JOHNNY TY PIMENTEL

Mr. Chair, I take honor and pride to have known the nominee as he was my colleague in the 17th Congress and more than that, Mr. Chair, he is a good family friend.  

Chairman Karlo is no stranger to public service.  In our tripartite system of government, Chairman Karlo is one who has faithfully been part and parcel of each of its branches.

In the legislative branch, he was one of the most active members of the House of Representatives championing measures that serve to improve the lives of the Filipino people.  Among others, he manned competently the Chairmanship of the Committee on Labor and Employment in the 16th Congress advocating the interests of our labor force. Later, in the 17th Congress, he served as the steward of the powerful Committee on Appropriations and ensured that the government funds would reach those who need it the most.

It was in his chairmanship where the Free Higher Education Law received its 40 billion pesos appropriations; where the Philhealth Universal Coverage and Supplemental Benefits was given 3.5 billion pesos; and, where the Armed and Uniformed Personnel received their increase in salaries.

As a member of the Executive branch, he was most proficient in ensuring the close coordination among different government agencies.  He served as one of the prominent faces in our government’s anti-COVID response when he served as Co-Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) that was tasked to formulate policy and plans of our government’s anti-COVID campaign.  In the trying times where pandemic ravaged the Philippines, it was the refreshing remarks and updates given by Chairman Karlo as Acting Presidential Spokesperson which gave the Filipino public solace in our winning battle against the virus.

And in the Judicial branch, Chairman Karlo is a lawyer by vocation and thus an officer of the court.  Indeed, a public servant who has served his tour of duty in all our government branches.

Earlier this year, Chairperson Karlo was given an ad interim appointment by then President Duterte.  However, it was bypassed in the 18th Congress when Congress adjourned its session sine die.  Nevertheless, though with a short stint, he is credited to have led the 128 Collective Negotiations agreements to advance employees empowerment initiatives; issued crucial advisories in the Bayanihan Bakunahan to support the government response in addressing the health crisis, among others.  

The Civil Service Commission, as the central personnel agency of the Government, is required by the Constitution to establish a career service and adopt measures that promote morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness, and courtesy in the civil service.

I am confident, Mr. Chair, that Chairman Karlo Nograles is the perfect person who can fulfill such a mandate and authority.  Therefore, Mr. Chair, I have the honor to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Karlo Nograles as Chairman of the Civil Service Commission.  

I so move, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, the Department of the  Interior and Local Government is the department in the Executive Branch tasked in promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety and strengthening local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services to the citizenry.  It is the department which holds the power to carry out general supervision over our local governments, to which the Constitution ensures autonomy.

Head of this department should be a public servant who is adept and experienced as a manager, but should be one who has common touch as a local chief executive of a local government unit.  

Today, before the Commission on Appointments, is Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr., fondly known to the public as Secretary Benhur, who stands as an epitome of such a public servant.  One who is no stranger to the functions and authority of local governments.  Secretary Benhur had been local chief executive as Mayor of Mandaluyong for five (5) terms.  It was during his term as Mayor when Mandaluyong City was tagged as the “New Tiger City of Metro Manila” and “Second Most Vibrant City Economy in the Country”.

As a legislator, he was both a member of the Local Legislative Council of Mandaluyong and the National Legislature as Representative of the Lone District of Mandaluyong, championing measures that are meaningful for his constituency.

Secretary Benhur is also a member of the academe enriching the young minds as a lecturer in no less than the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration.  He was also an active lecturer in both the prestigious Development Academy of the Philippines and the Local Government Academy.

With the unfortunate passing of MMDA Chairman Danny Lim from Covid-19, it was Secretary Benhur who took the reins of the office.  It was he who was heavily visible to the public as MMDA Chairperson and frequently conducted press conferences on the decisions and policies of the MMDA.

Members of this august Commission, let us choose a Department Secretary who is both adept in leading local government, as well as in the national government.

One who could strike a balance in ensuring the constitutionally-mandated autonomy of the local government units is maintained and holding that the Executive effectively carry out general supervision over these Local Government Units that all laws pertaining to them be faithfully executed.

