RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA  

Thank you, Mr. President.

I warmly congratulate our distinguished Ambassadors and Foreign Service Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs who have successfully hurdled the scrutiny of the Commission on Appointments.

You represent our country in the field of international relations.  The faces of the Filipino people are reflected in the good work that you do, as you all build bridges of cooperation and understanding between and among our people, with the rest of the world.  Our countrymen and women worldwide are protected and secured through your indefatigable service.  Such a Herculen task, indeed.

We recognize your important roles in pursuing our national interests vis-a-vis our sound diplomatic relations in the international community of nations.  I share your success, as we see Filipinos soaring high in the international arena, with your steady guidance and hard work.

Maraming salamat sa patuloy na serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan.  Nawa’y ang inyong dedikasyon at sakrispisyo ay magbunga pa ng mas maayos na pamumuhay para sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino na nasa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo.

Muli, and aking taos pusong pagbati sa inyong lahat!

Maraming salamat po, Ginoong Pangulo, at magandang tanghali.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

It is with great honor that I express my heartfelt congratulations and warm support for Sec. Ralph Gonzalez Recto, of the Department of Finance.  Coming from the distinguished Recto clan of Batangas, Sec. Ralph G. Recto is a welcome addition to the Marcos administration for his in-depth knowledge on economic reforms which will definitely benefit our country in its quest for steady progress.

I am truly honored to have worked with then Senator Recto in the Senate, as our Senate President Pro Tempore.  His brilliant achievements on legislation and policy making have consistently reflected his commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development.

As Secretary of Finance, I am confident that Secretary Recto will bring a perspective and innovative solutions to address the country’s post pandemic economic challenges.  His vision for growth, keen observation, and his strategic and intellectual approach to economic policies will undoubtedly steer this nation toward greater prosperity and financial stability.  

Under his guidance and competent leadership, the Department of Finance will continue to uphold its mission of fostering economic growth making the Philippines more globally competitive in the field of international economics. 

Ang dugong Batangueño at maharlikang Pilipino ang nananalaytay sa ating kapita-pitagang Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Pananalapi.  Taglay niya ang angking talino na gagabay sa ating bansa tungo sa masaganang bukas para sa mga darating pang henerasyon.

With great exultation, I congratulate Secretary Recto for his well-deserved achievement and thank him for his unwavering commitment for our country and people. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Chair.

Our esteemed appointee belongs to the exceptional breed of educators. He personified intellectual prowess and professionalism and yet remains humble and simple in all his ways. Indeed the perfect choice to lead a very important institution that shapes the future of our young generation, the Department of Education. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Manalang Angara is an accomplished legislator, writer, professor of law, and an athlete. His values center on critical thinking, respect, and ability to motivate others to strengthen one's mind and character.

Maipagmamayabang ko po, Ginoong Pangulo, na si Secretary Sonny ay maituturing kong pinakamabait na Senador na nakita ko dito sa building na ito noong ako po ay isa pang policeman. Noong late 2016, when I attended a Senate Committee Hearing, I was grilled for hours and hours by Senator De Lima.  After that, I was so hungry and thirsty and also tired, nung nakita po ako ni Senator Sonny, dinala po nya ako sa kanyang opisina at pinaubos sa akin ang isang bilao na pansit malabon at isang litro ng softdrinks. With that, I cannot forget, Senator Sonny, ang bait-bait mo talaga. At saka being a Senator, new Senator, Mr. President, malaking tulong po n'ya nung ako'y inalalayan at binigyan ng tsansa ni Secretary Sonny na maging isa sa kanyang mga Vice-Chairs sa Committee on Finance, handling the budget of the Department of National Defense. At s’ya po ay malaking inspirasyon sa akin, ang kanyang galing ay pilit kong ginagaya pero hindi ko talaga kaya, kahit anong gawin ko. So, maraming salamat, Senator Sonny, sa iyong guidance. Again, hindi ko ‘yun makakalimutan at ipagmamayabang ko.

His ad interim appointment as Secretary of the Department of Education serves as a pillar of support and a sturdy guide to young minds as our youth navigate their academic life and prepare for bigger challenges in the future.

I am deeply honored to be a part of this Chamber as we confirm the appointment of Sec. Sonny Angara as Secretary of the Department of Education. He will surely be an added asset to this administration as we all continue to provide quality education to the present generation and beyond.

Congratulations, Sec. Sonny Angara, and may you always be the guiding light along the halls of knowledge and excellence.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, good afternoon.

"Our new Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, Atty. Hans Leo Javier Cacdac, is a strong advocate, and staunch protector, of the rights and interests of our kababayans working in the different parts of the world.

