Thank you Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission, I join our sponsor in recommending the consent to the nominations of the two (2) Ambassadors, Amb. Flerida Ann Camille Puzon Mayo and Amb. Edgar Tomas Quilino Auxilian, who have been beacons of our diplomatic relations in their forty-one (41) and twenty-seven (27) years of dedicated service to the nation, respectively.  I pray for their success in their new assignments.

To Ambassador Mayo, the more than 7,000 Filipinos in Cambodia will be relying on your leadership for the advancement of their welfare.  Lalo na sa panahong ito na vulnerable ang ating mga kababayan sa mga panlalansing ng mga manlolokong  scammers na nangangako ng trabaho sa mga naghahangad ng disenteng trabaho.  Be the light so that our kababayans would not fall victims to these abuses. 

To Ambassador Auxilian, we know the challenges that beset our kababayans in Papua New Guinea.  Gaya natin, madalas din ang hampas ng kalamidad sa kanila kung kaya’t peligroso ang pinagdaraanan nila.  Dagdag pa diyan ang internal na sigalot na waring tarak din sa kanilang mga leeg.  We trust that under your watch, Filipinos would be spared from such risks and violence.  May there be no opportunities missed and above all, no kababayans left behind in your jurisdictions.  Nawa’y patuloy kayong maging modelo sa mga bagong Foreign Service Officers natin.

Our six (6) newly minted Foreign Service Officers, ClassII, and most likely among our future Chiefs of Mission:  Ms. Alcantara-Garcia; Mr. Capati; Mr. Chan; Ms. Caballero-Hernandez; Mr. Ramintas; and, Mr. Sadie.  Continue serving with integrity and persevere in the changing landscape of diplomacy.  Hindi madali, pero ang inyong sipag at tiyaga ay inaasahan ng ating mga kababayan.  The role you play for our country and our kababayans who are away from home, cannot be overemphasized.  Kayo ang magiging tulay sa pagitan natin at ng ibang mga nasyon.  You advocate not only for amity and diplomatic relations, but more importantly, for the interests of our nation and the welfare of our countrymen.

Kapag nakaka-daupang palad po natin ang ating mga bagong bayani na nakikipag-sapalaran sa ibayong dagat, dama natin ang kanilang mga pangamba.  This is where your very peculiar and demanding role is vital – you are the string that keeps them whole and tied to our beloved country.

Sa maraming Pilipinong malayo sa ating Inang Bayan at sa mga mahal nila sa buhay, ang mga embahadang inyong kinakatawan ay binibigyan sila ng wangis ng tahanan at kalma.

You give them a sense of home and security while they brave foreign skies and shores.  In times of conflicts, you give them hope that they will always have somewhere and someone to run to when they are escaping from the chaos of it all.  In times of peace, you are their link to our homeland, their anchor in lands thousands of miles away from home.  

Tiwala po kaming patuloy na magliliyab sa inyong mga puso ang inyong mga sinumpaang tungkulin.  Look back for all the years of hard work and sacrifices that paved your way to this day.  Remember the reasons why you wanted to become part of the institution and use all of these to motivate you further to do more and better for our country and our people.

Mr. Chair, this representation believes in the unquestionable competence and unwavering commitment of our nominees and appointees.  May they always be guided by our supreme oath to the nation and to our people.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. President.

Honorable Members of this Body, my dear colleagues, and distinguished guests, I rise to sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of a highly esteemed public servant, man of exemplary dedication, and an epitome of brilliance and unwavering commitment to public service.  

It is a true privilege to highlight the competence and excellence of someone I have had the honor to work with as a colleague in the Legislature, whose voice have proved invaluable in the crafting of vital fiscal measures.

I take pride in endorsing a distinguished individual who possesses the expertise and commitment needed to lead our nation towards economic prosperity and fiscal stability.  With him at the helm, we know that the Department of Finance is in good hands.

Secretary Recto is regarded for being sharp as a tack and smart as a whip. Saksi po ang bulwagang ito sa tikas ng kanyang isipan.  Through his great attention to details and relentless pursuit of the greater good, many of the measures that this institution has produced have been cultivated and refined for the benefit of the nation.

