JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

Mr. Chairman, fellow members of the Commission on Appointments, good afternoon. 

 It is an honor and privilege to express my support to the nomination of Amb. Antonio Manuel Revilla Lagdameo, as Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations, New York, United States of America.  

The appointee has served his country in the best way he can. His track record in government  service reflects his deep commitment to serve the people.   Sixteen (16) long years in the foreign service, thus a story of a man who painstakingly represented the interest of the Philippines in the international community and protected the welfare of fellow Filipinos worldwide. 

To his family and friends, he is Tone, a simple person who is a devoted man to his wife and children.  Imagine having a son like Antonio Lagdameo, he is really indeed a great father because he raised him very well.  

His greatness, discipline and humility are reflected in the lives of his children.  They are still a family of public servants, successful businessmen and women and professionals.  There is so much to say about the accomplishments of the appointee but I would like to end by saluting this remarkable person who unconditionally and exceptionally served this country with pride.  

So, I also second the nomination of Ambassador Lagdameo.  

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, fellow members of the Commission on Appointments, good afternoon.

It is my privilege to support the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of George Erwin Mojica Garcia as the Chairman of the Commission on Elections.

This man needs no introduction.  Aside from his status as a sought-after and seasoned election lawyer, he recently hurdled the most difficult seasonal job in the government, that is during the election season.  He became the face of the COMELEC who ensured the transparency and integrity of our democratic expression.  As then Commissioner of the Constitutional Body during the May 2022 National and Local Elections, he was instrumental in the success and peaceful conduct of the elections.

Atty. George or Atty. G, as he is more popularly known, has a long list of accomplishments as a veteran election lawyer.  Long before his appointment as Chairman of the COMELEC, he is acknowledged by most as the top and perhaps the best election lawyer in the country, not just because of his wins but also because of his passion in defending every case that he is entrusted with.

He is known in the legal field as someone who has the ability to raise arguments that evoke fruitful discussions in pressing legal issues among the bench and the bar.  In the legal profession, he is admired as a staunch defender of the law. 

Perhaps,   his   greatest   asset  is  his charm which worked well on his wife, Senate’s very own Atty. Marivic Laurel-Garcia.  He is a devoted family man and father to his children.  As he is hands-on to his new role in the COMELEC, he is also a supportive dad who never missed an important family occasion. 

Chairman George is a well-rounded person.  He is only preceded by his hard-work, sheer determination and intellect.  This man came from a family of modest means who worked his way up to get to where he is today.

Mr. Chair, it is truly an honor to support the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. George Garcia as Chairman of the Commission on Elections.  I trust that this man will bring the needed and genuine reforms in the COMELEC.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

There are about eight (8) people who would like to support our good Justice Secretary. I cannot help but also tell -- say something about him because he is a personal friend to me.  

He has been a friend for thirty (30) years.  We met sometime in the 1990s when I was venturing into real estate development in Cavite and he was then our Corporate Secretary and helping us.  I learned a lot from him, the trait of being a developer and a lot more, not only in business and others, in politics and some things that I would rather keep to myself.  Marami siyang naituro sa akin pero sa amin na lang po iyon.

  He has been like a brother to me.  Through thick and thin, we have always been stuck together.  In fact, in 1998 when my father became President, I would proudly say that I was the one who recommended him to work for my father, then President Estrada.  And until the end, he was stuck with my father.  He was one of the last men to have been stuck with President Erap.   So, hindi siya marunong mang iwan.  Iyan po ang isang character po ni Sec. Boying Remulla. 

And going on, moving on, nagkasama po kami sa Kongreso and you know for a fact that he is one of the no nonsense, talagang tumitindig, may paninindigan, and I am sure now that he has taken a new challenge by being DOJ Secretary, we have to – marami po talagang sindikato, maraming kailangang linisin sa ating pamahalaan.  And if there’s one person who is really capable of really instituting reforms in the department, it is Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla.  He is one of the topnotchers, a champion debater, a very good public servant.  Kaya po talagang siya po ay more than qualified to be DOJ Secretary.  Hindi po nagkamali si Pres. Bongbong Marcos sa pagpili sa kanya.  Ang sabi nga ni  President BBM, “Secretary Boying is perfect  as Justice Secretary”.   