Let us confirm a DILG Secretary who shall champion the noble mandate imposed by the Constitution. 

 Therefore, Mr. Chair, I have the honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Sec. Benjamin Abalos, Jr.

  I so move, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, the Honorable Mylene Garcia-Albano is a product of two (2) families with strong roots to the legal profession.  Her maternal great-grandfather, a Batangueño, Former Supreme Court Justice Mariano H. de Joya, was a government pensionado who graduated from Indiana University and Yale Law School in the early 1900’s, who became a top legal practitioner before and after the war, and so was her maternal grandfather, Atty. Mariano R. de Joya Jr.   Atty. Mylene’s grandfather was a lawyer and former Davao City Mayor Leon Garcia.  And her father was a former Congressman, whom we all know as Manuel “Nonoy” Garcia, who was then the Deputy Justice Minister of former Justice Minister Estelito Mendoza in the 1980’s.  With his strong legal lineage, a young Mylene was educated at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. for her undergraduate A. B. degree in Political Science, after which she finished her law studies at the Ateneo de Manila with 2nd honors, and was the Student Council President during her senior year.  No small feat for this school of blue-blooded, erstwhile male-dominated, future lawyers.  Jumping off from law school, she placed third in the 1990 Bar Examinations, which the distinguished senior member of the Senate Minority, Sen. Koko Pimentel, topped.

Not one to rest on her academic laurels and good name, Atty. Mylene Garcia-Albano embarked on creating her own reputation, slowly and patiently, as she practiced law at the distinguished offices of the Ponce Enrile Cayetano Reyes & Manalastas Law Offices and the Villareal Law Office, before deciding to join the government.  She climbed the long ladder of government service, in the executive and legislative branches of government, with positions as the Presidential Legal Counsel, Office of then President Fidel Ramos, the DTI, DENR, and the Senate Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Mar Roxas’ Office.  Her next position was in Congress, where she served for three (3) terms, where she chaired the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and was the Deputy Speaker during her third term.  Through all these positions in government, Atty. Mylene Albano has served well, with utmost tact, intelligence, diplomacy and grace.  It might be argued that other than her spouse, my good friend, former Congressman and now Governor Rodito Albano, a former Majority Leader of our august Commission on Appointments,  her one ardent supporter who has always believed in her capabilities has been former President Rodrigo Duterte, who worked with the Garcia family of Davao City for the betterment of their city-mates, from Atty. Gacia-Albano’s father, Manuel “Nonoy” Garcia, to our colleague in Congress, Vince Garcia, to Atty. Mylene Albano, as these respected hard-working legislators represented Davao City and its second district through thirteen (13) congressional or parliamentary terms dating back in 1978.

Much as we have seen Atty. Mylene Garcia-Albano performs at the highest level in her different positions in the government, I wholeheartedly believe that she will be a strong representative and conduit of the Filipino people to the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, one of our most important trading partners. 

Mr. Chair, I therefore have the honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of Atty. Mhylene Garcia-Albano as Philippine Ambassador to Japan. 

I so move, Mr. Chair.

“Mr. Chair, long and short  manifestation is  my  strong  support  for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

The Department of Budget and Management is the governmental office responsible for the sound and efficient use of government resources for national development. With its crucial task it is only but right that this department's steward possesses an unblemished and highly competent track record, one epitomized by our very own Secretary Mina Pangandaman.

Her educational record speaks much of her present performance now as an adept public servant. Secretary Mina is a bachelors and masters degree holder in Development Economics in no less than the elite UP School of Economics where she earned the Dean's List honors in both programs.

Upon entering public service, her tour of duty brought her in Congress as its Chief in Technical and Research Service Secretariat from 1999 to 2001. She was Head of the Policy Research Group in the Office of Senator Ed Angara from 2001 to 2007 and later as Chief of Staff for the same senator in 2007 to 2013. She also became Chief of Staff in the office of our colleague Senator Loren Legarda in 2015 to 2016.

