LOREN LEGARDA

Mr. President, I have the honor to sponsor the ad interim appointment of Atty. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles as Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission.

Atty. Nograles is a lawyer by profession who obtained his degree from the Ateneo Law School in 2003.  In a relatively short span of time, his sterling achievements affirmed that his profession and values in life have found relevance in the sphere of public service.

Atty. Nograles has shown his commitment and dedication to service in the many senior government posts he’s been called to lead.  From 2018 to 2022, he served as Cabinet Secretary and ably assisted the President in delivering his promise to the people through coordination with the various agencies of the government. 

As Chairperson of the Cabinet Assistance System and Head of the Cabinet Cluster System Secretariat, he ensured that the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat ran smoothly and in an orderly manner while dutifully performing other roles.

At the height of the pandemic, Atty. Nograles co-chaired the Inter-Agency Task Force, IATF, on Emerging Infectious Diseases.  He was instrumental in the formulation of policies to address the pandemic’s impact and prepare the country for post-pandemic recovery.  Atty. Nograles also served as the Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger, where he played a crucial role in the drafting of the country's first-ever National Food Policy, and advocated for an end to the threats of hunger and malnutrition.

Prior to his appointment as Cabinet Secretary, Atty. Nograles served as a three-term Congressman of the 1st District of Davao City.  His contributions to Congress as Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations in 2017 and 2018, when I was the Chairperson on Committee on Finance here, resulted in the inclusion of relevant and long overdue funding provisions in the annual GAA for the benefit of various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, military, and local economies, to name a few. 

Furthermore, as a legislator, he knew very well what is central to sustainable development, he heeded the call to respond to the challenges of environmental protection and economic development through the Green Jobs Act, which he authored. 

An important recognition that Atty. Nograles received for his outstanding service was conferred by former Pres.  Rodrigo Duterte, the Order of Lakandula with a rank of Grand Cross or Bayani.  The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest civilian orders in the country.

On March 4, 2022, Atty. Nograles was appointed by then Pres. Rodrigo Duterte as Civil Service Commission Chairman.  During his ad interim appointment, the CSC sought to upgrade its service delivery through digitalization, proactive Human Resource policies and programs, and upskilling of the government workforce.  Atty. Nograles also worked on promulgating a policy to provide adaptable and responsive work schemes for government officials and employees to manage situations that may affect the delivery of public services.

I firmly believe in Atty. Nograles’ capacity to steer the course of the Civil Service Commission while providing the public with essential services that are adapted to current realities, especially as we enter the better normal.

With his commendable professional background, integrity, and sense of purpose and commitment, it is my honor and privilege to second the ad interim appointment of Atty. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles as Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. President, I have the honor of co-sponsoring the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of the Hon. Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. as Secretary of the Department of  Interior and Local Government.

Secretary Benhur Abalos, a lawyer by profession, is a visionary and servant leader with great executive ability, who leads by doing and who is competent in every way.  With his well-known governance trademark, he is capable of strengthening the local government capability and scaling up peace, order and public safety, especially as the country enters a better normal.

We all know that prior to his appointment as Secretary of the DILG, and I will no longer read his accomplishments which have been read by a dozen others.  He served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority at a time when public health, the economy, and public safety were fragile and faced with the challenges of the pandemic. I will no longer mention all his accomplishments as a local chief executive. 

We know that under his helm and as Mayor and Congressman of Mandaluyong City, we saw how this once-sleepy town has metamorphosed   into   a   business-friendly, dynamic, livable, child-friendly, environment-safe, and people-centered city.  He created a vision for the city to be economically competitive and relentlessly pursued its realization.  In fact, in a study conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry and the AIM Policy Center, Mandaluyong emerged as mentioned by others as a “New Tiger City”.  He was awarded many, many awards.  I will no longer read it into the record but it has been said earlier.

He’s a strong advocate of peace and order.  He advocated for the increased effort to combat cybercrime, human trafficking, and illegal substances. His foray into politics was as early as when he was councilor in the First District of Mandaluyong, where he chaired the Committee on Laws, Peace and Order, and Public Safety, that probably influenced his interest in this area.

We call him Benhur. Secretary Abalos has always been recognized for his passion to serve the people, his being results-oriented, his legal acumen, and he remains humble to this day.  Because of his knowledge of the breadth and depth of the bureaucracy, he has always been invited as a lecturer at the NCPAG, the Development Academy of the Philippines, and the Local Government Academy and many others.  When he was Mayor of Mandaluyong, he served as President of the League of Cities and ULAP President.

And under his stewardship, Mandaluyong received so many awards including the Presidential Award for Most Child-Friendly City, and I wish that every LGU in the country could achieve being a child-friendly LGU.  He was conferred the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance and received the Most Business-Friendly City, as well, in the Philippines, and the Top Performing Cities based on locally generated revenues.

So, it is no question that he was conferred the renowned Seal of Good Local Governance by the DILG for meeting all these criteria, which include Good Financial Housekeeping; Social Protection; Disaster Preparedness; Business-friendliness and Competitiveness; Environmental Management; and Peace and Order.  Sana po, Secretary Abalos, lahat ito madala natin sa bawat s’yudad at bawat lungsod at bawat bayan sa buong Pilipinas at gawin ninyong ehemplo ang mga ginawa ninyo n’ung kayo po ay isang Mayor at Congressman pa. 

Galing Pook Foundation awardee for Outstanding Local Governance Programs for its innovative approaches and positive impact on the people and the community.

His project “Therapy, Education, and Assimilation of Children with Handicap (TEACH)” was recognized and bestowed by the United Nations Public Service Award, and the Pioneering Leader in Green Building Program by the International Finance Corporation World Bank, and I hope again that you can influence other LGUs to follow suit.  

So, there’s much more I can say, Mr. President, but having read his professional experiences and accomplishments and much more, I believe he can navigate the interior and local government sectors in both steady and uncertain waters.  And no doubt, with his family background, with his competence, with everything that has been said and much more about him, he is a public service personified.  

In my view, he is eminently suitable as a Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. President, fellow members of the Commission on Appointments. 

It is with my deep sense of pride and honor to co-sponsor the confirmation of these fifty (50) strong men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Their presence in this Chamber does not only validate that they are fit and qualified as they rise in the ranks of the AFP organization.  The sound of the gavel today is also a manifestation of their loyalty to our flag as faithful defenders and movers of our democracy all these years.  I laud their unyielding commitment to protecting our people and serving our country as Senior Officers of the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Marines and the Armed Forces Nurse, Dental, Medical and Medical Administrative Corps.  

I commend our AFP Officers for living by the hallowed  values of honor, service and patriotism while putting their lives on the line to continue their veritable mission of upholding peace and national security.  Their selfless service to our country ensures that every man, woman and child is safe and protected. 

Saludo po ako at taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa serbisyo ng ating Hukbong Sandatahan at sa patuloy na pag-alay nila ng kanilang buhay para sa kapayapaan at pagkakaisa ng ating bansa.

Mr. President, in front of us today are among our most valiant gatekeepers of peace and unity who best exemplify how to love this country.  It is therefore, my honor and my privilege to move for the confirmation of their promotions.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. Chair, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, today, I have the honor of sponsoring the ad interim appointment of Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

As DENR Secretary, Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga seeks to promote a regional technology and science-based approach to disaster management, as well as the development of climate-resilient communities and an accounting of the country’s natural resources.  Using the proposed Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System or PENCAS that I introduced under Senate Bill No. 9, the collected data and information will provide Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga and other decision-makers a clear picture of our investments in natural capital and encourage them to make policies that develop and use these assets sustainably.

