of the Philippines, an exclusive organization advocating for management excellence.

His confirmation today is widely supported on record, by many leaders of businesses and scientific communities all over the country, namely among others:  the various Chapters of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, various growers and farmers associations, marketing, agriculture, and producers cooperatives, and Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises Development Councils.  Even the Department of Trade and Industry Employees’ Union believed in his “brand of visionary leadership” and expressed their unequivocal support for his confirmation.

His body is still able, his mind is still strong, and his heart can take it.  I am confident as to his holistic fitness to take on this challenging and noble task of leading the Department of Trade and Industry to a vigorous and progressive future in line with this administration’s socio-economic goals.

I therefore, expeditiously but judiciously, promptly but with circumspection,  move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Alfredo Espinosa Pascual as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.  

I so move, Mr. Chair.

“In the intricate tapestry of good governance, the Department of Finance serves as the hand that weaves economic stability, fiscal prudence, and strategic foresight into the fabric of a thriving and prosperous nation. Hence, the crucial role of the Secretary of Finance cannot be overstated. 

Mr. Chair, esteemed colleagues of this Commission, today, as we confirm the appointment of our former colleague in the House of Representatives,  Secretary Ralph Recto, we influence the future course of our nation’s fiscal policy.

It is therefore imperative that the Secretary of Finance is one of exceptional competence, dedication, and vision to perform the duties of policy making, revenue generation, resource mobilization, debt management and financial market development. In this regard, I truly believe, our appointee embodies these qualities to an exemplary degree.

Secretary Recto is a brilliant man known for his mathematical prowess. He is a seasoned legislator who began his political career as a member of the House of Representatives in 1992 to 2001 with an unprecedented record of winning in all precincts, barangays, and municipalities with 98% of the votes cast in two (2) elections in the 4th District of Batangas. He also served our country as Senator for three (3) terms, holding key positions such as Senate President Pro Tempore during the 16th and 18th Congresses, as Senate Minority Leader in the 17th Congress, and Chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means in the 12th, 13th and 15th Congresses.  In the 19th Congress, he became our colleague once more in the House of Representatives until his appointment as Secretary of Finance this January 2024. Tangible outcomes of his competence are exemplified in many major economic, fiscal, and revenue laws which he authored and sponsored such as the Special Economic Zone Law, the Comprehensive Tax Reform Law, the Retail Trade Liberalization Law, the Expanded Value Added Tax Law, and the Sin Tax Law among numerous others in a long list of laws sponsored and passed. 

Secretary Recto not only has vast experience in politics but also highly qualified in the field of economics with a keen awareness of the interconnected facets of our economy. He was appointed as Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning and Director General of the National Economic Development Authority in 2008 where he was acknowledged for crafting the government’s Economic Resiliency Plan and for proposing a new economic plan known as the Reloading Economic Acceleration Plan or REAP. 

His vision, in line with President BongBong Marcos’ vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas”, gives me hope that under his leadership, inflation shall indeed be curbed, that more sound investments shall come in, that revenues will reliably flow, and that tax administration will become more efficient. 

To Secretary Recto, I invest my trust in your visionary and effective leadership. May you be as doting and thoughtful in your new duties as you are with your wife. Our nation’s financial health is in your capable hands. Beyond number-crunching, your excellence and leadership is the pivotal force that can shape the economic destiny of our nation. 

All these said, I therefore second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Ralph Recto as our new Secretary of Finance. 

Thank you very much!”