ALFREDO A. GARBIN JR.

Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, with immense pride and honor,  I second the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of our General Officers, Flag Officer, and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

These men and women embody the very essence of courage, discipline, and devotion to duty. Time and again, they have proven their readiness to sacrifice life and limb for the safety of our people and the defense of our Republic. Their service is marked not only by valor in the battlefield but also by a steadfast commitment to uphold the highest traditions of integrity and patriotism in the uniformed service.

The appointments before us today are more than ceremonial elevations in rank— they are solemn affirmations of years of sacrifice, of leadership honed under pressure, and of lives dedicated to ensuring that the Filipino people may live in peace and security.

Our officers have faced threats ranging from internal insurgencies to external security challenges, all while extending a hand of service to our kababayans in times of calamity and need. They remind us that true leadership in uniform is not merely about commanding troops but about embodying courage, compassion, and commitment to the nation.

In supporting their confirmation, we also reaffirm our collective gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Forces whose unyielding loyalty to the Constitution strengthens the very foundation of our democracy.

For these reasons, I wholeheartedly second their confirmation. Let us give them the recognition they deserve and the trust they have long earned, as they continue to safeguard our sovereignty and protect the Filipino people.

Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, I extend my warmest congratulations to Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda on his appointment to lead the Department of Information and Communications Technology. As Digital Infrastructure Sector Lead of the Private Sector Advisory Council, he helped craft visionary strategies aimed at fortifying our digital backbone and enabling over a million digital jobs. His impressive track record in the banking industry likewise showcases a rare fusion of executive rigor and technological depth. These achievements demonstrate not only competence but a consistent record of delivering inclusive, at-scale digital transformation.

Mr. Chair, I respectfully manifest full support for his immediate confirmation. I am confident that Secretary Aguda will play a pivotal role in advancing a digital Philippines that is secure, inclusive, and progressive, aligning perfectly with the President's vision. Through his leadership, combined with our collective determination in Congress, we have the potential to transform promising ideas into effective programs, which can ultimately lead to sustained prosperity for our nation. Personally, I am eager to collaborate with him and the entire DICT team to enhance connectivity nationwide, ensure the security of our cyberspace, and create numerous opportunities for every Filipino citizen.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, our foreign service is strongest when it places principled expertise where our people most need it. Today, we have five public servants whose records demonstrate skills matched by their character, and achievements matched by their service.

All of them have exuded the rare blend of policy acumen, operational discipline, and community sensitivity that turns strategy into service.

Their combination of institution-building, consular experience, and quiet, steady leadership will mean faster services, smarter engagement, and a stronger safety net for Filipinos abroad. 

In consenting to the nominations and ad interim appointments, we are not merely filling posts, but we are also elevating our standard of care for Filipinos, so our kababayans, wherever they live and work, can count on a foreign service that is expert, compassionate, and unwaveringly responsive.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.