JURDIN JESUS M. ROMUALDO

Mr. Chairman, Your Honor, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

It is my honor to second the recommendation of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology to the Commission on Appointments for the approval of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Henry R. Aguda as Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

We need an executive leader at the helm of the department of information and communications technology with a profound vision and deep expertise on digital technology and innovations.

His professional competence and experience at the private-sector will be an asset to his position as he champions public-private synergy here and abroad, and strengthen our digital agenda.

We also look forward to the success of his program dubbed as "digital bayanihan" which emphasizes on digital transformation and people-centered approach.

We hope to see the completion of the free wi-fi initiative especially on strategic locations such as schools, public government offices and tourist locations.  We hope you will also address the issue of connection reliability and the sustainability which has been a perennial communications issue from our end users.

The Philippine government needs to implement seriously our cybersecurity policies to ensure that our national government, local government units, the private sector and the public are protected from these innovative digital intrusions and disruptions.

Let us invest on our digital future, let us be connected to the world around us, and let us all work for a more secure future.

Again, we congratulate Secretary Henry R. Aguda on the confirmation of his ad interim appointment and may he lead us to a genuine more transformative, all-inclusive, transparent and resilient policies and programs that will truly empower our country and the Filipino people.

Congratulations also to the Aguda family and to your DICT family.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Your Honor.

Mr. Chairman, my esteemed colleagues, I rise this afternoon to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of JUSTICE JOSE CATRAL MENDOZA as a Member of the Judicial and Bar Council representing the retired Justices of the Supreme Court.

Justice Mendoza devoted forty years of his career to the Judiciary, starting as an attorney at the Court of Appeals, and then the Supreme Court. Justice Mendoza was a Member of the Bench for twenty-eight years, with stints as an RTC Judge, and an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals. Justice Mendoza fittingly capped his career as a jurist when he served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court for more than seven years. His long experience as a jurist makes him more than fit to screen prospective judges and justices for appointment.

This is Justice Mendoza's third appointment as a Member of the JBC. During his two previous terms, Justice Mendoza served with integrity, and true loyalty to his constitutional duties.

Mr. Chairman, my dear colleagues, I whole-heartedly support the appointment of Justice Mendoza, and it is my privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as a Member of the Judicial and Bar Council representing the retired justices of the Supreme Court.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, your Honor and my dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

I rise today to formally second the approval of the ad interim appointments of the thirty-five (35)  Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as recommended by the Committee on National Defense earlier.

These officers have shown remarkable devotion to service, steadfast discipline, and a high level of professional excellence throughout their military careers. Their extensive exposure to command responsibilities, defense operations, and strategic planning has prepared them well for more demanding roles that come with their new designations as full time Colonels and eventually, rising up the ladder, in the near future.

In this period when our nation is confronted with continuing and emerging security concerns-including the protection of our borders, the preservation of internal stability, and the defense of our sovereign rights-it is crucial that the armed forces be entrusted to leaders who possess both competence and moral integrity. These Senior Officers have consistently proven their loyalty to the flag and their determination to serve the Filipino people.

Their appointments symbolize not only the reward for years of honorable service but also the continuing effort to reinforce the leadership structure of our military institution. With their guidance, we are confident that the AFP will further strengthen its capability to maintain peace, safeguard national interests, and extend assistance to our citizens in times of calamities and other necessary aid.

Considering their individual impressive qualifications, unblemished records, and dedication to duty, I hereby convey my strong support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of these thirty-five (35) Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

My personal congratulations to each of these officers and their respective families. May they continue to stay strong and loyal to our country and to the Filipino people.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, your Honor.

God bless and more power!”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, your Honor and my dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

I rise today to formally second the consideration of the nomination and ad interim appointments of the following foreign service officials of the department of foreign affairs, as included in the approved agenda by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

First, the nomination of Raphael Perpetuo Mercado Lotilla as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Sovereign Order of Malta, with the salary and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I. 

Also included for consideration are the following ad interim appointments in the Foreign Service: Christian Luna De Jesus, as Chief Of Mission, Class II; Anthony Achilles Larin Mandap, as Chief Of Mission, Class II; and Judy Barbara Guiang Robianes, as Career Minister. 

These distinguished officials have demonstrated professional excellence, dedication to public service, and a strong commitment to advancing the foreign policy objectives of our country. Through their years of service in the foreign service, they have contributed to strengthening the Philippines' diplomatic relations and promoting the interests and welfare of Filipinos abroad. 

At a time when diplomacy plays a crucial role in advancing national interests, expanding international cooperation, and protecting the rights of our overseas Filipinos, it is imperative that our foreign service be led by competent, experienced, and principled officials. The nominee and appointees before us today have shown that they possess these qualities.

Their appointments represent not only a recognition of their years of honorable service but also a continuing effort to strengthen the Philippines' diplomatic corps and ensure that our country is well represented in the international community.

In view of their qualifications, experience, and dedication to the service of our nation, we hereby express our full support for the confirmation of the nomination and ad interim appointments of these foreign service officials of the department of foreign affairs.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. God bless and more power.”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, your honorable colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

I rise today to formally second the consideration of the ad interim appointments and nominations of the fifty-seven (57) Generals/Flag Officer and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as endorsed by the Committee on National Defense.

These officers have consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to duty in the performance of their responsibilities. Throughout their years of service in the military, they have accumulated extensive experience in command, operational planning, and strategic leadership, preparing them to effectively assume greater responsibilities within the organization. 

As our country continues to face both traditional and evolving security challenges, it is crucial that the armed forces be guided by leaders who possess not only professional competence and discipline, but also a deep sense of patriotism and an unyielding commitment to serve the nation.

The officers being recognized today have consistently demonstrated their devotion to duty, their love for country, and their readiness to respond at any moment in defense of our sovereignty and the safety of our people. Their character and experience clearly show that they are prepared to carry the responsibilities of higher leadership while preserving the honor, integrity, and noble traditions of the military profession.

Their confirmation is not only a well-deserved acknowledgment of their years of faithful and distinguished service, but also an important step in further strengthening the leadership foundation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

With their collective wisdom, experience, and dedication to national service, we are confident that the AFP will continue to enhance its capability to defend our national interests, promote peace and stability, and remain ever ready to support and protect the Filipino people in times of challenge and national need.

In light of their qualifications, exemplary service records, and commitment to our country, I hereby express my strong support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments and consent to the nominations of these fifty-seven (57) Generals/Flag Officer and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

I also extend my sincere congratulations to these officers and to their families who continue to support them in their service to the nation. May they remain steadfast in their duty and continue to serve our country and the Filipino people with honor, dedication, and patriotism.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, your Honor.

God bless and mabuhay.”