Ngunit bago pa man po magpakitang gilas dito sa Senado si Secretary Ralph, ipinamalas niya na po ang talas ng kanyang isipan noong siya ay bagito pa lamang at pinakabatang Miyembro ng Kamara De Representante noong ika-siyam na Kongreso (9th Congress).

Despite having a prominent surname that commanded reverence, in his fledgling years, the young Ralph Recto was able to step out of the shadow of his renowned family name, and carved his own path in the political arena that is so distinctly his.

One could only imagine the immense pressures that come along with having descended from the same line as the “Great Academician”, Claro M. Recto.  Sa kabila nito, ipinakita niya na hindi ito hadlang upang makalikha ng sariling marka sa daigdig na liban sa anino ng kanyang mga ninuno.

In his first three (3) terms as a member of the House of Representatives from 1992 to 2001, he focused on economic reforms and poverty alleviation.  Napatunayan niya ang kanyang sarili sa mga kababayan nating nagluklok sa kanya sa pwesto kung kaya’t sinuklian nila ito ng hindi pa noon nasasaksihan na mainit na pagtanggap at suporta sa kanyang distrito.

He made history in the 4th District of Batangas by being able to win in all precincts, barangays and municipalities both in the 1995 and 1998 elections.

Siyamnapu’t-walong porsyento (98%) ng boto, ninety-eight percent (98%), Mr. President, ng kalakhang kanyang distrito ang inani niya bunga na rin ng kanyang kadalubhasaan.

He was eventually elected the youngest Senator of the 12th Congress at the age of thirty-seven (37), where he expertly maneuvered his maiden term as he Chaired the Committee on Ways and Means which is traditionally assigned to senior senators; as well as the Committee on Trade and Industry.

Eventually, our paths crossed in 2004 in these same halls in this representation's inaugural journey in legislation.  Although we have had many encounters outside the Senate, it was only when we became colleagues here that I have come to more profoundly know and understand Ralph Recto.

Matagal na po natin s’yang nakasama dito sa Senado, apat na Kongreso, kung kaya't ganoon po kalalim ang aming pinagsamahan at isa po ako sa buhay na saksi ng kanyang angking husay at galing.

Sa katunayan nga, kilala po siya dito sa Senado bilang "numbers-genius", at hindi ito maipagkakaila ng kanyang dekada at kahanga-hangang track record ng pagsisilbi sa bayan. Sa madaling salita, walang matigas na suliranin, sa math-tinik na Senador.

His tenure in the Legislative Branch has truly been marked by a relentless pursuit of policies aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth, fostering inclusive development, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

In the years he has spent in these hallowed halls, he was always the expert we would consult on matters of public finance - our resident economist who can crunch numbers and analytic data.

When he speaks we know he is backed by data, and that his arguments always have a solid foundation on which they stand.

There is no denying that our country continues to stand on the economic gains reached through his efforts.

And we are certain that these are exactly what he will bring to the table as Secretary of the Department of Finance.  Without a doubt, his capability can also greatly contribute to the Executive Branch.

His pragmatic insights, forward-thinking approach, and ability to collaborate with stakeholders will surely serve as necessary tools to effectively manage our country's fiscal landscape. Having had the opportunity to also serve briefly as Chief of the National Economic Development Authority or NEDA during the Arroyo Administration in 2008, he is formidably-armed to take on the role now as the Finance Secretary.

Indeed, Secretary Recto's extensive experience in governance, profound perception of economic policies, and innovative approach to financial management make him the ideal Finance Secretary equipped to steer our nation's financial affairs towards the right direction.

This has already been proven by his swift actions immediately after his appointment last January, and he was quick to bare his key plans and strategies which include sustaining the momentum in pushing for reforms in order to optimize potential and maximize gains, shielding consumers from the impact of inflation, promoting public-private partnerships, and advocating for the passage of the administration-endorsed tax reforms.