In fact, as I’ve mentioned earlier, we went a long way,  sa katunayan ako po ay ninong sa limang anak niya na ikinasal. Ganun po katindi ang aming samahan.  As I’ve already mentioned, hanggang sa huli hindi marunong mang-iwan.  Through thick and thin, he will always stick with you as a friend.  And I'm proud to say that I'm also a co-host of the “Executive Session”.  Napakasaya po ng aming programa, malaman.  Sana makinig din po kayo sa Sabado sa DZRH po, may plugging na po.  Wala hong ano roon --  meron namang blind item pero within ten seconds malalaman niyo na kung sino. 

So, Mr. President,  to cut the story short, to cut my manifestation, again, I would like to second, and I'm proud to have been a friend, proud to be an associate, proud to have been a partner of -- in a lot of things with Sec. Boying Remulla, in good things, mostly good things.  But mostly good things.  But I am sure that he will really be one of those who would really perform very well in his genuine reform in this government, especially in the Department of Justice.  

Again, Mr. President, I am proud to second the motion to confirm the ad interim appointment of Sec. Boying Remulla.

Thank you, Mr. President. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair, honorable members of the Commission on Appointments, good afternoon.

It is an honor to stand today and manifest my support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Bienvenido Estudillo Laguesma as Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment.

Secretary Benny is an institution in the Department of Labor and Employment.  He served the department for twenty-two (22) years, rising from the ranks within the organization until his optional retirement in 1996.  He started his career in the department as Mediator-Arbiter in 1976 during the presidency of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.  From there, he occupied various significant positions in the department from being a Labor Arbiter to being its Undersecretary.

He was called again to serve by former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada in 1998, this time as the labor department’s Secretary.  He answered to this call in a heartbeat, completing President Erap’s top-notch cabinet officials.

Sec. Benny’s contribution to the labor sector transcends administrations.  His vow is to make the labor department “a more responsible and responsive institution that reaches out to the needs of workers, especially those in rural and far-flung urban areas”.  A vow that time and again, he fulfills in every function - big or small.

He is known by his colleagues as a highly competent, accomplished, and approachable individual.  His unblemished service record precedes him.  Despite a lucrative law practice, he continued to live modestly and within his means.  To me, he is a man of honor and integrity - values that are most needed by the Department of Labor and Employment in order to implement the  most needed reforms within the organization.

With the country’s current employment rate at 94.8% in July 2022, I trust that Secretary Laguesma endeavors to further improve this number so that no Filipino will be left behind in life.  Under his  watch, I truly believe that our country’s workforce will genuinely build back and recover from the damaging effects brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a labor law practitioner, he also knows the plight of workers who are sometimes left with no choice but to settle with a hostile work environment and working conditions.  We look forward to see the work of Sec. Benny in the department as he champions crucial reforms to protect our workers.

In a country like ours, where opportunities are limited, Filipinos need a government that will look after their interests and promote their welfare.  I am so glad that the President has picked Secretary Benny to primarily do this job, for he has vision for the people and commitment to public service. 

With these, Mr. Chair, I would like to reiterate my full support for the confirmation of the  ad interim appointment of Sec. Benny Laguesma to the Department of Labor and Employment.

Maraming Salamat po.

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

It is an honor to stand today and manifest my support to the confirmation of the nomination of Amb. Pedro Ramirez Laylo Jr., as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Israel.

If confirmed, this will be Mr. Laylo’s first diplomatic posting.  However, this won’t be his first involvement in government service.  In the span of four (4) years, Mr. Laylo became the Director of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Bonifacio Estates Services Corporation (BESC), Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC), and Philippine Reclamation Authority.  He would serve again as Assistant Secretary in the Office of the President for two years.  This was six good years of his career dedicated to public service.

Mr. Laylo started his professional career as  a Process Facilitator in 1989 and Project Coordinator in 1990 at Associated Resources for Management and Development, a service-oriented consulting firm dedicated to the development and strengthening of individuals, organizations and communities.

He also became a private consultant for polling and strategic research under Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2003.  In 2010, he founded the Laylo Strategic Research, a full-service polling and strategic research firm specializing in political, governance, social, market, and corporate research, of which he is presently the Principal Pollster.  He would later on be appointed by then Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte as Member of the Board of Directors to BCDA from 2019 to 2022; BEC from 2020 to 2022, and the FBDC from 2020 to 2022.