A true champion of the environment, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication and expertise in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation.  She graduated with Latin honors from the Ateneo de Manila University with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  She attended Georgetown University in Washington, where she received a Master of Arts in Government.

For nine (9) years, Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga also led the Manila Observatory as its Executive Director.  Thereafter, she served as a member of the Science Advisory Board, the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk International Center of Excellence, where she worked to advance scientific research in climate and disaster resilience through research collaboration and partnerships.

Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga has also played a vital role in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate action across business and industry, encouraging the private sector to promote business continuity planning in their operations from her work with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR, formerly UNISDR) Asia-Pacific Science and Technology Academia Advisory Group (APSTAG), where led the work theme on Education and Training for UNDRR ARISE Philippines.  What’s more, she has co-authored studies on household resilience to flooding in Metro Manila, drought and urbanization, and housing and informal settlements.

Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga previously served as President of the National Resilience Council, where she worked on the implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Climate Agreement.  She also served as a Technical Advisor for the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, a Senior Advisory Board member for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff College, my alma mater, and a Trustee and Treasurer for the Forest Foundation Philippines.

Mr. Chair, distinguished members, indeed, nothing is more fundamental than this:  “all economic wealth comes from nature’s provisions.”  Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga’s body of work has been aimed at protecting and working with nature as it protects and supports all of us.

As the Philippines strives to further strengthen its holistic, whole-of-government and whole society approach to environmental challenges, Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga’s deep and comprehensive understanding of the interconnectivity between the environment, climate action, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development will be crucial and critical.

With her extensive experience and her firm commitment to protect the environment and the Filipino people, she will, without a doubt, be pivotal in leading the Department in the implementation of its mandate.

I am confident that the DENR under the helm of Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga will undertake the most urgent and critical environmental policies and actions to safeguard the environment and develop our nation’s resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

It is thus my privilege to recommend that this Body confirms the ad interim appointment of Ms. Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.  

And, as I said during the hearing, hindi ko po akalain na ang aking prep na kaklase at kalaro ng grade school at kaklase hanggang high school at kaibigan hanggang ngayon at katrabaho sa pagtanggol ng kalikasan at isang climate champion at DRR champion din ay magiging katuwang nating lahat sa pagsagip ng ating inang kalikasan.

It is my honor, my pleasure and I am so happy to sponsor the confirmation of my friend’s, since we were  five (5) years old, ad interim appointment as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.

Yes, I would have wanted to read again my co-sponsorship speech to honor the sixty-three (63) women and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines but our Majority Leader appealed to me not to read my speech.  I will post it or give them a copy of this.  

Thank you, Mr. President.

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

“Mr. President, Members of the Commission on Appointments.  Today, I am deeply honored to co-sponsor the confirmation of the promotion of these sixty-three (63) resilient women and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).   

With us today are our senior officers of the Philippine Air Force; Philippine Army; Philippine Navy and Marines; Armed Forces’ Dental Service; Nurse, Medical, and Medical Administrative Corps; and members of the Philippine Navy-Marines – Reserve; who have genuinely articulated the virtues of honor, service, patriotism, and have adhered and believed in the power of volunteerism.

Mr. President, I am convinced that they are not here only because they are fit and qualified as they rise in the ranks of the AFP organization.  All these years, they have rendered their lives meaningful by faithfully carrying out their sworn duty to this country, so that Filipinos may continue to work peacefully, live and be with their families, and sleep soundly at night. 

They have sealed their commitment to a life of selfless service while traversing the uncertainties and complexities of achieving peace and security. Amidst all these, our uniformed men and women have remained vigilant in preserving our democracy, protecting our people, and ensuring that our patrimony and everything we value most as a nation are protected and enhanced.

I am a proud member of the Philippine Air Force Reserve with a rank of a Colonel, and I am one with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its goal to uphold the very symbols of our flag in honor of the great men and women of our history.  Kasama ninyo ako sa inyong hangaring makamit ang kapayapaan, katahimikan at pagkakaisa sa ating bansa. 

Mr. President, we are looking at sixty-three (63) members of our Armed Forces who have reverently dedicated themselves in protecting and serving our country. It is therefore my honor and privilege to support the sponsor and recommend the confirmation of their promotion.  

Thank you, Mr. President.”

“Mr. Chair, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments,

It is my privilege to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin as Executive Secretary.

Born and raised in the province of Abra, Atty. Lucas P. Bersamin obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 1968. He then earned his law degree from the University of the East and was admitted to the Philippine Bar after placing 9th in the 1973 Bar Examinations.

He began his career in law as a private practitioner in 1974.  He spent over ten (10) years in private practice before being named presiding judge of Branch 96 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court in 1986.  His judicial career spanned over three (3) decades.

After serving as Quezon City RTC judge, he was elevated to the position of Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals in 2003.  Six (6) years later, in 2009, he was appointed to a seat in the Supreme Court.  On the heels of his ninth year as an Associate Justice, he was named the 25th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

In    his   over   three-decade   career, Justice Bersamin has received several awards, such as the Chief Justice Fred Ruiz Castro Memorabilia Commission with the coveted distinction of having written the Best Decision in Civil Law and the Best Decision in Criminal Law in 1999 and Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Award as Outstanding RTC Judge in 2002-an unprecedented achievement that has yet to be duplicated.

A tribute to the former top magistrate's efforts to promote peace through his work, he was also awarded the Gusi Peace Prize International Awards in 2018.

After his stint in the judiciary, Justice Bersamin was appointed as chair of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).  His long judicial experience and legal expertise undoubtedly brought GSIS to greater heights.  Under his watch as Chair, the institution did outstanding work for its members, pensioners, and their families.  As he oversaw the state pension system, it rose to prominence as one of the country's premier government programs. It was even recognized by the 2020 Stevie International Business Awards for having one of the "Most Valuable Government Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic" in the world.  It was also during 'CJ' Bersamin's term when GSIS was named one of the Top 5 Most Trusted Government Agencies in the 2021 Philippine Trust Index for remaining engaged with its members and pensioners even during the pandemic.

There is no doubt that his dedication to public service is beyond reproach.  His loyalty to the letter and spirit of the Constitution is indubitable.  His impeccable record of service to the Filipino people is evidence of his genuine concern and dedication to us.

His immense knowledge, legal  expertise, and wealth of experience will be a tremendous asset to the President in the management of government affairs, as he steers our nation towards growth and prosperity.

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I am therefore honored to second the motion of the Chairperson of the Committee to confirm the ad interim appointment of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin as the Executive Secretary under the Office of the President.

I so move, Mr. Chair.”

Mr. President, I had co-sponsorship speeches for ES Bersamin and Secretary Diokno, but I am heeding your ardent request not to read speeches into the record, I therefore, request that my two (2) co-sponsorship speeches for both distinguished esteemed deserving gentlemen be inserted into the record.

Thank you.

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

“Mr. Chair, it is my honor and privilege to sponsor the appointment of Dr. Benjamin E. Diokno as Secretary of the Department of Finance.

        1.     As Finance Secretary, Dr. Diokno is tasked to lead the Marcos administration’s economic team to achieve  

               three (3) broad development goals by 2028: reduce the deficit-to-GDP ratio to pre-pandemic rates, bring        

               down poverty incidence to single-digit, and elevate the Philippine economy to upper middle-income status

2.     The environment he will be working in will not be easy. Just as we are clearing the pathway to recovery from the global pandemic, the Philippine economy faces fierce headwinds of high inflation, post-pandemic scarring, and global monetary tightening

3.      While the causes of these challenges are, for the most part, global, it is the responsibility of government authorities to ensure that the ordinary citizen is spared from its ill effects. This task, therefore, requires tough decision-making founded on top-notch economic expertise, sound evidence, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Filipino

4.    With over forty (40) years of experience   in public service, academe, and international affairs under his belt, Dr. Diokno has proven that he is the right man for the job

5.    He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and his Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Economics from the University of the Philippines. He also holds a Master of Arts in Political Economy from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and a PhD in Economics from Syracuse University. In 2017, he received the highest rank and honor conferred by the University of the Philippines – an honorary Doctor of Laws degree

6.      Prior to his appointment as Finance Secretary, he served as Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from 2019 to 2022. He steered the BSP through the worst of the pandemic, quickly deploying decisive monetary measures to cushion its adverse impact and pave the way towards recovery.