Therefore, Mr. Chair, Mr. President, it is an honor to endorse this to the Commission, to confirm the ad interim appointment of Mr. Ralph G. Recto as the Secretary of the Department of Finance.

I likewise wholeheartedly urge our esteemed colleagues to support the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of the Honorable Ralph Recto as Secretary of the Department of Finance.  Let us come together to embark on a journey towards a brighter future for every Filipino, entrusting our nation's economic future to capable, competent, and credible hands.

Maraming salamat po.

“I join the sponsor in recommending the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of sixteen Foreign Service Officials.

Ang ginagampanan niyong tungkulin bilang kinatawan ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas ng Pilipinas ay makahulugan para sa ating pagkakaroon ng matibay na pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t-ibang bansa upang matiyak ang ating pambansang seguridad, integridad ng ating teritoryo at soberanya. Sa inyo rin nakasandal ang mga Pilipinong nakikipagsapalaran sa mga dayuhang-bansa para sa kanilang proteksyon at kapakanan sa kabila ng pagkalayo nila sa Inang Bayan.

You are the frontliners on foreign relations as partners of our President who is the Chief Architect of Foreign Policy in ensuring that our ties with other nations remain strong and thriving. Ang mga lubid na inyong hinahabi ang nagpapatibay sa pakikipag-samahan at alyansa ng Pilipinas sa iba’t-ibang bansa bilang miyembro ng internasyonal na komunidad.

Mahalaga ang inyong husay at kasanayan bilang mga kalasag ng ating bayan sa pag-ukit ng ating puwang sa daigdig. It is your brilliance as well as your skills honed through decades of experience that we rely on in fostering greater amity with our fellow nations towards achieving our collective goals, advocacies, and aspirations that help shape fortified unions for the benefit of our nation and countrymen.

Kayo rin ang layag ng ating bansa sa pakikipagsapalaran sa mga alon na nagbabanta sa ating kasarinlan. Your role in the implementation of our foreign policy cannot be overemphasized. And the career milestone bestowed upon you today is a strong reminder of this sacred duty of yours.

As you climb the ladder, may it bring not only honor to you but a sense of calling to keep the fire burning so you may continue to fight for our country and our people. Remain steadfast in your quest of championing our country’s causes and protecting and promoting the welfare of our people who brave foreign shores in search of greener pastures.

Taas-noo at buong giting ninyong iwagayway ang bandila ng ating bayan nang may matatag na paninindigan. Hayaan ninyong magsilbing tanglaw sa pagsasakatuparan ng inyong misyon ang mga prinsipyo at katwiran na siya namang tinutuntungan ng ating mga itinatanging sagrado sa mga labang ating kinakaharap. 

Maraming salamat po.”

Thank you, Mr. Chair

I join our colleagues in supporting the consent and confirmation to the nominations and ad interim appointments of the fifteen (15) Foreign Service Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs, namely:

1. Jabbar Marasigan Adiong - Career Minister (ad interim)

2. Adrian Bernie Cabardo Candolada - Chief of Mission, Class II, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Columbia with  

    concurrent of jurisdiction over the Republic of Ecuador and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (nomination)

3. Antonio Albero Morales - Chief of Mission, Class I, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Commonwealth of Australia, with 

   concurrent  jurisdiction over the Republic of Nauru Tuvalu, and the Republic of Vanuatu (nomination)

4. Ella Karina Rivera Mitra - Foreign Service Officer, Class I (ad interim)

5. Domingo Pradiez Nolasco - Chief of Mission, Class I, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Finland (nomination)

6. Giovanni Endencia Palec - Chief of Mission, Class II, as Non-Resident Ambassador to North Macedonia, in addition to being Ambassador Extraordinary       and Plenipotentiary to the Hellenic Republic, with concurrent jurisdiction over The Republic of Cyprus (nomination)

7. Noel Eugene Eusebio Mejica Servigon - Chief of Mission, Class I, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Romania (nomination)