It was the same year when she joined the Department of Budget and Management as Assistant Secretary/Chief of Staff under the Office of the then Secretary Ben Diokno which she served from 2016 to 2018. Then as Undersecretary of the DBM from 2018 to 2019. Later, she also joined Secretary Diokno as his Chief of Staff in the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas where she held various crucial posts in the institution as: Technical Advisor, Managing Director, and later as BSP Assistant Governor. 

In her previous stint in the DBM, she was cited for recognition for ably reviewing and finalizing the year-to-year proposed General Appropriations Act, submitted to the Office of the President, the Senate and House of Representatives as the annual National Expenditure Program. She also championed the Green Green Green Program which gave assistance to LGs in the development of public open spaces vis-à-vis the previous administration's Build Build Build Program. 

As Assistant Governor of the BSP, it was among her initiatives to bring the central bank closer to the people where programs of financial inclusion and digital transformation were undertaken. She was also active in ensuring the legislative lobby for the measures meaningful and helpful for our financial institutions.

Secretary Mina, upon her assumption, vowed to lay out a responsive budget and management policy that is set to support Philippines' recovery programs hampered by the Covid pandemic. Mr. Chair and Dear Colleagues, this is also the path which we seek our DBM to tread.

A Secretary with a solid track record and a vision at hand.”

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, the Office of the Executive Secretary under the Office of the President is the head and highest ranking official of the Presidential official family and a member of the Cabinet of the Philippines.  It is given the mandate “to directly assist the President in the management of affairs of the government as well as to direct the operations of the Executive Office.”  Thus, one who sits in the position is known also as the “Little President.”

Mr. Chair and Members of the august Commission on Appointments, before us is a man of unimpeachable character.  He is a jurist, an academician, a professor of law, a public servant and a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.  And one who previously served the highest post in a co-equal branch of our tripartite government - the Judiciary.

ES Bersamin joined the legal profession after passing the bar examination in 1973 placing 9th in the list of topnotchers.  He served as a Presiding Judge of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court in 1986 at a young age of 37.  In 2003, ES Bersamin was further appointed as Court of Appeals Associate Justice.  Later, from 2009 to 2018 he served as one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.  Finally, he was in the apex of the high tribunal as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 2018 up to his retirement in 2019.

Executive Secretary Bersamin later joined the GSIS as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees from 2020 to 2022.

He is also particularly adept in enriching the young legal minds and the budding aspirants to the legal profession as a professor of law in UST, Ateneo de Manila, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and the University of the East.  In this affair, training the next generation of lawyers who will protect the rights of the people and redress the wrongs.

With much masterful legal acumen and unquestionable integrity, his presence and service in the Office of the President will be invaluable.

President Bongbong Marcos promised the resurgence of the Philippine nation from the pandemic-induced economic slow-down.  

I am confident, Mr. Chair, on the part of the Minority in the Commission on Appointments, that with ES Bersamin the same promise will be realized.

Therefore, Mr. Chair, I second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. 

“The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is among the youngest departments in our Executive Department. DICT is responsible for the planning, development and promotion of the country’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) agenda in support of national development .

It is tasked of overseeing the novel creation founded in the late 20th century and 21st century where civilization already lives in what is now called the Age of Information. As we navigate through the present age, it is only but reasonable  to have a Secretary of the Department who is adept and knowledgeable in both the concepts and practice of its mandate. Such is the case for Secretary Ivan Uy.

A literal officer of the court, Secretary Uy commenced his stint in public office in 1989 as an Attorney to the Judicial and Bar Council, a post he held until 1991. He then served as Director in the Management Information System Office of the Supreme Court from 1991 to 1995.  From 1996 to 2005, he used his mastery in the realm of information technology as Deputy Clerk of Court for Information Technology of the Supreme Court. 

No stranger  to the Department he currently heads, he also served as Chairperson of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology from 2010 to 2011. 