His expertise in the field of labor migration makes him the best public servant to lead the DMW, next to his late predecessor and beacon of DMW, Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople.

Secretary Cacdac has proven, through the years, his genuine concem for the plight of the overseas Filipinos around the globe. He possesses deep knowledge of labor laws, migration policies, and international labor rights. He is, indeed, the pillar of support of the present Administration in promoting and preserving the dignity and value of our overseas workers.

Bawat manggagawang Pilipino, saan mang sulok ng mundo, ay panatag sa Kagawaran ng pangangalaga ng Pandarayuhan sa Manggagawang pamumuno ng ating butihing Kalihim Hans Leo J. Cacdac. Ang kanyang talino, sipag, at dedikasyon para sa kabutihan ng ating mga kababayan ay tatak ng tunay na serbisyong may puso. Ang DMW ay patuloy na magsisilbing "Tahanan ng OFWs", kung saan ang kapakanan ng ating manggagawa ay pangangalagaan at isusulong sa pandaigdigang ugnayan.

I join this Chamber in confirming the ad interim appointment of Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and I wish him the best in his journey ahead.

Maraming salamat, at magandang hapon."

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, honorable Members of the Commission on Appointments, good afternoon. 

This representation, as Chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Judicial and Bar Council, is honored to sponsor, with the approval of this august Body,  the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Jose Vicencio Mejia, as Member, Representing the Private Sector, Judicial and Bar Council, Supreme Court of the Philippines, for a term expiring on July 9, 2028 vice Mr. Toribio E. Ilao, Jr. 

In the words of the late Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, an esteemed Constitutionalist, “the principal function of the Judicial and Bar Council is to form a list of nominees to the judiciary, and out of which the President chooses appointees as justices and judges.” Thus, the independence, excellence, and honor of the Judiciary begins with the tedious selection of its members.  Such a Herculean task could only be accomplished by members of the Judicial and Bar Council, who possess impeccable qualifications, indisputable integrity, and incomparable wisdom, as they meticulously scrutinize applicants to the judiciary, and select the worthy candidates who would become instruments in dispensing justice in our country. 

Our appointee, Atty. Jose V. Mejia, is a graduate of Ateneo De Manila University, Bachelor of Laws, in 1985.  A year after he became a member of the Philippine Bar, he started his teaching career and taught in several academic institutions, such as De La Salle University, Ateneo De Manila University, College of the Holy Spirit, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila where he also served as the University Secretary and Legal Counsel, and the International University Foundation.  He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Manuel L. Quezon University. 

A lawyer and an educator at heart, Atty. Mejia’s passion in advocating the scholarly principles of law made him a part of the Judicial and Bar Council early on, when on April 28, 2011, he was appointed as a regular member of the JBC, then Representing the Academe.  He finished his second term in the JBC, under the same representation, in July of 2018. 

Last July 19, 2024, Atty. Mejia was again appointed as a Regular Member of the JBC, this time representing the private sector. 

Atty. Mejia’s private law practice started as an Associate in the Sepidoza and Laogan Law Offices in 1985.  He assisted the Office of the late Senator Rene Augusto  V. Saguisag as Senior Technical Assistant and Legal Consultant.  Thereafter, he served the Department of Agrarian Reform.  In 1995, he became the Vice President for Legal and Corporate Affairs of TVI Pacific Group of Companies, a Canadian mining firm, and in 2006 until his present appointment, Atty. Mejia served as a Senior Partner in Ligon, Solis, Mejia, Florendo Law firm. 

In his four (4) decades of private law practice, he specializes in real property transactions, estate settlement and planning, and agrarian law. 

His journey as a member of the Philippine Bar is marked with utmost competence and dedication in his chosen field.  Indeed, the impressive credentials and unblemished record of our appointee deserves another term in the Judicial and Bar Council, Supreme Court of the Philippines. 

Mr. Chair, it is my honor to respectfully move that the Commission on Appointments confirms the ad interim appointment of Atty. Jose Vicencio Mejia as Member, Representing the Private Sector, Judicial and Bar Council, Supreme Court of the Philippines, for a term expiring on July 9, 2028 vice Toribio E. Ilao, Jr.  

I so move, Mr. Chair.

"We, in the government service, are given the important role in improving people's lives through the public office that we occupy. As servants of the Filipino people, we are mandated to perform our sworn duties to the best of our abilities, and with utmost honesty and competence. Hence, the mandate of the Constitution that "public office is a public trust" should not only serve as a mantra and empty rhetoric, but a way of life, for every civil servant.