With over thirty (30) years of experience in the field of polling and strategic research, Mr. Laylo is known for his outstanding record in providing accurate, credible, reliable and unbiased surveys and reports over the years.  He is highly respected for his expertise in employing research as a means to deliver strategic advisory service in political, communication, governance, marketing, social campaigns and corporate endeavors.

“Junie,” as he is fondly called by his family, friends and colleagues, is a focused, intelligent, hardworking and disciplined individual.  He is also recognized for being empirical, highly motivated and goal-oriented.  And most importantly, a devoted husband to his wife and supportive father to his children.

Just last August, the Philippines and Israel, home to over thirty thousand (30,000) Filipinos celebrated the sixty-five (65) years of formal diplomatic relations with. I truly believe that Ambassador Laylo is the best man for the job as our country’s representative in the State of Israel.  He embodies the character of a true strong leader, a good manager, a resilient negotiator – a respected representative of our nation.  

Mr. Chair, dear colleagues, I would like to reiterate my full support for the confirmation of the nomination of Amb. Pedro Ramirez Laylo Jr. as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Israel.

Maraming salamat po.”

Mr. President, to save time, although I would have wanted to really second the motion for the confirmation of the Executive Secretary, but to save time, I just would like to move that my manifestation be inserted into the records.

(Requested to be inserted into the record to form part of his speech)

“Mr. President, Honorable Members of the Commission on Appointments, good afternoon!

I do not want to miss this opportunity to stand today and manifest my support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin as Executive Secretary.

There is no doubt that Executive Secretary Bersamin was highly respected and well-loved as a former Chief Justice. He was known as amiable, humble, kind and a level-headed former leader of the High Tribunal - traits, which I am sure, he will carry on as the highest ranking official of the Office of the President. 

Indubitably, his long judicial experience and legal expertise are tremendous assets to this administration. Notably, he enjoys the trust and confidence of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. that is why I see him perfect for the job. 

With these, Mr. President, I would like to reiterate my strong support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. 

Maraming salamat po!”

“Mr. Chair, Honorable Members of the Commission on Appointments, good afternoon!

It is an honor to stand today and manifest my support to the confirmation of the nomination of Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, Jr. as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island.

Ambassador Locsin started his working career as a proofreader then as a copy editor at the Philippine Free Press and thereafter served the Philippine government in different capacities, starting as speechwriter to our former Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and to my father, Joseph Estrada. He was thereafter elected into office as Representative, First District of Makati City, in 2001 to 2010.  After his quick stint in the House of Representatives, he was later nominated twice to the Supreme Court, first as Associate Justice and second, as Chief Justice.

His credentials and outstanding service record, was recognized by our former President Duterte and was chosen to represent the country to the United Nations in New York, USA, in 2018.  He successfully carried out former President Duterte’s foreign strategy while upholding the pillars of Philippine Foreign Policy.

Ambassador Locsin’s service reputation speaks for itself; known for his wit and sense of fairness and as a contrarian and the most self-assured commentator on Philippine politics.  Characterized as a highly respected journalist/lawyer who is noted for his brilliance, intelligence, loyalty, competence, dedication, loyalty, incorruptibility and high sense of morality.  As an Ambassador who is the President’s highest-ranking representative to a specific nation, I truly believe that Ambassador Locsin is the best man for the job as our country’s representative.  He embodies the character of a true strong leader, a good manager, a resilient negotiator, and a respected representative of the Philippines.

With these, Mr. Chair, I would like to reiterate my full support for the confirmation of the nomination of Ambassador Teodoro Lopez Locsin Jr. as Ambassador Extraordinary   and   Plenipotentiary   to   the United  Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island.

Maraming Salamat po!”

Good afternoon, dear colleagues.

It is my honor and privilege to sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Jose Rizalino Larion Acuzar as Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

To the credit of President Bongbong Marcos, he has made very good choices in selecting his cabinet members.  Educational background is, of course, very essential in considering a person to lead a Department.  However, more than the theories acquired inside a classroom, the greatness of a leader will always be measured on how we put his knowledge into practice.

Secretary Acuzar’s qualifications go beyond his educational attainment.  He was chosen because he possesses the experience necessary to lead a Department that aims to shelter the less fortunate while balancing the business side of governance.  His corporate endeavors perhaps contributed to his expertise in building houses but it is his understanding of the plight of the homeless that makes him the best person for the job.