8. Jed Martin Asuncion Llona - Career Minister (ad interim)

9. Edwin Gil Quijano Mendoza - Career Minister (ad interim)

10. Juan Carlos Cayosa Borromeo - Foreign Service Officer, Class I ad interim)

11. Nina Padilla Cainglet  - Chief of Mission, Class II, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, 

      with concurrent jurisdiction over the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives (nomination)

12. Jeffrey Peñamante Salik - Career Minister (ad interim)

13. Dyan Kristine B. Miranda Pastrana - Foreign Service Officer, Class I (ad interim)

14. Zoilo Atencio Velasco - Career Minister (ad interim) 

15. Raymond Reyes Balatbat - Chief of Mission, Class II, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 

      with concurrent Jurisdiction over the Republic of Yemen (nomination)

Foreign Service Officers are our nation's frontliners in the international arena. Their importance in the maintenance of a strong relationship between the Philippines and other states is beyond bounds.

Especially now that the world-stage is becoming more arid more limitless, the promotion of a stronger and adept foreign service force becomes not only inevitable, but also particularly necessary. Equipping our human resources with the support they deserve, is just a small step in not only promoting their welfare, in particular, but advancing our national interests, in general.

Kaya naman, kaisa ako ng aking mga kasamahan na tumatayo sa hapong ito upang hindi lamang kilalanin ang kontribusyon ng mga bayaning nasa harapan natin ngayon, kundi upang isulong ang kunpirmasyon at pagsang-ayon sa kanilang mga nominasyon at ad interim appointments sa labinlimang (15) Foreign Service Officers na ikonokonsidera natin ngayon.

May I particularly mention my kababayan, my fellow Bacooreño, Zoilo Atencio Velasco. Continue to make us proud by serving our countrymen to the best of your abilities and the highest level of loyalty.

At sa inyong lahat, hiling ko lamang sa inyo, na sa ating masigasig na paglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan ay patuloy nating isapuso ang ating walang maliw na pagmamahal sa bayan. Patuloy nating isabuhay ang ating panata na "Pangangalagaan ang tiwala na ipinagkaloob ng mamamayan. Maglilingkod ng may malasakit, katapatan, at kahusayan na walang kinikilingan.

Thank you, Mr. President.

“Mr. Chair, I rise today to manifest my full support to the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Jose Vicencio Mejia to the Judicial and Bar Council as Member, Representing the Private Sector.

His illustrious career in the legal arena manifests, not only his expertise and brilliance, but also his rectitude and fairness which are the very standards that this position demands.

Atty. Mejia is no stranger to the JBC.  He once represented the academe in the Council, being appointed for two (2) consecutive terms, from 2011 to 2018, where he advocated for transparency and the right of the public to information.  Kasama din po siya sa nagbalangkas ng Manual of JBC Officials and Employees na siya namang gabay ng Konseho sa papel na ginagampanan nito bilang katuwang ng estado na tiyakin ang mga kwalipikasyon at integridad ng mga miyembro ng ating Hudikatura.

As he returns to the JBC, now as representative of the private sector, his passion to serve remains burning steadily.  Sa katunayan nga po, kasama sa mga plano niya ang paglilimbag ng makabagong sistema para mas mapabilis ang pag-usad ng mga kaso sa mga korte. 

This will significantly benefit our people whose right to speedy disposition of cases is often prejudiced by the endless layers of bureaucracy which are sometimes not only counterproductive, but injurious, even bordering violative of their constitutionally-guaranteed rights. Malaking bagay po yan lalo sa mga kababayan nating nagdurusa ng napakaraming taon sa piitan dahil sa maling mga paratang. 

Base sa kanyang track record, nakatitiyak po tayo na patuloy niyang isusulong ang mga pagbabagong gaya nito na pakikinabangan ng ating mga kababayan upang makamit ang katarungan na kanilang inaasam. 

Kung kaya’t kasabay ng ating pagpapaabot ng suporta, ay ang hamon na patuloy niyang pag-ningasin ang apoy sa kanyang puso para sa mga adhikaing ito tungo sa lalong pagpapalakas ng sistema ng hustisya sa ating bansa. 