Today in our midst is a public officer who has lived her life in the spirit of accountability and integrity. Atty. Marilyn Barua-Yap is an epitome of competence and modesty in public service. She is the former Secretary General of the House of Representatives, and was later on appointed as Undersecretary for Special and Affairs Concerns, External Communications of the Department of Agrarian Reform. Atty. Yap's indefatigable service is a living testimony of her commitment to excellence, efficiency, and transparency in serving our people.

I join this august Chamber in confirming the ad interim appointment of Atty. Marilyn Barua-Yap as Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission.

Ang tunay na Kawani ng Gobyerno na may puso at dangal para sa mamamayang Pilipino.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good afternoon."

“To showcase our country in the international arena entails a big responsibility, and poses a big challenge.  It requires conscientious and diligent service that promotes national interests and culture, safeguards the rights and interests of our kababayans abroad, while enhancing democratic ideals that are truly Filipino at heart.

This arduous duty lies on the shoulders of our tireless, courageous, and dynamic diplomats who offer their services for the welfare of our country and kababayans around the globe.

Mr. Chair, it is my honor to join this august Chamber in confirming the appointments of our DFA Foreign Service Officers today.  They are the country’s channels of excellence in protecting the Filipino interests in the community of Nations.

Thank you Mr. Chair, and good afternoon.”

Thank you, Mr. President, Majority Leader.

With a grateful heart, I express my sincerest congratulations and well-deserved commendation to our brave and committed Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  We support the confirmation and consent to your appointments and nominations today.

The journey towards excellence is never an easy one, especially the valiant Filipino soldiers whose lives are always at risk as they perform their sworn duties to protect our country and people against the enemies of democracy and those who threaten our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Every battle is a test of endurance, courage and faith, as they put forth an invincible shield against the uncertainties of hostilities and conflicts.

Ang buhay ng bawat sundalo ay may kalakip na panganib sa kanyang tinatahak na landas. Kabalikat nya ang panalangin na ang mga hamon ng paglilingkod ay matagumpay na magbunga ng kapayapaan, at sanggalang sa kapahamakan. Nasa puso niya ang mataimtim na pananalig sa patnubay at pag-aaruga ng Poong Maykapal sa lahat ng pagsubok at dusa.

I unite myself to the worthy endeavors of our Officers in sacrificing their lives for our country, as we all enjoy the freedom and prosperity as a sovereign Nation.

Thank you Mr. Chairman, and good afternoon.

  “As we start the year, we welcome in our midst the distinguished Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who wholeheartedly serve our country and people with courage, determination and faith. 

  Every soldier has a unique story to tell. And each story reveals a personal battle of pain, fear, perseverance and triumph. The struggle to win is a battle in itself. And the most cherished victory is to see the country free from internal security threats, and foreign interference.

 Buong puso akong nagpupugay sa ating magigiting na Kawal ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. Kayo ang aming sandalan sa panahon ng pagsubok sa katatagan ng kapayapaan sa ating bansa. Dahil sa inyong sakripisyo, nagbubuklod ang sambayanang Pilipino tungo sa pagkakaisa at katapatan sa ating Inang Bayan.

I warmly congratulate our brave Soldiers present in our gallery today. Congratulations, and may you all continue to serve our nation with unwavering loyalty and valor. 

Thank you, and good afternoon, Mr. Chair.”

 “Today in our midst are the appointees in our country's Constitutional bodies tasked to uphold the integrity, independence and accountability in government service.

Commissioner Luis Meinrado Calano Pañgulayan of the Civil Service Commission has dedicated his professional life to the service of the government and its people. And this unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to find its way to the CSC.

The Commission on Audit's mandate to scrutinize public funds and expenditures are even made stricter with the presence of our new Commissioner, Douglas Michael Nocum Mallillin. A Certified Public Accountant and a Lawyer by profession, Commissioner Mallillin's wisdom and prowess will give more meaning to accountability and transparency in utilizing government's resources.

I warmly congratulate our new Commissioners, and wish them the best in their journey ahead.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.”

“Buong puso akong bumabati sa ating magigiting na kawal sa inyong pagkakahirang, at patuloy na pagganap ng tungkulin sa bayan.

Ang sambayanang Pilipino ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong sakripisyo at dedikasyon sa pagbantay sa kalayaan ng bansa.  Walang katumbas ang inyong paghihirap bilang tagapagtanggol ng kapayapaan, kaayusan at pagkakaisa tungo sa maunlad na Pilipinas.

Kaisa nyo ako sa hangarin na higit pang mapabuti ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan, at mapanatiling malaya ang ating bansa laban sa kasamaan.

Muli, ang aking taos pusong pagbati sa ating kasundaluhan, at dalangin ang patuloy na pagpapala ng ating Maykapal, para sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya.

Maraming salamat po.”