7.      Governor Diokno’s decisiveness and adept management of monetary policy did not go unnoticed.  In 2022, The Banker, an influential international monthly banking, finance, and business magazine owned by Financial Times, recognized Governor Diokno as the “Global Central Banker of the Year”

8.         As BSP Governor, he also made it his mission to promote greater financial inclusion through the power of digitalization, as outlined in the BSP’s Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap 2020-2023

9.        Before this, he served as Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) under three (3) Presidents – Corazon Aquino, Joseph Estrada, and Rodrigo Duterte. During his watch as DBM Secretary, he pursued an expansionary fiscal policy to support investments in human capital development and public infrastructure

10.     Dr.   Diokno   also   served   as   Fiscal Adviser to the Senate, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine National Oil Company, and Chair of the Local Water Utilities Administration

11.  Dr. Diokno dedicated his years in government to introducing many reforms that strengthened our institutions and regulatory frameworks. He helped craft the 1986 Tax Reform Program that simplified the Philippine income tax system and introduced the value-added tax. He designed the 1991 Local Government Code of the Philippines, initiated a What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get policy to streamline the release of funds, and sponsored the internationally-lauded Government Procurement Reform Act to modernize, regulate, and standardize government procurement activities in the Philippines

12.   Dr. Diokno has extensive experience in international affairs. He served as an adviser and consultant to multilateral agencies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Commission, and USAID for work in the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Mongolia

13.   Dr. Diokno, a Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines, has also had a long and illustrious academic career. Over more than three (3) decades, he taught Public Economics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Development Economics, and other special topics such as Public Enterprises Investment and Pricing Policies, Public Sector Reforms, and Local Government Finance. He also served as Chair of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Board of Trustees

14.  In closing, allow me to underscore that sound fiscal management is critical to our pursuit of a strong economy that will not only weather the headwinds of today, but will rise above them towards sustainable and inclusive growth

15.  I am confident that under the leadership of Dr. Diokno, the Department of Finance will be handled effectively and efficiently to rise to the challenge

16.    It is thus my privilege to second the chair’s motion to recommend the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Dr. Benjamin E. Diokno as the Secretary of the Department of Finance

  Thank you.”

“Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments, it is my privilege to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Susan “Toots” V. Ople as Secretary of the newly established Department of Migrant Workers.

1. Susan Ople is the youngest daughter of former Senate President Blas Ople, the Father of Overseas Employment, and one of the authors of the Philippine Labor Code

2. Following in her father’s footsteps and formerly serving in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment, Ms. Ople has remained steadfast in her dedication and commitment in serving each and every Filipino

3. She founded the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, which provides OFWs’ assistance and protection against human trafficking, promotes peace and development, and assists in skills training

4. A graduate of Harvard Kennedy School and the University of Santo Tomas, she was the first Filipino to serve as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking

5. She recently stepped up her game when she offered a new bilateral labor agreement to the government of Saudi Arabia in order to resolve deployment issues, such as unpaid work, labor malpractice, and abuses from employers.  Fortunately, Ms. Susan Ople and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Minister Ahmad Bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, finally reached an agreement to undertake joint measures that would “facilitate the decent and productive employment of overseas Filipino workers and ensure the protection of their rights”.  With this, the government lifted the ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Saudi Arabia in the first week of November this year.

6. In addition, during her visit to Saudi Arabia, she also met representatives of the Filipino community to check on the situation of distressed OFWs in government-run shelters

7. Under her responsibilities as the ad interim Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, Ms. Ople has also committed in helping our OFWs affected by the earthquake in Taiwan, allotted a budget for the families of OFWs devastated by the earthquake in Abra and other parts of Luzon, and has recently offered assistance to stranded OFWs due to Typhoon Paeng, among others

8. There is no doubt that her tenacity and years of dedication to migrant workers and their families are built from immense passion and love for our kababayans.  These are proof of her sincere compassion and commitment to each and every Filipino, both within and outside the country

9. Ms. Ople is definitely a fighter who can stand up for the rights of our OFWs.  She can serve as the helping hand of Filipinos all over the world.  She can perform the duties of the mother of over 10.2 million OFWs in more than 200 destination countries and territories all around the world

10. Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, I am honored to recommend that this Body give its consent to the ad interim appointment of Ms. Susan “Toots” Ople as Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers

I so move, Mr. Chair.”

Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues. 

It is my honor and privilege to sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of my kasimanwa, my fellow Antiqueño, Atty. Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla as Secretary, Department of Energy.

Secretary Lotilla is one of the best legal minds around with a vast experience in energy policy formulation and regulation.  He is a man of high integrity and a true professional.  The energy sector is one that plays a vital role in accelerating the socio-economic progress of our nation, by ensuring that energy is accessible, sufficient, stable and secure, while harnessing the private sector to play its role as an engine of growth.  The position of a Secretary of this important sector thus requires someone who has deep knowledge of energy matters and the ability to face the challenges inherent in the job.  It requires one with a strong political will and necessitates a tireless individual committed to the country’s cause.

Allow me to cite some of his achievements to show his credentials.  Secretary Lotilla, a former Editor-in-Chief of the UP Collegian, is one of the most hardworking and competent professionals who could provide the kind of governance necessary in shepherding the energy sector.  As a simple and low-profile public servant, Secretary Lotilla, or simply Popo to his friends and contemporaries, is no stranger to the energy industry.  He was the Chair and CEO of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), the government corporation tasked to manage the privatization of generation assets, IPP contracts, and other non-power assets, including the management of the financial obligations of the NAPOCOR (NPC), and of course, a former energy Secretary under the administration of then Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He has served in government for more than twenty (20) years in various capacities, first as a Professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, as Undersecretary at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) under three (3) Presidents, and as I mentioned earlier, as Chair and CEO of PSALM, besides sharing his expertise, as a legal consultant to several Senate Presidents and Senators.

Today, Secretary Lotilla has already accomplished a number of significant policies which could help accelerate this administration's energy goal of moving toward a self-reliant and sustainable low-carbon future and ensuring affordable energy access to our people. 

First, on renewable energy.  More job opportunities for our people will be unlocked as he shepherds the opening up to one-hundred (100%) percent foreign ownership investments in the renewable energy sector. Cleaner air for the environment will be felt as the DOE increased from one percent to 2.52%  of the utilization of renewable energy in on-grid areas while the country's exposure to price fluctuations in the global market will be minimized. The supply and delivery of electric power will be more stable and secure from international geopolitical tensions as the DOE worked hard to allow qualified and registered renewable energy generating units the preferential dispatch in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market or WESM. 

We are also aware that the gentleman from Sibalom, Antique, Secretary Lotilla is now crafting a policy and administrative framework that will ensure the efficient and optimal development of one of the sub-sectors of renewable energy - the offshore wind, as this government is receiving considerable interests to invest in offshore wind development. This is a new energy technology that countries in the Asia Pacific region and Europe are developing while our country has great potential both for offshore and onshore wind development. Shouldn't we be proud that as early as now, Secretary Lotilla is already laying the foundation for the use of this new technology so that the next generation would no longer be burdened with having to experience the use of fossil fuels which are the origin of greenhouse gasses that cause global warming?