Later from 2017 to 2020, Secretary Uy was Corporate Secretary of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)

Secretary Ivan Uy also never shied away from teaching and nurturing the young minds as an academician and professor of law. He was Lecturer to the National Computer Center of no less than the University of the Philippines in 1995 to 1998. He was Chair of the Court Technology of the Philippine Judicial Academy from 1996 to 2005. He was a lecturer in the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education from 1998 to 2007. He was also a Professional Lecturer in the Graduate School of Law of UST, and the San Beda Graduate School, as well as a Lecturer to the University of the Philippines Law Center and Institute of Judicial Administration. 

A gentleman who is known to be without vices, he stands to have an unblemished reputation among his peers. Prior to pursuing his legal profession, he was already much interested in the domain of Information and Communications Technology. His legal education only bolstered his understanding to his interests. And his public and academic tour of duty put finesse on his interest to the digital. 

Secretary Ivan Uy is surely the best man for the job for DICT.”

“The Department of Science and Technology is the Executive Department tasked in the coordination of science and technology-related projects in the Philippines and to formulate policies and projects in the fields of science and technology in support of national development.

At its helm should be a man of science; a geologist; a technocrat; an insider whose insights would be invaluable in the pursuit of the Department’s mandate.  Perfect for this is Secretary Renato Solidum.

With thirty-eight (38) years in government office, Secretary Solidum started his tour of duty in the public service as a Science Research Specialist in the Philvolcs from 1984 to 1998.  He was later on the  Chief Science Research Specialist of Philvolcs from 1999 to 2002.  And further later, Secretary Solidum became the Director of Philvolcs from 2003 to 2017.

From 2017 to 2019, the good Secretary was Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change of the Department of Science and Technology.  He was already the Officer-in-Charge in the Office of the Undersecretary for the Regional Operations of the DOST in 2019.  And then the DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services.

Secretary Solidum is also part and parcel of the academe, continuously taking part in the exchange of the marketplace of knowledge and enriching the minds of students.  He was Researcher and Teaching Assistant in both the University of Illinois and the University of California.  He was also an Instructor to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 2005, to which he also served as Professorial Chair in 2021.  In 2019 he served as Lecturer in the Asian Institute of Management for Disaster Risk and Crisis Management.  He also sat as a Lecturer and Senior Fellow in the Philippine Public Safety College from 2020 to 2022.  He is a Faculty Adviser to the Middle Managers Class in the Public Management Development Program of the Development Academy of the Philippines.

In the years leading to the present, the involvement of our Secretary in disaster risk reduction and management and in the volcanology expertise has made his name as though synonymous to Phivolcs itself.  In the crucial times when the Filipino citizenry is in need of updates in this science bureau, it is Secretary Solidum who delivers.

A good friend and great man of science, there is no one, except him, who is perfect in serving as the head of this Department.”

“The Department of Transportation, whose origin dates back 123 years ago, is the executive department tasked with the maintenance and expansion of viable, efficient, and dependable transportation systems as effective instruments for national recovery and economic progress.  It is responsible for the country’s land, air, and sea communications infrastructure.

Before the Commission on Appointments today is Secretary Jaime Bautista, a captain of the industry whose invaluable contributions from the private sphere has helped in the development of our transportation sector.  He was Executive Vice President of the Philippine Airlines from 1999 to 2003.  Later on, he served as the Philippine Airlines’ President and Chief Executive Officer.  He was President and Chief Executive Officer.  He was President of the PNB Forex, Inc. in 2003 to 2004 and served as the President of PAL Holdings Corp in 2004 to 2012 then 2014 to 2019.  Secretary Bautista was President and COO of PAL in 2004 to 2012 and 2014 to 2019.  In 2009 to 2019, he was Treasurer of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation.  And served as the Chairman of the Board for Macroasia Airport Serves Corp.

Secretary Bautista also served on the board of directors for various companies that have been key leaders of the industry.  Among them are Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. from 2008 to 2004; Gothong Southern Shipping Lines from 2019 to 2022; Alphaland Corp. from 2019 to 2022; Alphaland Corp. from 2019 to 2022; Airspeed International Corp. from 2020 to 2022; Phil Bank of Communications from 2020 to 2022; Cosco Capital Inc. from 2020 to 2022; Nickel Asia Corp from 2021 to 2022; Premium Leisure Corp  from  2021  to  2022;  and  the   Belle Corporation from 2021 to 2022 as well.