He himself had his own struggles when he was just a young man working his way through life.  But hardships did not stop him from working hard to achieve his goals.  He was more motivated and his humble beginnings have now become stuff of legend in the real estate industry.

Success is only elusive for those who do not dare to seek it.

The life of Secretary Jerry Acuzar is nothing short of being poetic.  He was forced to drop out of school because he was prohibited from taking an exam for the reason that he was not able to pay his tuition fees.  

Decades later, he ended up buying that school.  Secretary Jerry knew what it felt like to have nothing.  The people he is mandated to serve could easily relate with him because he himself can identify with them.

He was mocked, laughed at, and discriminated against at one point in his life.  But it only served as fuel for Secretary Jerry to move forward and farther.  He is a true inspiration and epitome of perseverance.

From peddling “ice buko” during his boyhood days to putting up a welding shop to fund his studies.  Today, Jerry Acuzar is now Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, ready to elevate the housing industry to new heights–literally and figuratively.

This humble representation believes that with Secretary Jerry’s work ethics and brand of leadership, the Marcos Administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program, which aims to achieve the Zero ISF goal by 2028, can indeed be attainable.

One million houses per year or six million houses by the end of President Bongbong Marcos’ term is a great challenge.  It is difficult but it is not impossible.  Who would best build houses for our people other than the son of a carpenter and a homemaker. 

Before I end, Mr. President, the creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is very close to my heart, as you know, I’m the principal sponsor and considered the father of the Department, and we have passed this landmark legislation and be rest assured Secretary Jerry that we will be behind you.  And also, we will be watching you to see to it that the creation of the Department was indeed a correct decision and you will go in a proper direction.   

Mr. President, dear colleagues, I move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Jose Rizalino Larion Acuzar as Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

I so move, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. President.  A pleasant good afternoon, dear colleagues in the Commission.  

I would have wanted to say a lot about this ideal public servant whom I’ve known for several years being a colleague during my stint in the 15th Congress. And likewise, I have seen how Valenzuela really flourished and developed under his leadership.

Kanina po naikwento ko, na nauna po ako nag-Mayor sa kanyang kapatid, ah, then Mayor Sherwin went to me and was asking what has to be done.  N’ung tinuro ko, binigyan ko ng tips, but what amazes me is that they always overdo it and always improve on everything. And, as you mentioned, San Juan used to be the best destination of LGUs for studies and for good governance, but now Valenzuela, under the leadership of Mayor Rex Gatchalian, is the destination of other LGUs who want to learn on how it is to have good governance.

So with that, I’ll just -- to save time, Mr. Chair, I’d just like to have my sponsorship speech be inserted to the records.  Again, congratulations!  The President couldn’t have chosen a better person who knows what the problem of the people being a former local Chief Executive himself.

Thank you and good afternoon.  

(Requested to be inserted as part of his seconding speech)   

“Rex”.  It means “king” in Latin.  One may argue that Sec. Rex Gatchalian is indeed a king born into business royalty.  But it is not lavishness that makes a king popular or worth respecting.  It is not how he ruled over his people but how he continued to live a life of service.

Secretary Rex like his brothers, Senator Sherwin and Mayor Wes would have just enjoyed a quiet and private life as businessmen but instead chose to become public servants. Under their leadership, they have transformed Valenzuela into a city of progress and opportunities; a city that is not only livable but sustainable.

Whatever success that Valenzuela has enjoyed throughout the past decades, Secretary Rex has had a significant contribution.  As local Chief Executive, he focused on the basic needs of his constituents:  education, health and social services, housing, job generation, and trade and industry.  It was his platform, the “Five Pillars of Good Governance”.

This humble representation truly admires Secretary Rex’s foresight for his city as he was not only able to identify the problems of his people but was also more than willing to solve them.  As the proponent of the law that created the DHSUD, I recognize and laud the efforts of Secretary Rex in addressing the issue of homelessness through his Disiplina Village Program.  This is an in-city medium-rise public rental housing project similar to that of what we have in San Juan which is the St. Josephville apartment complex.

The initiatives and innovations in local governance introduced by Secretary Rex have become the blueprint of other local government units in improving the quality of life of their constituents.