Second, on the acceleration of alternative fuels for transportation. We are seeing then that the electric vehicle industry is gradually realizing its vision to modernize and electrify road transport in our country. During the last Congress, we passed Republic Act No. 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. Now that its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) has been promulgated, he is working to implement and facilitate an enabling environment for the development of electric vehicles as a feasible mode of transportation to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He seeks to develop, particularly, a comprehensive plan for the electric vehicle industry to generate demand for the transportation sector, consistent with the Chair's approach to cushioning the impact of higher fuel prices in the international market.

Worthy to note is his urgent desire to stabilize the supply of electricity, particularly this coming summer, as the country faces the declining natural gas from the Malampaya-Camago reservoir. Secretary Lotilla is taking concrete steps towards realizing this goal by ensuring that there is enough capacity supplied through various sources, including the coordination and monitoring of the timely completion of the transmission lines to unlock stranded capacities.

Mr. Chair, on a lighter note, who would not recall Secretary Lotilla's frugal lifestyle which was a legend at UP Diliman?  Of course, I think he is way ahead of me. After all, he was already a professor then. It was his simple ways that were partly the reason why as a Professor at the UP College of Law, aspiring lawyers, many of whom are now some of today's prominent lawyers and lawmakers were inspired and even considered following his lead by embracing a vow of poverty.  Until now, we see him as a very simple man with no taint of corruption issues, whose only desire is for our nation to have stable, secure, and sustainable energy to achieve higher economic growth and better economic opportunities for the populace.

Tingnan po ninyo ang kanyang suot, galing po ‘yan sa weaving center na aking itinayo   sa   Brgy.  Bagtason  sa  Bugasong, Antique.

Mr. Chair, I am certain that most of us here are not aware that Secretary Lotilla is also a map collector. It is this passion that brought him to many places by keenly examining maps. Through these maps that he has collected, he has "traveled" to many places and through different periods in history. By collecting maps, he has discovered the mysterious life of the past, the undiscovered truths about the Philippines, and the untold stories about our people. And so, why am I telling you all this? Will this make him more qualified to head the energy sector?

 Mr. Chair, it tells us of his keen eye for details while remaining or retaining a broad view. A focus on the here and now, guided by a vision of what is to come. These indicate an ability to efficiently allocate his cognitive resources to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing tasks.

I believe that Secretary Lotilla is more than just hardworking, brilliant, and competent, he also has the merit and the fitness required for the position. 

Having said that, Mr. Chair, my esteemed colleagues, I respectfully move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Raphael Perpetuo Mercado Lotilla from Sibalom Antique, my kasimanwa, wearing a barong made in the weaving center I’ve set-up and whose grandfather - Macario Lotilla, was educated by my grandfather who was his Professor, who founded the first secondary school in Antique.  My grandfather was the former Governor, Vicente Gilla, his grandfather was Macario Lotilla whose classmate and best friend was also my grandfather - Bartolome Gilla. So there are linkages. But I am not endorsing him because of those linkages. So, may I move now for the confirmation of Secretary Lotilla?

“Mr. President, my dear colleagues:

1. I am proud to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of DOTr Secretary, Jaime Bautista, a luminary in the transportation industry who visualizes an integrated and sustainable transport network for Filipinos and seeks to meet the challenges in our country's aviation, maritime, railways, and road sectors.

2. Sec. Jaime Bautista worked at the flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL),  for a total of twenty-five (25) years, serving as its President. While at the helm, he secured a higher four-star rating for the airline and a deal with Tokyo-based All Nippon Airways Holdings, and was largely credited for turning PAL around.

3. A Certified Public Accountant, Sec. Jaime Bautista graduated magna cum laude from the Colegio de San Juan De Letran in 1977, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce major in Accounting.

4. Secretary Bautista had a long and illustrious career in PAL, working his way to Vice President (VP) for finance from 1993 to 1994; Chief Finance Officer (CFO) from 1994 to 1999; Executive Vice President (EVP) from 1999 to 2004; and President from 2004 to 2012. He went into retirement for two (2) years but re-assumed his post as President from 2014 until 2019.

5. Secretary Bautista also held other executive positions and directorships in the Lucio Tan Group of companies, including the post of Vice-Chairperson and member of the incumbent Board of Trustees of the University of the East.

6. A stalwart of the aviation sector, Secretary Bautista aims to elevate the Philippine transport industry to global standards, a transformation that, for him and this administration, can only be carried out by focusing on and ensuring the flawless movement of people, goods, and services.

7. While Secretary Bautista's vast experience comes mainly from his long stint in aviation, he is not alien to the woes of our transporting public. This is evident in the ridership on the EDSA Carousel, which hit an all-time high last October, the first since the start of its operations in 2020.

8. Furthermore, Secretary Bautista made recommendations on improving the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) services after an impromptu inspection in July.  Upon the resumption of face- to-face classes, he also gave a directive to open additional PUV routes for our students and workers alike.

9. Secretary Bautista intends to fast-track the big-ticket projects of the Department. They are, as he said, "pushing pedal to the metal" to finish projects in the road, aviation, railway, and maritime sectors, which will ensure progress for every Filipino.

10. Secretary Bautista has likewise called on private firms to take part in public- private partnership (PPP) projects, including the construction of regional airports.

11. In view of all this, I am confident that Secretary Bautista is the trailblazer we need to transport our people into the future.  He is the leader who understands that the key to  a fully functional transportation system is enabling mobility for all regardless of class.

12. Therefore, Mr. President, I join the motion of the sponsor for the confirmation of the ad-interim appointment of Secretary Jaime Jimenez Bautista as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Thank you, Mr. President.”

“Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments, it is my privilege to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

As we all know, returning NEDA Secretary and Director General Balisacan was instrumental in the country’s exceedingly satisfactory economic standing during the late President Benigno Aquiino’s administration, where he served for four (4) years.  It was at a time when the country was regarded as among the fastest-growing economies in the region.  One of his critical milestones was the crafting of the “Ambisyon 2040”, which was adopted by Former President Duterte and is also supported by President Marcos.

Dr. Balisacan also served as Chair of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Board and as the first Board Chairperson of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines.  After the NEDA, he was appointed as Chair of the Philippine Competition Commission fighting monopolies, advocating inclusive growth, and relentlessly bridging the social divide through policies.

All these years, Dr. Balisacan has kept his feet on the ground, considering himself a cog in a large wheel despite his immense background and contribution to the Philippine economy.  He carries with him years of high-level practice in the field of policy-making and has a highly proficient understanding of the values of public good and public interest.

Dr. Balisacan is well-versed in the fields of Development and Economics.  He was known for years as a Professor or as Dr. Balisacan, who was a long-time faculty member and eventually Dean of the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Economics.  He also made a name as Director and Chief Executive of the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), and as Undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture in the early 2000s.

Dr. Balisacan came from a modest family.  Because of his patience and perseverance, he got into the Mariano Marcos State University as an agriculture scholar.  He finished his Master’s degree in Agriculture Economics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños through the scholarship he received from SEARCA which he eventually led from 2003 to 2009.  At the age of 28, he earned his doctorate in Economics at the University of Hawaii in Manoa and was posted as a research fellow at the East-West Center.  Dr. Balisacan is a lifetime member-academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Amidst  high  inflation  and  fast-rising consumer prices, Dr. Balisacan is resolute in accelerating economic recovery and development with a high-growth trajectory.  Through policy reforms, he aims to reduce poverty and socioeconomic inequality in the country.  I have no doubt that his keen eye for socio-economic development and his proven dedication can help revive the economy and the country’s distressed sectors.

Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, I believe in his capacity to once again successfully chart the country’s growth path, echo the past with more resiliency, and ensure that this is felt by every Filipino.

I am thus honored to join the sponsor in recommending the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Dr. Arsenio Molina Balisacan as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director General of the NEDA.

I so move, Mr. Chair.”

“Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments, isang mapagpalayang araw po sa ating lahat.

1.Today, I have the honor of co-sponsoring the ad interim appointment of Atty. Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda, Jr. as Commissioner of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

2. The namesake of his father, the late Senate President and former Ambassador to the United States, Atty. Ernesto Maceda Jr. was born to serve.  At the young age of twenty-three (23), he topped the Manila City Council elections and was elected as Vice Mayor of Manila City five (5) years later.

3. In the House of Representatives, Atty. Maceda served as the Chief of Staff of former House Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella from 2000 to 2001.  Prior to this, he served at the Philippine Judicial Academy’s Board of Trustees and with the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Governing Board, both of which were entrusted to him by no less than the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

4. Atty. Maceda is also well-respected in the academic community for his work as a constitutionalist and election law educator and practitioner.  He was a lecturer at the Ateneo Law School and Master of Laws Thesis Professor at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

5. Atty. Maceda has also held several leadership positions in public academe.  He served as the President and Chairperson of the Board of the Philippine Association of Law Schools.  On top of all these, he served as the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Law’s longest-serving Dean from 2006 until 2015, and as Executive Vice President of the same institution.  Atty. Maceda then served as President of Universidad de Manila from 2015 until 2019.

6. In the private sector, Atty. Maceda served as a partner at the Maceda Law Firm; a columnist for the Philippine Star and Pilipino Star Ngayon; and, a regular resource speaker for constitutional law discussions.

7. The seasoned election lawyer previously ranked 19th in the 1989 Bar Exams after earning his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo Law School.  Later, in 1996, he attended Columbia University in New York where he received his Master of Laws degree.  He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration at the National College of Public Administration and Governance at the University of the Philippines.

8. Indeed, the idea that the people hold the power to make decisions and that they are the source of all authority for the government is the fundamental tenet of democracy.  In his role as a Commissioner of the COMELEC, Atty. Maceda has high aspirations of advancing this cause by advocating for a novel reform agenda that prioritizes structural innovations and institutional improvements. 

9. Having read his professional experience and accomplishments, Mr. President, Atty. Ernesto Maceda is, in my view, eminently suitable to perform his functions as a COMELEC Commissioner.

10. I am confident he will carry out his duties to the best of his ability in service to the Filipino people.  I have faith that Atty. Maceda in the Commission, the COMELEC will fulfill its sacred role as guardian of the sovereign will.

11. It is for these reasons that I join the sponsor in so moving that this Body confirms his ad interim appointment as Commissioner of the Commission on Elections.

Thank you, Mr. President.” 

“Mr. Chair, fellow Members of the Commission on Appointments,

1.It is with deep sense of pride and honor to co-sponsor the confirmation of the promotions of these fifty-four (54) strong and resilient men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

2. Today, we chronicle another batch of Generals and Senior officers of the Philippine Air Force; Philippine Army; Philippine Navy and Marines; Corps of Professors; Medical Corps, and Veterinary Corps; Judge Advocate General Service; and Chaplain Service; who have genuinely articulated the values of honor, service, patriotism, and for many years exemplified how to love this country.

3. This day is both an achievement of their hard work and proof of their selfless service in ensuring that everything we Filipinos value most, as a nation, is defended as did our forebears for years. Our fifty-four (54) Generals and Senior Officers present here today have been assessed as fit and qualified to rise in the ranks of the AFP organization. They have been faithful to their sworn duty of protecting our sovereignty, and loyal to their oath in upholding the Constitution and defending our land.

4. Bilang kasapi ng Philippine Air Force-Reserve, pinupuri ko ang ating mga opisyal ng Sandatahang lakas na naririto ngayon, sa kanilang patuloy na pagtupad at pagtahak ng misyon para itaguyod ang katahimikan at seguridad ng ating bansa.  Sa mahabang panahon, matapat nilang isinasakatuparan ang  kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin para sa bansa,  upang tayong mga Filipino ay makapagpatuloy ng buhay na mapayapa kapiling ang ating mga mahal sa buhay.

5. Bilang kasapi ng Philippine Air Force-Reserve, pinupuri ko ang ating mga opisyal ng Sandatahang lakas na naririto ngayon, sa kanilang patuloy na pagtupad at pagtahak ng misyon para itaguyod ang katahimikan at seguridad ng ating bansa. Sa mahabang panahon, matapat nilang isinasakatuparan ang kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin para sa bansa, upang tayong mga Filipino ay makapagpatuloy ng buhay na mapayapa kapiling ang ating mga mahal sa buhay.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.”

I have the honor to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office.

In these challenging times, it is crucial for the government to have competent and committed leaders who will ensure that information on programs, projects and plans of the government is truthfully and promptly conveyed to the public.

As a lawyer and a former journalist holding a master’s degree in National Security Administration, I am confident that Secretary Garafil’s appointment to the PCO will fulfill such expectation and her leadership in the agency will pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and effective governance.

Prior to her appointment to the PCO, Secretary Garafil served as the Chief of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).  She also served as Director for the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives; as a Prosecutor under the Department of Justice; and, as a journalist for the newspaper publication Malaya, where her reportage on various issues affecting our society helped mold her character to be independent, hardworking, inquisitive and disciplined.

With her wealth of experience in public service, having worked in various media organizations and government agencies, I am certain that Secretary Garafil will be able to successfully lead the Presidential Communications Office as the premier communications arm of the government.

Mr. President, it is for these reasons that I second the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office.  On the note, as an aside, two (2) of her Undersecretaries are graduates of the Philippine Senate, having been Senate staff.  So, I am so impressed with the PCO and the Senate was able to train two (2) of her very hardworking and much experienced Undersecretaries in the persons of Honey Rose Mercado and Tala Maralit, both of whom worked in my office.  So, I ensure you, I assure you, they have the discipline.

Thank you, Mr. President.  

Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments, I have the honor of co-sponsoring the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Rexlon Ting Gatchalian as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.  Malay ko naman n’un na ang batang ito na umaalalay sa akin sa national campaign ko thirteen (13) years ago, batang-bata, at napakagaling na spokesman ko ay mako-cosponsor ko ang kanyang kumpirmasyon bilang kabinite.

As we all know, the DSWD plays a crucial role in the provision of social services and programs that promote the welfare of our marginalized sectors - the homeless, the hungry, the orphans, the abused women and children, the elderly, the disabled, individuals in crisis situations, 

and indigenous peoples, among others.

There are millions of them. According to the Social Weather Station (SWS) survey conducted in the first quarter, around 14 million households - or half of Filipino families - consider themselves poor. The same survey showed that the number of families who consider themselves to be food-poor rose from 34% in December last year  to 39% in March this year.

Thus, the appointment of a capable, dedicated, sincere and knowledgeable, disciplined leader who can empower the marginalized and liberate them from the vicious cycle of poverty, abuse, disasters, and the deprivation of opportunities, is what this august Chamber must guarantee.

Mr. Chair, I sincerely believe that Mr. Rex Gatchalian has the skills, the competence, and the heart for this position. He has an impressive track record in public service. He has served nine (9) years as Valenzuela's Local Chief Executive and six (6) years as District Representative.