Known as humble, intelligent and caring Secretary Bautista will surely lead the Department of Transportation with his most competent skills and fresh insights in the pursuit of its loft mandate.  It is, but incumbent upon the Commission on Appointments to confirm Secretary Bautista’s appointment.”

“The National Economic and Development Authority is the foremost government agency of the Philippines tasked with the lofty duty of taking care of the country’s economic development and planning.

Head of this agency ought to be a masterful economist, a well-grounded professor and an effective public servant whose tour of duty spans decades of dedication and experience.  With a combined span of public service in forty-three (43) years (thirty-three (33) UP, three (3) in CRDI, three (3) in the Department of Agriculture, and four (4) in the NEDA itself) no other person fits this description than Secretary Arsi.

Secretary Balisacan commenced his public service in the Cotton Research and Development Institute (CRDI) from 1981 to 1982.  From 2000 to 2001, Secretary Arsi was the Undersecretary for Policy and Planning in the Department of Agriculture.  He also held the post of Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Planning in 2001 and 2003.

No stranger to NEDA, he was its Director General from 2012 to 2016.  A post he competently held ushering among the country’s highest development growth in recent history.  In 2016 to 2022, he was the Chairperson of the Philippine Competition Commission.

A man of the academe who seeks to ensure institutional transfer of expertise and knowledge to the next generation of scholars to the economy, Secretary Arsi also has a distinguished background in teaching.  He was Assistant Professor in Economics in the elite School of Economics in the University of the Philippines from 1988 to 1991.  He later was Associate Professor from 1991 to 1995.  And much later, he was the Director for Research and Director of the Economics Research Center of the School of Economics in UP from 1996 to 1997.  Since 1995, he was among the School’s most distinguished professors.  And, in 2010 to 2012, he was the Dean.

My colleagues, NEDA is in best hands with Secretary Balisacan at the helm.”

“The Commission on Elections is the Constitutional Commission having the role in enforcing all the laws and regulations relative to the conduct of the Philippine elections. It operationalizes the nature of our Republic’s constitution under democratic and republican traditions.

The Commission must be manned by Commissioners well versed with election laws and with unimpeachable legal acumen.

For Commissioner Ernesto Maceda, such is the case, is one whose public service ran for fourteen (14) years.  He has served his tour of duty in all branches of our tripartite system.

As a lawyer, he has been an officer of the court upon admission to the Bar, and even a top notcher in the 1989 Bar Exams at 19th place.  He served as City Councilor of the country’s capital, the City of Manila, from 1988 to 1992 and 1992 to 1995, only briefly broken when he took the helm of serving as the city’s Vice Mayor in 1992.  He served as the Chief of Staff of Speaker Fuentebella’s Office in the House of the People from 2000 to 2001.

Commissioner Maceda also was Member of the Board in the Judicial Academy of the Supreme Court from 2012 to 2013 and the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Governing Board from 2013 to 2015.  From 2019 to 2022, he was Supervising Political Affairs Officer in the House of Representatives.

One who is no stranger to the sacred duty of maintaining and enriching the discussions and scholarship of law, Commissioner Maceda has been active in teaching.  He was a Professorial Lecturer in Arellano University School of Law, the DLSU Graduate School of Business - FEU Institute of Law JD Program, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Ateneo de Manila School of Law.  He was Dean of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Law from 2006 to 2015.  He was also the President of the Universidad De Manila, College of Law from 2015 to 2019.

Mr. Chair and colleagues in the Commission on Appointments, before us, is a recognized constitutionalist and a distinguished member of his profession.

It is only but just to confirm Commissioner Maceda’s ad interim appointment.”   

