RISA HONTIVEROS

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I join my sisters in the Senate, Senators Grace and Imee, and I’m sure our sister  in  the House,    Rep. Didi,   does not  disagree  in  celebrating our confirmation today of the first Commodore, woman Commodore of   the  Philippine Navy, the first woman Chief of the AFP, Office of the Legislative Affairs,   and the first Filipina to lead the United Nations Philippine Contingent to Haiti.

Her confirmation today, Mr. Chairman, makes me look forward to that day, hopefully sooner rather than later, and we don’t disrespect men, to my male Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines –   makes me look forward to that day, hopefully sooner than later, of a woman Chief of Staff of the AFP.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman and the good Chairman of this Committee. 

Briefly, but with joy and pride, I wish to second the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, whom, since even in my years as a young PMA wife, I always heard good things, like high praises about him being one of the most well- known and well-regarded members of PMA Class 1987. 

So, congratulations, Sir. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for one last time today, I’m proud and happy to second the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Isidro T. Ungab, as Colonel in the Philippine Army (Reserved), who came to the legislature highly recommended by the private sector, and with whom I was one of his former colleagues and fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of working with him in the House of Representatives, where, until today, he continues to serve the Congress of our Republic with distinction.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Please allow me to express my deep pride and great joy in supporting the confirmation of Gen. Gilbert Gapay, as General, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  

Among the many notable things about him, he's a member of the PMA Sinagtala Class of 1986, my Mistah, and currently serving as the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Chief of Staff. He received a Distinguished Service Star in 2017, among other years.  He earned a Gold Cross Medal in the year 2000, among other years. 

He established the Army Mental Health Center, following the killing of Winston Ragos.  He is also the most decorated cadet in the entire history of the Philippine Military Academy, one for the ages, Mr. Chairman, graduating with thirteen (13) awards. 

Truly, he is not only one of the best and brightest of their class, but he is also one of the best and brightest of our generation. 

Congratulations, mabuhay kayo, my snappy salute.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  

Yes, Mr. President. 

Just to add to the seconding expressed by Senator Joel, I’d just like to make it of record, even in the Plenary, what caught Senator Joel’s and mine’s and possibly all our attention during the hearing, straight from the lips of Captain Rotoni, on how he has been able to achieve all of his professional achievements so far while leading a modest life that all of us who worked in the government would aspire for. So, mabuhay, congratulations, and my snappy salute to you Captain Rotoni.

Salamat Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.       

Likewise, Mr. Chairman, of all the officials being confirmed today, may I make it of record my support for the confirmation of Commodore  Alfonso F. Torres Jr.    

 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.            

Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

If I may, also, very briefly, just to add my joining in the confirmation of our -- by this Commission of these officers this morning, including Col. Von Albert Sumergido, known as a very meticulous officer, like Senator Joel, Col. Jose Marie Santos, known as a good man and a very efficient officer.  And, Capt. Elmer Toriado, known also as a good man, a very efficient and idealistic officer.

So, to all these officers now present with us this morning, Mr. Chairman, congratulations, mabuhay po kayo and my snappy salute.

Salamat po, Mr. Chairman.