In such capacity, he implemented various programs that improved the lives of his constituents. In fact, three (3) of the city's programs made it to the Top 10 Outstanding Local Governance Programs during the 2021 Galing Pook Awards – the "Valenzuela Live" for digital learning; "Tagalag Fishing Village" for livelihood and eco-tourism; and the "Paspas Permit" online business permit application platform. Hahanapin natin ito sa pagpapatakbo ng DSWD lalo na sa SLP sa mga 4Ps families and the graduating who are still poor. 

The City earned other recognitions under Rex Gatchalian's leadership. These awards profess the city's efficient health and social protection policies, fruitful employment and MSME developments programs, economic accountability, innovative preparedness and livability and the sound implementation of peace and order advocacies. 

Mr. Chair, Rex has been in the trenches - boots on the ground.  He may not have experienced poverty firsthand but his leadership as Valenzuela City’s local Chief Executive has made him aware of its realities.  He gets things moving. He trumps red tape by speeding things up. He works with people who are as competent as he is.

We have seen these qualities in action when he swiftly responded to the recent MT Princess Empress oil spill in Oriental Mindoro which spread through Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and even my home province of Antique.  Nauna pa siyang mag-text sa akin bago ko nalaman na nakaabot na ang oil spill sa isang barangay namin at bago pa ako humingi ng tulong. 

Just after three (3) weeks in the position as DSWD Secretary, he rolled up his sleeves by promptly carrying out the cash-for-work (CFW) program to aid residents affected by the oil spill. Food packs, emergency cash transfers, and temporary means of livelihood were provided leaving no one behind, I hope. 

Mr. Chair, his appointment is a testament to the government's commitment of addressing the pressing issues of poverty and inequality in our country.  And I am confident that his leadership will bring positive changes to the DSWD and to the lives of the Filipino poor.  It is therefore my honor to  support and join our dear  colleagues in sponsoring and in moving for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Rex Rexlon Ting Gatchalian as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Habilin ko sa’yo Secretary Rex, sa tulong mo at sa efficiency mo at sa DSWD, Una: ang ating mga informal settlers na mga nakatira sa kalsada; sa kariton; sa ilalim ng mga tulay; at sa gilid ng mga ilog at estero sa kanal. Gagawan natin ng paraan maski mahirap isipin kung papaano ito mabibigyan ng solusyon. Hinahabilin ko rin ang abused women and children. Napakarami lalo na dumami noong panahon ng pandemya. Hinahabilin din namin ang trafficked persons, bata, babae, maski lalaki at meron tayong batas na ginawa natin ng dalawang beses the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. At ‘yung adbokasiya natin kasama si Senator Grace ‘yung Undernourished and Stunted Malnourished Children.  And, of course, mainstreaming, disaster risk reduction into the DSWD programs so that the goods, as you are very well doing it already, are prepositioned even before a disaster strikes.  And not to forget our indigenous people and our senior citizens at marami pang iba. 

It is my honor to co-sponsor the confirmation of your ad interim appointment.

“Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments.

1. It is with great pride and admiration that I co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of our forty-nine (49) Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

2. Here with us today are the outstanding stewards of the proud institution that represents the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy and Marines, and the Medical Corps. We stand on the shoulders of these patriots who have demonstrated unparalleled fortitude, unwavering dedication, a deep love for the country, and a sense of duty that goes beyond personal aspirations. 

3. Their commitment extends beyond defending our hard-earned sovereignty and ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizenry. With climate change being acknowledged as a matter of national security concern, our men and women in uniform are actively engaged in efforts to combat the crisis and, in times of disaster, man the frontlines of rescue and relief missions. 

4. These extraordinary Officers who stand in the gallery with us today, have, time and again, demonstrated that they are a force for good and that they play a crucial role in safeguarding the social and economic progress of our country. 

5. To the gallant AFP General and Senior Officers – the pillars of the Armed Forces of the Philippines - the confirmation of your ad interim appointments is not merely a recognition of your past accomplishments.   It is an investment in the future, an affirmation of our trust in you as we continue to face the grave challenges in our national defense and security. It is a call to embrace greater responsibilities, to continue leading by example, and to go beyond expectations.  In doing so, may you perform your roles with humility and determination, for a true leader is measured not by rank or title alone, but by the impact you have on others’ lives. 

6. Mr. Chair, bilang miyembro ng Philippine Air Force-Reserve, aking karangalan at pribilehiyo na suportahan ang pagkumpirma sa ad interim appointments ng apatnapu’t siyam (49) na mga Heneral at Matataas na Opisyal ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas.  

Maraming salamat po, Mr. Chair.”

“Mr. Chair, Members of the Commission on Appointments,

I stand here today to express my support and co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of (Ret.) Justice Erlinda P. Uy as a Member of the Judicial and Bar Council, representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Linda, as she is fondly known by her colleagues, friends, and practitioners of the legal profession, is known for her competence, leadership, and diligence.  With an exceptional record of service in the Judiciary for over thirty (30) years, it is without question that she has gained the wisdom and judgment to aid in the selection of the country’s future generation of judges and justices. 

Prior to her appointment to the Judiciary, she worked as a Court Attorney at the Office of Chief Justice Marcelo B. Fernan, and as a Senior Partner in the law firm of Piñera, Uy, and Associates Law Office.  In 1993, she was appointed as a Presiding Judge, then subsequently as the Executive Judge of the Metropolitan Trial Court, Branch 30, Manila.  In 1999, she was promoted to become the Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court, Branch 162, Pasig City.  In 2003, she was awarded a Plaque of Merit for being the Regional Trial Court Judge of the Year.

In 2004, she was appointed as the first lady magistrate of the Court of Tax Appeals, where she served until her compulsory retirement on May 28, 2023.  During her tenure at the Court of Tax Appeals, she was recognized as the first lady Chairperson of the Second and Third Divisions of the Court, the inaugural Chairperson of the Committee on Ethics and Special Concerns, and the pioneer Chairperson of the Committee on Gender and Development.

In the course of her career, Justice Linda has always been highly regarded for her work ethic, consistently producing well-written decisions, orders, and resolutions, exemplifying excellence and her commitment to public service.  Aside from being acknowledged for her competence and legal prowess, she is well-loved for kindness, respect, and compassion for court employees, litigants, and fellow Justices.  In fact, she serves as the mentor and anchor for new justices, guiding the newly-appointed justices on the intricacies of court practices at the Court of Tax Appeals, as well as demonstrating authoritative, yet calm, demeanor of an Appellate Justice.

As she embarks in her new role as a member of the Judicial and Bar Council, Linda will undoubtedly continue to serve with the same passion and integrity, taking great care in selecting the most qualified candidates for the Judiciary, in the interest of efficient and effective administration of justice.

I therefore join the Chairperson of the Committee in sponsoring the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of (Ret.) Justice Erlinda P. Uy.

Maraming salamat po.  

Thank you, Mr. Chair.”

“Mr. Chair, Members of the Commission on Appointments.

It is with great honor and pride to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointments and consent to the nominations of the eleven (11) Generals and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

These individuals have shown outstanding leadership, smart and strategic thinking, and a deep sense of duty that distinguishes them from the rest.  You have proven your capacity to lead with dignity and integrity in complicated and dynamic settings and to innovate and adapt in the face of difficulty and uncertainty.

As members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, these Officers will play crucial roles in safeguarding the sovereignty, security, safety, and prosperity of our nation.  Their commitment and dedication to this duty will ensure the well-being of our fellow citizens and the progress of our country.

However, we know that the success of these individuals is not solely attributed to their own efforts.  With that, I also would want to express my sincere appreciation to our Officers’ families and loved ones as they continue to support the men and women of the Armed Forces.  Your sacrifices contribute not only to the individual and personal success of our Officers but to the overall progress of our nation.