“I would like to express my strong manifestation of support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Jeffrey Angelo Valdez as Foreign Service Officer Class I. With him, I have full confidence in advancing the interests of the Philippines and in serving the Filipino people as he continues his stint as Consul in the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

Known to friends as Jeff, he is the personification of a hardworking public school student who completed his high school education from the Philippine Science High School Main Campus and his tertiary education from the University of the Philippines – Los Banos in 2006 through grit, perseverance and devotion. Just recently in 2020, he was among the very few awarded with a scholarship by no less than Princeton University where Jeff finished his Masters in Public Policy.

His tour of duty in the public service is twelve (12) which started after being accepted in the Foreign Service Examination in 2010, together with his wife Luningning Valdez, whose appointment was confirmed last December by the Commission.

In his first assignment abroad, he occupied the position of Third Secretary and Vice Consul then later as Second Secretary and Consul of the Philippine Embassy in the Russian Federation. It was during this assignment in 2017 that this humble Representative had the pleasure of meeting Jeff when the delegation of House Leaders visited Russia.  It was Jeff who facilitated our official itinerary and ensured its success.

In Russia, Jeff was instrumental in the discussions between Russia and the Philippines leading to the successful accreditation of the first Philippine exporter of regulated agricultural products.  He also facilitated the discussions leading to the establishment of the PH-RU Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in 2015 and the formation of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Moscow in 2018.  When the conflict between Russia and Ukraine exploded in 2022, many of the contingency mechanisms for the evacuation of Filipinos in the conflict area were ones which Jeff helped setup during his stay in Russia.

On his return to the Philippines in 2019, he ably and competently held the position of a Director in the Office of European Affairs.  Jeff facilitated the acceptance of the Polish government’s donation of 547,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in 2021 when these much needed vaccines were direly needed for the salvation of many Filipino lives.   All these while he was completing his masters units as a scholar in Princeton.

In 2022, Jeff was deployed in Geneva for his present position.  He is much lauded for his successful coordination of the Philippine campaign for its re-election to the International Telecommunications Union Council in Romania. Also, his work in advancing Philippines’ health security has not ceased where he is cited for facilitating the negotiations of various treaties with the World Health Organization.

Truly, a man whose heart resides only in the interest of the Filipino people. Again, I move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Jeffrey Valdez as Foreign Service Officer Class I.”

“I wish to state my solid and unwavering support for the nomination of Maria Angela Abrera Ponce as the Chief of Mission, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia.

Both a lawyer and foreign service official, Ambassador Ponce has a total of twenty-three (23) years as a public servant exhibiting exemplary performance for the Filipino people. 

Completing the bar in 1998 and top-notching the Foreign Service Exams in 1999, she started as the Acting Director of the DFA Office of the Legal Affairs Treaties Division. She was later the Assistant Director in the same office in 2003.  She served as the Acting Director of DFA’s Prosecution and Investigation Division from 2004 to 2005.

Later, Amb. Ponce became the Third Secretary and Vice Consul in the Philippine Embassy to Paris from 2005 to 2007, becoming its Second Secretary and Consul from 2007 to 2011.  She also served as the Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO from 2010 to 2011.

In 2011, she occupied the position of Director to DFA’s Treaties Division and served as Director to the South and Central Asian Division from 2012 to 2014.

In her subsequent tour of duty abroad, Amb. Ponce was Minister to the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations from 2014 to 2021.  Later becoming DFA’s Assistant Secretary for Treaties and Legal Affairs.

No diplomat would best serve in protecting the relationship between the Philippines and its close neighbor Malaysia other than the one who is tried and tested as Amb. Ponce.”

Mr. Chair, I wish to make my unswerving and resolute manifestation of support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro – a gentleman, a lawmaker, a citizen soldier, a lawyer, a statesman.

Secretary Teodoro is no stranger to the realm of public service, having a tour of duty spanning seventeen (17) years.  An officer of the court and one with adroit legal knowledge, he is a member of both the Philippine bar, placing Top one in 1989, and the New York State Bar in 1997.

He joined the noble cause of serving the people in 1980 sitting as President of Kabataang Barangay in Tarlac – a post he occupied until 1986.  He was also Member Ex officio of the Tarlac Sangguniang Panlalawigan during the same time.