As you embark on this journey once again and in the discharge of your duties, we trust that you are guided by the goal to ensure that members of our courts are chosen based on their honesty, dedication and competence. Ultimately, as a member of the JBC, you have a part to play in its crucial role as a Constitutional safeguard in the attainment and preservation of the independence of our Judiciary. Let the words of one of the legal luminaries that our country has produced, Justice JBL Reyes: “No master but law, no guide but conscience, no aim but justice.”

Thank you, Mr. Chair.”

Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission, I join our sponsor in recommending the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

They say that apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Our colleague here, former Senator, and now Secretary of the Department of Education, Sonny, did not only prove this to be true, but he also continues to create a legacy of his own.

Dito sa Senado, ipinamalas nya ang husay nya sa numero at ekonomiya. Under his stewardship, the Committee on Finance which he chaired, greatly contributed in ensuring efficient allocation of our national budget to promote sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility. Hindi rin bago sa kanya ang mga isyung kailangang komprontahin at lutasin. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Commission on Education or EdCom, and Commissioner of EdCom 2, we know that he has a grasp and good understanding of the education system.

And now as he shepherds the Department of Education towards our shared vision to protect and promote the rights of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education, we are convinced that he is more than ready to venture into this new chapter in his life and career. Panatag tayo na mananatili sa mabuting mga kamay ang DepEd. Sigurado tayong itutuloy niya ang magandang nasimulan na, af itutulak ang mga repormang kailangan ng sektor upang makipagsabayan sa pandaigdigang kalakaran. Nawa'y hasain nya ang ating

mga mag-aaral kagaya ng paglinang ng kanyang ama sa mga taglay niyang kakayahan at katalinuhan.

And with the same passion and diligence, he must fight for and protect the rights and welfare of our teachers whose daily heroic sacrifices help raise the Filipino children of tomorrow. Naalala ko nang isulong natin ang sampung-libong teaching allowance dito sa parehong bulwagang ito, ka-tandem po natin ni Sec. Sonny dito. May it not be the last, may it only be the beginning of many more, Sec. Sonny.

We trust that Sec. Sonny will continue to carry the torch for the benefit of our students, our teachers, and the whole education sector. Alam nating edukasyon ang pamanang iiwanan natin sa susunod na salinlahi kung kaya't napakahalagang pagtibayin ang sektor na ito para sa kapakinabangan ng buong bayan.

Sec. Sonny, sa pagtahak mo sa bagong landas na ito, baunin mo ang aming suporta upang makamit natin ang ating mga hangarin para sa ating bayan, at upang bigyan ng pakpak ang kabataang Pilipino upang maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon.

Thank you, Mr. President. 

Mr. Chair, it is my profound honor to strongly support the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Secretary Jonvic and I have been working together for our kababayans for three (3) decades already. But we have known each other far longer than that, with our families coming both from Imus, Cavite.

Sabay po kami pumasok sa larangan ng paglilingkod-bayan noong 1995, ako po bilang Bise-Gobernador ng Lalawigan ng Cavite, at siya, bilang Board Member ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan. I was only twenty-eight (28) years old noon, at siya naman po ay forty-eight (48) ba? Hindi, hindi twenty-seven (27). One (1) year younger than I am.

We belonged to the opposite sides of Cavite's political spectrum. At alam n'yo naman kung gaano katindi ang pulitika sa Cavite noong mga panahon na 'yon. Hindi maikakaila na dahil sa aming pinanggalingan at kinatatayuan noon ay marami kaming magkakaibang paninindigan, but this did not prevent us from collaborating and becoming friends. Hindi ito naging hadlang para mapaglingkuran namin ang aming mga kababayan. He became my Vice Governor in 1998 and continued to serve as Vice Governor until 2007.

Mula noon, naging idol na niya ako, pati palayaw na Gov. Pogi kinuha niya, Ako yung original pogi, pero biro lang. Sabi niya mas pogi daw siya kaysa sa akin. Pagbibigyan na kita diyan Secretary ka na eh, okay lang. Biro lang.