I am confident that these exceptional individuals will continue to lead with excellence  and  inspire the next generation 

of leaders.  Their unwavering commitment to honorable service and patriotism will ensure that our Armed Forces remains a shining example of honor, integrity, and dedication.

I therefore join the Chairperson of the Committee on National Defense in sponsoring the confirmation and consent to the ad interim appointments and nominations of our distinguished Generals and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  

Maraming salamat po.   Thank you, Mr. Chair.”

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

Bigas, isda, asukal, karne.  Every day, at least three (3) times a day, food is everyone’s concern.  Sa ating mga Pinoy, may merienda pa.  Unfortunately, for reasons both internal and external to our country, both within and beyond our control, food availability, accessibility, and affordability have become for many Filipinos troubled waters difficult to navigate.

Today, we convene to discuss the stewardship of our food sources, our food producers, and our food guardians.  The Department of Agriculture is a cornerstone of our nation’s survival and progress, ensuring that every Filipino family’s hapag-kainan holds sustenance and growth.  And the importance of the Secretary of this Department cannot be overstated – he is the master chef in the feast that is the Philippines’ agricultural endeavors.

Today, this representation co-sponsors the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.  He is perfect for the job that is intertwined with our collective destiny as a nation.

Like many Filipinos, Secretary Kiko is a constant learner in the school of hard knocks and prioritizes family responsibilities.  In his words, his university is the sea.  Thrown into adulthood when he became a young father at 19, he quit school.  His duty to his daughter and his family came first.  His decision to forgo a college degree to provide for his family reflects his values and his willingness to embrace challenges head-on.

As helmsman of the Department of Agriculture, Secretary Kiko can boast not only of his personal success in business, but also of achieving that success by working well with others.

His principal constituents, our farmers and fisherfolk, are the unsung heroes of our food chain.  They confront a variety of adversities ranging from unpredictable weather, to economic fluctuations, to breaks in the global supply chain, to lack of access to credit, market, logistics, and new technology.  Despite these obstacles, their daily dedication to the farm, to the sea and to feeding us remains unwavering.  Yet, they need more than grit – they need a leader who understands their daily challenges, their life’s struggles and aspirations.  That leader is Secretary Kiko.

He learned the fishing ropes from his father and his father’s trusted people.  Nakababad siya.  He immersed himself, spending months at sea with the captains and crews of their fishing vessels.  He helped out in machinery and engineering.  He learned by doing.

Food security serves as a beacon of hope for the marginalized and the fuel of our economy.  Secretary Kiko understands that our food producers, who are right now among the poorest of the poor, play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of our nation’s prosperity.  They need to earn enough and more, for feeding us, for feeding the nation.

Having broken bread with Filipino fisherfolks and sharing works with them, Secretary Kiko in his few short weeks at the Department has made it his policy to walk alongside farmers and fishers, feel the pulse of the fields, and dive into the ebbs and flows of the fishing harbors.  Consultation is part of his leadership style, and inclusive growth part of his prosperity mantra.

To achieve food security, hard inflexible numbers must be clear and known:  tons of food produced or imported, hectares of irrigated farmlands or fishing grounds, incomes of millions of farmers and fisherfolks, and what all of us food consumers focus on – food prices.

That’s why I support Secretary Kiko’s plan to reestablish the agriculture statistics unit in the Department.  The challenges ahead – from price controls to disease outbreaks impacting agricultural commodities – necessitate accurate data so that strategies, coupled with innovative solutions and empathetic leadership, can bring the Philippines to food self-sufficiency, agricultural innovation, and economic stability.

Secretary Kiko also exemplifies diversity of expertise as well as commitment to alternative energy sources.  He was President of the Agusan Power Corporation, which operated the Lake Mainit Hydroelectric Power Plant.  He joined the Naval Affiliated Reserve Force of the Philippine Navy and has been honorary Consul to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Steering the Department of Agriculture requires a leader who envisions the Philippines emerging to a global leader in food production.  The laurels of Secretary Kiko’s leadership extend far beyond boardrooms and Philippine waters.  As chairperson of the World Tuna Purse Seine Organization, he advocated for the preservation of marine resources for future generations.  I personally share his commitment to sustainable resource management.

For Secretary Kiko, food security isn’t just a goal; it’s the bedrock upon which our national resilience stands.  Esteemed colleagues, our appointee’s work embodies the Filipinos “can-do” spirit – in innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.  His multifaceted experience, deep-rooted connections, and firm commitment make him the ideal candidate to steer the Department of Agriculture toward a future where our agricultural landscape sustains and flourishes our nation’s growth.

Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments, in the words of the President – the appointment of Secretary Francisco “Sec Kiko” Tiu Laurel, Jr. is ‘ika nga, what a catch – for Philippine agriculture, for Filipino farmers and fisherfolks, and for the entire nation.

It  is  therefore my privilege to join the 

sponsor in moving for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

Thank you.”

“Mr. President, Members of the Commission on Appointments, 

1. It is with privilege and honor that I co-sponsor the ad interim appointments of the  forty-six (46) Generals/Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

2.  With us are senior officers of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Armed Forces’ Dental Service, and Medical Corps, who chose the life of volunteerism and bravery.

3.  They are the women and men who possess certain values like honor, integrity, service, and patriotism that are essential in the preservation of our sovereignty and in the protection of our nation.

4.   Mr. President, choosing the life of a patriot is one that requires tenacity and sacrifice. It requires being away from one’s family, being a call away to report for duty, and sometimes requires the very life of a soldier.

5.  I believe that they have performed their duty properly so we can all sleep in the blanket of protection that they willingly provide.

6. These uniformed women and men have gone through the rigorous process of our military and have been prepared mentally and physically.

7.  As a proud member of the Philippine Air Force with a rank of Colonel, I support the confirmation of these honorable women and men of our history. 

8.  Lagi at lagi, atin pong sinusuportahan ang laban at tamang hakbang upang maprotektahan ang sambayanan at makatulog ng mapayapa ang ating pamayanan.

9.  Mr. President, these brave souls are in front of us today maybe by destiny, but they are here for a reason - to protect our nation, and for years, they had their reasons to stay and continue fighting.

10. It is therefore my honor and privilege to support the sponsor and recommend  the confirmation of their promotion. 

Thank you, Mr. President.”

“Mr. Chair, distinct colleagues.

It is with privilege and honor that I co-sponsor the ad interim appointment of sixteen (16) Foreign Service Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

These women and men of the Department have worked hard to represent our country and improve relations abroad. They built their lives and their family’s lives dedicated to the work that they do, moving away from our country just so they can accomplish what they are set out to do.

The Chief of Mission is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the diplomatic mission, including political, economic, cultural, and consular affairs. It is but right and just that we hold them up to a very high standard. 

At a time when our concerns abroad are growing, our people need civil servants who put the interest of the country above themselves. Thankfully, these women and men qualify with that standard and more.

Mr. Chair, the role of the Chief of Mission is crucial in maintaining and strengthening strong bilateral relations between nations. Thankfully, they have sufficient expertise and training to navigate these. 

As the former Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I understand the dynamics and the pressure of the job they hold. 

They are knowledgeable, sophisticated, prepared, and above all high-caliber. Their role must be taken seriously. It is therefore my honor and privilege to join the sponsor in recommending the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of our dedicated Foreign Service Officials.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.”

Thank you , Mr. Chair.

Today, we honor a man who's brilliance knows no bounds - Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara. His exceptional track record speaks volumes. He is a man of honor, effectiveness, and excellence.

As a legislator, Sonny has been tireless in his commitment to listening, studying, and advocating for the people he serves. His dedication has led to his authorship and sponsorship of over three-hundred-forty (340) laws, each addressing crucial issues and advocacies.