A legislator in his own respect representing the 1st District of Tarlac, he was member of the 11th, 12th and 13th Congress spanning from 1998 to 2007 advocating and championing meaningful pieces of legislation for the well-being and improvement of the Filipinos’ way of life.  It is his advocacy to enact measures protecting further the accused in the measures prohibiting the public display of persons arrested, accused, detained or under custodial investigation before formal charges are filed in the court; and two,  the proposal to detach the Public Attorney’s Office from the main prosecutorial service office of the country the Department of Justice. It was also he who introduced measures to rationalize tax schemes for manufacturers, corporations and investment companies. 

Also in 1999 to 2001, he was Acting Commanding Officer of the Reserve Airlift and Tactical Support Group.

In 2007, he answered the clarion call as part of the Executive’s official family when he took the reins of the Department of National Defense and was confirmed by the Commission on December 19, 2007.   A post he occupied until 2009 – a time when he served as candidate for the then Presidential elections in the outgoing administration’s ticket.

He is known to have tirelessly pushed for the implementation of the Defense System of Management.  His SND stint also is known for the significant net reduction of the Communist Terrorist threat, all the while laid the structures of the proper observance of human rights.   He was also particularly active in strengthening multilateral and bilateral cooperations in defense for regional security.

A man known to perform without the fanfare.  Finally, the helm of the Department of National Defense has been installed with a most competent captain.

Therefore, Mr. Chair, I second the motion to confirm the ad interim appointment of Sec. Gilbert Teodoro as Secretary of National Defense. 

“On behalf of the Minority, I manifest my utmost support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Kiko Laurel as the head of the Department of Agriculture.

The Department is the nation’s key office responsible for the promotion of agricultural and fisheries development. It is just most apt that the same is headed by a Captain of the Industry who will bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the sector crucial for steering our agriculture and fisheries towards sustainable growth and resilience.

Secretary Kiko’s proven track record in the industry reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities our farmers and fishermen face.

I am confident that his visionary leadership will contribute significantly to the advancement of our agricultural policies, ensuring food security, promoting innovation, and fostering a vibrant agricultural community.

Again, allow me to repeat my fullest support for the  confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel as head of the Department of Agriculture.” 

Mr. Chair, I'd like to manifest my full support to a fellow brother Mason. For the information of everyone, Sec. Sonny Angara is a very active member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.

He was a past worshipful master of Pangarap Lodge No. 448 and Immediate Past District Grand Lecturer, and presently he is the incumbent Grand Lodge Inspector of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

To a very worshipful Sonny Angara, the 30,000 strong members of the fraternity of Masons are very proud of you. Rest assured of our full support on your term.

Mr. Chair, I am pleased and honored that a most competent figure is before the Commission on Appointments: A statesman, a technocrat, a troubleshooter, a man of law, a brother Mason, and a close friend of Surigao del Sur.

Secretary Angara has twenty (20) years of public service in his belt - eleven (11) years as member of the Senate of the Republic and nine (9) years as member of the House of Representatives.

He was the youngest member of the House in the 13th Congress where he showed his skills being later elected as its Deputy Minority Leader. In his first three (3) terms in the House of Representatives, he served key positions being the Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education and Vice Chairperson of the elite Committee on Rules. Here he was instrumental to various measures meaningful to the Filipino people when he sponsored the PERA Act, the Magna Carta for Women, Salary Standardization Law, among others.

As a Senator in 2013, equally, he championed the most important matters and measures. Among the positions he held as a Senator was the Chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Local Government. It was here when he sealed his friendship with Surigao del Sur where he championed the struggle of a lonely community seeking barangayhood - Barangay Comawas of Bislig City in Surigao del Sur.

For more than two (2) decades, this community's dream was elusive from realization. For several Congresses, its barangayhood was sponsored but the same stagnated after being passed in the lower chamber. Then in 2017 came the then Chairperson of the Local Government, our

              Secretary Sonny, who was very much willing to serve as the sponsor in the Senate vis-â-vis this representation's sponsorship in the House.