When I ventured into the national stage, Jonvic continued to serve Caviteños. Secretary Remulla was elected Governor in 2010 and again in 2013 when he and my son, Jolo, won by a massive landslide, at isa nga siya sa naging mentor ni Jolo. Another Secretary Remulla, Boying, was elected Governor in 2016, but Jonvic would returned in 2019, at nagpatuloy nga siyang ama ng aming lalawigan hanggang sa italaga siya ng ating mahal na Pangulo bilang kalihim ng DILG.

As he Governor of Cavite, demonstrated firm and visionary leadership aimed at improving the lives of Caviteños. In fact, under his administration, Cavite was cited as the First ISO 9001:2008 Certified Provincial Government in Asia, at patuloy sa ISO 9001 to 2015 hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Aside from this, he was also named as one of the People Asia Magazine's "People of the Year" in 2013.

Kaya naman, huwag naman ikalalaki ng ulo mo Secretary, pero sa pag-alis mo, malaking kawalan sa lalawigan ng Cavite. Pero ganun pa man, Cavite's loss is the nation's great gain.

Kilala si Jonvic sa pagiging "Tapat sa Bayan, Tapat sa Usapan." Ito marahil ang naka-pukaw ng atensyon ng Presidente para ay siya pagkatiwalaan sa napakahalagang katungkulan. 

With his rich experience in management and local governance, the President could not have made a better choice.

Secretary Jonvic, Isa kang karangalan ng Cavite. We have full trust and confidence that you will discharge the duties of this new office with passion and dedication guided by the years of experience and life lessons under your belt.

You have our full support as you embark on this critical mission to strengthen local governance and empower communities across our beloved country.

Kasama mo kami sa iyong misyon. Nawa'y higit ka pang biyayaan ng ating Diyos ng patuloy na lakas at sigasig patungo sa inaasam nating kaunlaran at pagkakaisa tungo sa pag-unlad ng sambayanang Pilipinas.

Secretary Jonvic, kung gaano natin pinatahimik ang Cavite noon, ganun din ang gawin mo sa buong Pilipinas. At alam kung kaya mo yan.

Mabuhay ka, mabuhay ang Cavite, mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!

Thank you, Mr. President.

“Mr. President, I join our sponsor in supporting the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Ms. Ma. Cristina Ramirez Aldeguer-Roque as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

As it seems, Ms. Aldeguer-Roque is perfect for the job, as she is a personification of the mandate of the Department in our daily lives. She is the epitome of the department itself for she has lived the successes, and perhaps even failures, of the trade and industry sector of our country.

She is a known entrepreneur and undoubtedly a successful businesswoman as evidenced by the various recognitions and awards her company received.  Mula sa payak na simula, umusbong ang legasiyang kanyang patuloy na inuukit sa ating kultura.  Perhaps her younger self, who started her business with only a Php6,000 startup capital, could not believe the heights she has reached thus far.

Mula nga po sa anim na libong piso (Php6,000.00), naipamalas niya ang husay ng talentong Pilipino at gilas sa negososyo.  With numerous famous brand endorsers, both local and international, she was able to prove that there is no stopping a steadfast and hardworking individual from soaring high.  

Pinatunayan niya po na kayang makipag-sabayan ng tatak-Pilipino at gawang-Pilipino sa mga naglalakihang kumpanya. Worn by Filipinas with pride, her brand of work showcased what the Philippine talent has to offer - a marriage between quality and art - that is nothing short of world-class.  And we are certain that this is exactly what she will bring to the table.

Despite her short stint in government service, her valuable contribution to the MSME Development Group, and even in the Regional Operations Group, has been the talk of the industry.  She is a visionary in her own right – pushing for the development of small and medium enterprises, taking into consideration how important this is in the development of the national economy as a whole.

Tunay nga po na swak sa role si Secretary Cristina.  As Go Negosyo founder, Joey Concepcion, has put it, dahil siya mismo ay parte ng Secretary Cristina, “can bring private sector representative to the DTI and give continuity to the programs that have already been set in place”. Indeed, with her at the helm, the Department will surely be in good hands.