Together, we labored and passed landmark laws such as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, as well. And as Chair of the Committee on Finance, Sonny ensured that the people's needs were prioritized. I deeply understand the weight of his responsibilities, previously holding this role myself. Amidst the pandemic, he sponsored the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act and the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 , demonstrating his quick and thoughtful problem-solving skills.

We need a leader with such academic excellence like Sonny to be at the helm of the Department of Education. With Sec. Sonny Angara's leadership, we can anticipate the much-needed reforms in our education sector. His wisdom and competence make him more than ready to face the challenges of this new role.

Secretary Sonny, though your presence in the Senate will be missed and your laughter as well, rest assured that we are with you and the Department in ensuring every Filipino child has access to good quality education. We join you in creating an optimal learning environment for both teachers and learners and students as well.

As a matter of courtesy to a former fellow Senator and Member of the Commission on Appointments, and knowing fully well that he is a man of discipline, integrity, and experience and dedication that is necessary for the role, I therefore join my colleagues in moving for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara as Secretary of Education.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

"Thank you, Mr. Chair.

It is with honor and privilege that I co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Hans Leo Cacdac as Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers.

A career official, Atty. Cacdac has worked tirelessly day and night just so the Department can provide the adequate help that is needed for our fellow kababayans abroad.

His service to the Filipino Nation spans different administrations.

From the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Bureau of Labor Relations and National Conciliation and Mediation Board to OWWA and POEA, Atty. Cacdac has always kept in mind service to the people.

We were all witness to how he and his team handled the repatriation of around 1 million OFWs during the pandemic.

Mr. Cacdac's expertise and experience are more than enough to make him the person for the job.

Mr. Chair, we have pushed for reforms to protect the interest of the OFWs. I have filed the OFW Remittance Protection Act of 2022. We also passed the law creating the Office for Social Welfare Attache. For these efforts to work, we need someone reliable and as hardworking as Secretary Cacdac.

It is therefore my honor and privilege to join the sponsor in recommending the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Hans Cacdac as Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers.

Thank you, Mr. President."

“Mr. Chair, esteemed colleagues -

It is an honor and privilege to support the consent to the nominations  and confirmation of the ad interim appointments of distinguished Officials for  key positions in the Department of Foreign  Affairs (DFA).

They bring a wealth of experience, a proven  track record, and an unwavering commitment  to effectively represent our nation abroad and  protect the interests of Filipinos worldwide. 

The DFA plays a crucial role in advancing our  national interests, upholding our sovereignty,  and safeguarding the welfare of Filipinos  worldwide.  We require dedicated individuals  who can adeptly traverse the complexities of  international relations. I am confident that the  individual nominees and appointees, who are with us today, possess both the resolve and the capability to serve our  nation with utmost dedication.   They have demonstrated these qualities through their  extensive experience, proven track record, and  resolute commitment to public service. Their  distinguished careers reflect a deep  understanding of international relations and a  steadfast dedication to our nation's goals. They  have shown, time and again, their ability to navigate the complexities of global diplomacy  with skill and grace. 

Therefore, I respectfully second the motion for  the consent and confirmation of the nominations and ad interim appointments of these DFA Officials. I am  assured that with their leadership, the DFA will continue to uphold its vital role in  promoting our national interests and  enhancing our standing in the international  community. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.”

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

It is with honor that I stand before all of you today to support the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Marilyn B. Yap as the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission. We are not just deciding on a role to be filled, but we are shaping the future of this very institution that is constitutionally mandated to promote morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness, and courtesy in the Civil Service.

Atty. Barua-Yap's extensive experience in government had endowed her with the leadership qualities the CSC needs to fulfill its mandate. Her expertise in the legislative process is demonstrated by her role in establishing the Institute for Legislation and Legislative Governance, which provides training on legislation, policy research and development, and more, ensuring continuous development and improvement. She played a pivotal role in modernizing both legislative and organizational processes within the House of Representatives, including leading the redrafting of the House Rules to enhance the management of legislative affairs.

I would like to highlight that she made history as the first woman to be elected Secretary General of the House of Representatives during the 14th Congress. Her exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, leading to her re-election to the same position during the 15th and 16th Congresses.

With over thirty-five (35) years of outstanding service in government, she is a seasoned executive with the expertise and vision needed to guide the CSC in fulfilling its vision to be a leader in empowering people and organizations in human resource and organizational development and in serving the public through streamlined and digitalized services. We require someone who can articulate a bold, yet clear vision for the future, and without a doubt, Atty. Barua-Yap is that leader. She has always believed that the work we do for our government is, ultimately, the service we provide to the Filipino people.

It is for these reasons and more that I second the motion to confirm the ad interim appointment of Atty. Barua-Yap as Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, and she also proves that there is no retirement for those who are gifted. At seventy-one (71), she has a new job so I congratulate her for her vision, her passion in leading the CSC.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

“Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues of the Commission,

I rise today to second the confirmation of Mr. Vivencio Bringas Dizon II as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Secretary Dizon brings to the Department not only a wealth of experience in governance and infrastructure but also a clear and people-centered vision of mobility in our country. His academic track record speaks for itself—an accomplished scholar and Chevening awardee, he holds a master’s degree in Applied Development Studies from the University of Reading and dual undergraduate degrees from De La Salle University. He combines rigorous intellect with practical leadership.

But what distinguishes Secretary Dizon is not only his academic excellence or impressive credentials, but his genuine commitment to listen to the needs of the commuting public. He has shown that transportation reform is not about building more roads for cars—it is about moving people with dignity, speed, and safety. He has prioritized mass transportation, active mobility, and inclusive systems that reflect the daily struggles and aspirations of ordinary Filipinos.

From enhancing the EDSA Busway system to suspending policies that do not serve the interest of low-income motorists, Secretary Dizon has demonstrated a deep sensitivity to the realities on the ground. He listens, he acts, and he does so with urgency and resolve. 

I believe that under his leadership, we can finally realize a transportation sector that is not only modern and efficient—but just, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the people.

Mr. Chairman, I respectfully second the confirmation of Mr. Vivencio Dizon II as Secretary of the Department of Transportation. 

Thank you.”

“Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, it is with profound respect and deep  admiration that I rise today to second the ad  interim appointments of the brave women  and men before us—Officers of the Armed  Forces of the Philippines—who have  exemplified honor, courage, and service to  our nation.

At a time when the defense of our  sovereignty faces both traditional and non traditional threats—from incursions in our  waters to cyber vulnerabilities and climate related risks—these appointments affirm  that we are placing our trust in leaders who  are not only professionally competent but  also morally grounded and patriotic. 

They are emblems of earned authority, of a  lifetime of discipline, of leadership tested  under pressure. They now bear the solemn  responsibility of not only commanding troops and resources but of shaping the next  generation of defenders of the Republic. 

Many of these officers have served in our  most conflict-stricken areas, led disaster  response operations in the face of calamities,  and stood firm against insurgency, terrorism,  and external aggression. Others have led  quietly and effectively in logistics, intelligence, medical services, and military  education—ensuring that the strength of our  Armed Forces is sustained on all fronts.

Mr. Chairman, colleagues, as a reservist  myself in the Philippine Air Force, I have  deep respect for the Armed Forces. Service in  uniform is not merely a profession; it is a  calling—a lifelong commitment to stand  ready for the people, the flag, and the  Constitution. 

It is thus with great pride and firm  confidence that I second the confirmation of  all eighty-six (86) officers presented before us today. May  they continue to serve with integrity, uphold  the Constitution, and lead with the same courage that has brought them to this  moment.

Maraming salamat! 

Isang luntiang Pilipinas sa ating lahat!”