I can personally attest to the passion and dedication of Secretary Rex for the LGUs. Just months ago, he was the Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government of the House of Representatives.  As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Government myself, I was fortunate enough to have worked closely with Secretary Rex.  He had many plans, proposed legislation and dreams for our LGUs.  But perhaps, the best practices initiated by Secretary Rex Gatchalian were not meant to be experienced and enjoyed by the people of Valenzuela alone.  It did not take long for the President to take notice.

Secretary Rex’s crisis management skills and expertise in social work was tested during the height of the pandemic.  His knowledge in disaster response came in very handy.  While most LGUs seemed to be shooting from the hip, Valenzuela seemed to have figured out what to do early on.  The city was the first to conduct localized mass testing and even created the Valenzuela Tracing Application, a contract tracing app via QR code system.

Secretary Rex’s innovation, talent and dedication received the ultimate recognition.  He was called upon by the President to be part of the cabinet; to lead the Department of Social Welfare and Development; but most importantly, to take care of our people who greatly need the care and attention of the government.

As a friend, I know that Secretary Rex does not consider leading a Department as a challenge but more of a vocation.  Our people deserve the best and Secretary Rex is nothing less.  Secretary Rex may have had for himself a king for a name, but his appointment was not because of some birth right.  But rather, it was his name that became synonymous to “good governance” that ascended him to a top government position.

This humble representation fully supports the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Rexlon T. Gatchalian as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Thank you, Mr. Chair!”

Thank you, Mr. Chair.  

Likewise, being the first Chief of Staff, General Brawner will be a beneficiary of RA 11939.  He will have a term of three (3) years and probably, Mr. Chair, the AFP modernization that we’re all longing for, especially in these very challenging times, would finally happen.  Now that we will have a Chief of Staff that will serve for three (3) years, at least we will have -- at least mawawala na ‘yung law -- revolving door policy, and we can already continue to have a long term plan for the AFP modernization.  Again, my congratulations in advance and more power to General Brawner, as well as the other twenty-nine (29) Generals/Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  

My snappy salute to all of you. 

“After the long wait, the Department of Health has a Secretary.  The last couple of years have proven to us all the important role of the DOH in the lives of every Filipino.  While the COVID-19 seemed to have stopped every one of us from what we were doing, the DOH continued with its mandate and performed its duties and functions in the middle of a global health crisis.

The position of DOH Secretary is a very demanding job that requires the person occupying it have the care and affection for all Filipinos.  Secretary Herbosa is a doctor by profession and has a deep understanding of the health care needs of our kababayans and the policies that will address such.

COVID-19 was fatal and it was indeed a worldwide tragedy.  Not even the wealthiest countries with the most advanced medical equipment were prepared for the pandemic.  However, from this sad and painful event in our lives, many have answered the call of duty, and one of them is Secretary Herbosa.

His expertise in the field of medicine has been very significant and helpful during the height of the onslaught of the pandemic.  He has served as a Special Adviser to the National Task Force on COVID-19 and has competently given guidance in the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic in the lives of Filipinos.

President BongBong Marcos made the right decision in choosing Dr. Teodoro Herbosa to lead the DOH.  Indeed, "Good things happen to those who wait."  This old saying is very much applicable to the appointment of the DOH. It may have taken the President a long time to select the most qualified person but perhaps, it was worth the wait.

I believe in the wisdom of the President in appointing the most qualified persons to be part of his cabinet.  Secretary Herbosa has not only met the minimum requirements of the Commission on Appointments but has thus far accomplished a lot as a doctor and a public servant.  He is what our government needs to carry out the health agenda of the President.

It is quite comforting to know how this administration values the importance of our people's health and well-being.  I hope that Secretary Herbosa will continue to prioritize the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Act. To maximize the potential of this landmark legislation, it would need all the support it can get from the DOH Secretary in furthering its noble cause for our countrymen.  There is a lot of work to be done to achieve our goal of zero balance billing for all Filipinos availing of medical services.

As author and principal sponsor of the UHC, I deeply appreciate Secretary Herbosa's promise to continue the implementation of the UHC.  He is on the right track and I wish him well.  Secretary Herbosa's success will not only be the success of the DOH but also the success of our campaign for a better healthcare system for every Filipino.

With that, this humble representation fully supports the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Dr. Teodoro Herbosa as Secretary of the Department of Health.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, dear colleagues!”