LOREN LEGARDA
20th Congress
(Assistant Majority Floor Leader, 24 September 2025 - Present)
Embedded Files
OCT
01
2025
Seconding speech for SHARON SERAG GARIN for the confirmation of her ad interim appointment as Secretary Department of Energy (DoE)
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 04, First Regular Session
Honorable Chairman, distinguished colleagues and members of the Commission on Appointments.
I rise before you today to second the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Sharon S. Garin of the Department of Energy, now before this august Body.
Our energy sector is a key sector that continues to lag in driving our nation's development. The reasons are clear and pressing.
In terms of electrification, as of December 2024, the Philippines has only reached a household electrification rate of 94.75% according to the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission. This means millions of households still await universal and meaningful access to electricity - a basic foundation for inclusive growth. At the same time, our power generation mix reveals our dependence on coal, which accounts for 62.5% of gross power generation, while renewable energy contributes only 22.27%. This imbalance keeps us tied to outdated and carbon-intensive sources, even as the rest of the world transitions to cleaner and more sustainable options.
Our people are paying the price. The Philippines consistently ranks among Southeast Asia's highest in electricity costs, both residential and commercial, making life harder for families and businesses compared to our neighbors. Households in Thailand pay around P7.40 per kWh and in Vietnam about P4.50 per kWh, while Filipino households pay nearly P11.80 per kWh. Businesses in Indonesia pay only about P4.14 per kWh and in Malaysia about P7.46, while Philippine firms shoulder nearly P8.80 per kWh.
On top of this, the World Risk Report 2022-2024 has ranked the Philippines as the world's most climate-vulnerable nation for three consecutive years. Located in the typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire, we endure around 20 tropical cyclones each year, and climate change will only heighten these threats, placing greater strain on our already fragile and aging energy system.
These realities demand urgent reform, investment, and the strongest of political will. A competent and skilled Energy Secretary must be at the helm in leading the country's energy sector towards achieving accessible, reliable and affordable energy in every part of the Philippines. As the forefront of the department, I believe that Secretary Garin is dedicated towards advancing sustainable energy across every corner of the Philippines.
As the Energy Secretary, she exhibited hands-on management in the energy sector. Just recently, she displayed her swift response towards restoration of the power situation in Masbate after being hit by Severe Tropical Storm Opong by ensuring rapid cooperation between the government, private sector and power utilities. With her on the helm, we are confident that restoration of electricity service in the area will be done immediately. Further, her bold recommendations and findings have led to corrections in the operations of public utilities, and through her actions, investor confidence has grown.
At a time when our energy sector faces urgent challenges, from high electricity costs to the climate risks that threaten our power plants and grid, her leadership offers both competence and conviction.
With this, it is with full confidence and honor that I express my full support to Secretary Garin and l second her confirmation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
OCT
01
2025
Seconding speech for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments and for the consent of the appointments of thirty-nine (39) Generals/Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 04, First Regular Session
Honorable Chairman, distinguished colleagues, good morning.
As we consider the appointments and nominations of thirty-nine senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are reminded to ask: what does it truly mean to be a commander?
Allow me to share what I believe defines a commander. A commander is not measured by the stars on his shoulder; he is measured by the light and clarity he brings in times of turmoil and confusion. His is not the loudest voice in the room, yet when he speaks, he carries the gravity of both burden and responsibility.
A commander does not seek privilege. He accepts sacrifice, stands with his ranks, placing service above self and duty above comfort. He rouses the confidence of his troops, and steadies the hearts of families who wait and hope.
A commander is not measured solely by the enemies he confronts; he is measured by the discipline to hold back when wisdom calls for restraint. He prepares for conflict, but builds the ground where peace may stand... Not merely a strategist of war, but an architect of peace. A better commander is one who values the tools of war, yet trusts more in the skills, training, and courage of his people. He is one who sees arms as fleeting, but honor and courage as enduring. And the greatest of all commanders is one who carries the burden of protecting the nation on his shoulders, and the hope of its citizens in his heart. His victory is defined by the safety of our homes, of children playing outside, and the dignity of our flag.
Colleagues, this is the measure of command: not rank or privilege, but light, steadiness, sacrifice, and the pursuit of peace. These are the virtues we affirm in the officers before us today. Colonels, Generals, Commodores, and Admirals, our Military Commanders, the Republic entrusts you with its sovereignty, safety, its hopes, and its dreams.
Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
MAR
17
2026
Seconding speech for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments and for the consent of the appointments of fifty-seven (57) Generals/Flag Officer and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Plenary Session No. 10, First Regular Session
Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of this Commission:
It is an honor to second the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the various officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Today, we do more than fulfill a constitutional mandate. We affirm the career trajectories of leaders who have transitioned from protectors of peace to architects of national security.
This diverse group representing the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Judge Advocate General Service, and the Medical, Nursing, Dental and Veterinary Corps, embodies the multidimensional nature of modern defense.
Among those for confirmation are proud sons of my Province of Antique. Please recognize yourselves: Mr. Ronie Dumalag Petinglay, born in San Remigio, Antique and Mr. William Pagayonan Peñafiel Jr., whose mother is Mrs. Eustaquia Arangote Pagayonan from Valderrama, Antique. Both of them stand for confirmation as Major General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I am proud to second their confirmation. Thank you.
Our combat branches safeguard our terrestrial, maritime, and aerial sovereignty, while our medical and general services provide the vital lifeblood and fortitude necessary to sustain our troops under the most demanding conditions.
As the security landscape shifts toward cyber vulnerabilities and geopolitical complexities, our officers have proven they possess the agility to lead a resilient, forward-looking institution. This promotion carries the expectation of steadfast integrity, improved operational readiness, and an unwavering commitment to the mandate: "Protecting the People, Securing the State."
With firm confidence in their capabilities, I respectfully second the confirmation of all the distinguished officers.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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