In August of 2017, in the very same year it was referred to the Senate, RA 10936 was enacted into law. Truly a man of the people, our Secretary; a friend of Surigao del Sur.

There have been concerns that Philippine basic education has faltered recently. But we have before us, finally, a man of competence to manage and lead. And I am most confident that in the person of Secretary Sonny, we will overcome whatever hurdles that would prepare the Filipino student for his part in the greater community.

Therefore, Mr. Chair, this representation gives his full support to Secretary Sonny Angara as Secretary of Department of Education.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

With over two (2) decades of public service in his belt, Secretary Jonvic Remulla is the embodiment of a Filipino servant-leader sensitive to the needs of the local governments.

He rose through the ranks of an elective official, starting as Board Member in 1995 to 1998 and then Provincial Vice Governor from 1998 to 2007. In 2010 to 2016, like this Representation, he was Provincial Governor. And much later, he was elected anew as Governor of Cavite in 2019.

His stint as Governor of the Province of Cavite was marked by transformative initiatives in governance, public service delivery, and local economic development. Under "Governor Pogi as he is fondly called, Cavite achieved significant milestones, including advancements in infrastructure, public safety, disaster resilience, and the promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth. Programs such as the Wireless Access Program on Governance and streamlined processes for red tape reduction, illustrate his forward-thinking and citizen-centric approach. Cavite's recognition as one of the most business-friendly provinces in the country highlights his commitment to fostering economic progress. 

Secretary Jonvic's vision for the DILG aligns with the national thrust to modernization. His plans to digitize local government operations, expand emergency response systems, and address structural challenges within the PNP underscores his proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

A leader who is both approachable and decisive, Secretary Jonvic is admired for his grassroots engagement and ability to implement practical solutions. His track record of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to public concerns strengthens his capacity to guide the DILG in fulfilling its mandate.

His commitment to fostering cooperation among the local government units and enhancing their efficiency ensures that the DILG will continue to serve as a cornerstone of good governance and public safety.

On this note, Mr. Chair, I second the motion of the confirmation of Sec. Jonvic Remulla for the position of DILG.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Present before the Commission on Appointments is a public servant and a masterful captain of the industry set to steer forward the Department of Trade and Industry - Secretary Cristina Roque.

Secretary Roque's distinguished career and exemplary dedication to both public service and private enterprise makes her an outstanding choice for this vital position.  She has demonstrated exceptional leadership wherever she takes on her tour of duty, be it in the private or the public sector.

As public servant, she competently served as the Acting Secretary and Undersecretary earlier this year of the DTI in overseeing critical areas like Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Regional Operations.  She also spearheaded impactful programs, including the "One Town, One Product" initiative and MSME funding mechanisms.

Equally at a stellar performance was her stint as Assistant Secretary in the Department where she managed all the DTI regional offices across the country supervising the government's policy in support to the small and medium businesses from 2023 to 2024.

In the private domain, her toil in the industry brought us a familiar brand being the Founder and President of Kamiseta, a household name in fashion retail, from 1990 to 2022 and Kamiseta Skin, showcasing her innovative approach to business from 2017 to 2023.  Demonstrating truly a track record of transforming ideas into leading enterprises, exemplifying her capacity for innovation and resilience.

As a staunch advocate of economic inclusivity, Secretary Roque has championed the welfare of marginalized sectors, particularly women-led enterprises and rural communities.  Her initiatives aim to bridge the gap between local businesses and global markets, fostering sustainable growth for all.  A true testament of great character.

Secretary Roque is widely regarded as a principled, compassionate, and results-oriented leader.  Her strong faith, resilience, and emphasis on education and discipline serve as an inspiration to her peers and subordinates alike in the domain of commerce, as well as in public service.

The Department of Trade and Industry plays a pivotal role in shaping our nation's economic landscape.  Indeed, it is Secretary Roque who stands as the right woman for the job.

On this note, Mr. Chair, I second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Sec. Cristina Roque for DTI Secretary.