In this light, Mr. President, may I reiterate my support for the confirmation of the appointment of Ms. Cristina Ramirez Aldeguer-Roque as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Thank you, Mr. President.”

Thank you, Mr. President.

My dear colleagues, I stand before this august Chamber to support the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the twenty-two (22) Generals/Flag Officers and a Senior Officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Ang araw na ito ay isa sa maraming simbolo ng pagkilala hindi lamang sa mga ranggo at posisyon ng ating magigiting na mga sundalo, kundi pati na rin sa kanilang walang kupas na kabayanihan, di matatawarang dedikasyon, at walang pag-iimbot na paglilingkod sa ating minamahal na bayan.

Sa inyong mga nakasalang ngayon: Kayo ang palaging nangunguna't handang salagin ang ano mang banta sa ating soberanya. Sa kabila ng panganib sa inyong sariling kaligtasan, titindig at titindig kayo upang makibahagi sa pagbibigay-katiwasayan sa pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan.  At laging buong giting ninyong isinasabuhay ang inyong sinumpaang tungkulin na pangangalagaan ang ating kapayapaan, sa kabila ng mga hamon na madalas ay nangangailangan ng personal ninyong mga sakripisyo. 

Batid naming sadyang dugo't pawis ang puhunan ninyo sa pagtupad ng inyong araw-araw na mga tungkulin. 

Mr. Chair, their ranks are not merely symbols of authority but genuine representations of extraordinary courage and integrity, such qualities that are truly essential in standing strong even in the face of adversity.  Sa bawat sulok ng ating bansa, mula sa kabundukan hanggang sa karagatan, makailang beses nang napatunayan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas ang kanilang husay sa pagpapanatili ng seguridad, pagtugon sa mga sakuna, at pagsusulong ng isang matatag at payapang bansa.

Mr. President, it is only fitting to express our heartfelt gratitude to these honorable Officers for their untiring dedication and their steadfast love for our country. Their heroism goes beyond the call of duty - inspiring not only the men and women under their command but every Filipino who values the principles of democracy and peace.

Sila'y salamin ng katapangan, karangalan at tunay na inspirasyon sa bawat mamamayan.

Today, as we confirm their appointments, we also reaffirm our trust in their leadership and faithfulness to their sworn duty.

May all of you be filled with enough strength everyday, and the will to continue to adhere to the ideals you selflessly defend.

Maraming salamat po.

“Mr. Chair, we rise today to express our full support for the consent and confirmation of  nineteen (19) Foreign Service Officers as they turn another page in their professional journey.

Kahusayan, paninindigan at pagmamahal sa bayan ang puhunan nila sa kanilang piniling propesyon. In a world made smaller by technology where one country that used to be an expedition away now entails a few hours in the air, the role they play in the crafting and shaping of foreign policy has been intensified.

In a global world where the ripples of international relations trickle down to domestic matters and concerns, their calling is even all more amplified.

Palagi nating sinasabi na ang kahalagahan ng papel na ginagampanan niyo sa buhay ng mga mamamayang Pilipino na nakikipagsapalaran sa dayuhang bayan, ay napakalaki lalo na at sa inyo sila humuhugot ng kapanatagan sa mga panahong sinusubok sila ng Tadhana.

Because of this, much is expected from you to not only protect our national interest and welfare of our people, but to advance our position in the global arena. The challenge is not only to let the experiences and learnings you have gained over the years to embellish your curriculum vitae (CV), but to ensure that lives are made better through them.

They say that diplomacy is our first line of defense. And in this sense, you are quintessentially frontliners in assuring our national security and promoting the rights of Filipinos here and abroad.

And so as we celebrate with you this new step in your career ladder, we likewise vest in you the nation’s trust and confidence that wherever you may be in this borderless world, no matter the peril, always - our country’s and that of our people’s interests above your own.

Thank you Mr. Chair.”