MANUEL T. SAGARBARRIA
19th Congress
(Member, August 2022 - February 2024)
Embedded Files
SEP
20
2022
Seconding speech for BIENVENIDO ESTUDILLO LAGUESMA for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment
Plenary Session No. 5, First Regular Session
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Mr. Chair.
Mr. President, Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full support on the confirmation of the ad interim appointment Atty. Bienvenido Laguesma as Secretary of DOLE - Department of Labor and Employment.
Much has been said about him. With his esteemed background and dedication to public service, he is indeed competent and qualified for the post.
It is my honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Bienvenido Laguesma as Secretary of DOLE - Department of Labor and Employment.
I so move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you.
SEP
27
2022
Seconding speech for MA. ANTONIA “TONI” YULO-LOYZAGA for the confirmation of her ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Plenary Session No. 7, First Regular Session
Ah, thank you very much, Mr. President, due to the lack of material time. Just give me less than a minute. This will gon’na take less than a minute.
Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
Today, I have the honor to express my full support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Ms. Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga as the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Much has been said about Secretary Toni. Her background and experience are commendable. Indeed, there is no other better in the post than a passionate and dedicated Green Warrior.
Having said that, Mr. Chair and fellow Members of this Commission, I hereby second the motion for the confirmation of my dear friend, Ms. Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Thank you very much.
SEP
27
2022
Seconding speech for MA. ESPERANZA CHRISTINA CODILLA FRASCO for the confirmation of her ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Tourism
Plenary Session No. 7, First Regular Session
Again, Mr. President, due to lack of material time, this is going to take no less than a minute, no more than a minute, I mean to say.
Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
Today, I have the honor to express my full and unwavering support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Codilla Frasco as Secretary of the Department of Tourism.
Much has already been said about Secretary Frasco. Her experience in government coupled with her heart to serve the Filipino people would prove her fit for the position. On a personal note, she is the relative of my wife.
Having said that, Mr. Chair and fellow Members of this Commission, I hereby second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Christina Frasco as Secretary of the Department of Tourism.
Thank you very much.
SEP
28
2022
Seconding speech for PHILIPPE JONES LHUILLIER for the consent of his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain, including the Canary Islands, with the salary and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 8, First Regular Session
“Mr. Chair, colleagues, good afternoon.
It is with great pride and honor to express my full and unwavering support on the confirmation of Mr. Philippe Jones Lhuiller as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain, including the Canary Islands, with the salary and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I.
His qualifications speak for itself. With his long and distinguished diplomatic career and experience in foreign service, Ambassador Lhuiller is, without a doubt, a seasoned and well-respected diplomat. This goes to show his dedication in serving and protecting the welfare of our overseas Filipinos.
It is a privilege to have personally known Ambassador Philippe Lhuiller. He is a close friend of mine, and his wife, Edna, is my cousin who hails from Bais City, Negros Oriental, this representation’s birthplace. Despite the Ambassador’s achievements and exemplary background, he has remained humble and down-to-earth throughout the years.
With that, Mr. Chair and my fellow members of this Commission, I hereby second the motion for the confirmation of the appointment of my dear friend, Mr. Philippe Jones Lhuiller as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain, including the Canary Islands.
I so move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.”
NOV
23
2022
Sponsorship speech for LUCAS PURUGGANAN BERSAMIN for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Executive Secretary, Office of the President
Plenary Session No. 10, First Regular Session
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments, good afternoon.
It is my honor and privilege to sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Lucas P. Bersamin, as Executive Secretary of the Office of the President.
Our appointee today is none other than the 25th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines.
I could not stress enough how competent and qualified Mr. Bersamin is for the position of Executive Secretary.
He is a well-seasoned lawyer and well-versed public servant.
He dedicated three (3) decades working in the Judiciary where he excelled and rose from the ranks.
He served as Presiding Judge at RTC - Quezon City, Associate Justice of the the Court of Appeals, Chair of the Judicial and Bar Council, Chair of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Chair and Board of Trustee, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), among others.
During his stint as Chief Justice, he initiated important reforms in the judiciary, emphasizing on his four-point agenda of:
1. Improving procedural rules
2. Legal assistance to underserved Filipinos
3. Discipline in the judiciary
4. Introduction of reforms to the bar examinations
He is one that recognizes the value of adapting to modern times and one that gives high regards to efficiency, transparency and competence in our courts and in public service in general.
Suffice to say, Mr. Bersamin is among the brilliant legal minds in our country today.
We all know why President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has chosen former Chief Justice Bersamin as the Executive Secretary. His extensive legal background and dedication to public service have proven him to be the perfect choice for the post. Coming from the judiciary and now, to the executive, he certainly knows the intricacies of government. There is no better person who can directly assist the President in the management of affairs of government than an accomplished lawyer and an experienced public servant with a heart to serve the Filipino people.
Mr. Chair, my fellow Members of this Commission, I do not want to delay any further, I move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Lucas P. Bersamin as Executive Secretary of the Office of the President.
I so move, Mr. Chair.
DEC
07
2022
Sponsorship speech for IVAN JOHN ENRILE UY for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology
Plenary Session No. 12, First Regular Session
(Requested to be inserted into the record as part of the sponsorship speech)
“Mr. Chair and esteemed colleagues, good afternoon.
Mr. Chair, on behalf of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology of the Commission on Appointments, it is my honor and privilege to submit to this august Body for confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Ivan John Enrile Uy as Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
Few months ago, when I met Secretary Uy at the House of Representatives, I asked him about his plans for the DICT and his plans in advancing the Philippine digital agenda. When he started talking, I couldn't help but be in awe.
He discussed point by point on how he intends to integrate information and communications technology in the public service to better serve the Filipino people. He explained that our country should be technology-driven, one that gives high regard to e-governance. This is to make government services simpler and more accessible to ensure that no Filipino is denied service at any rate or at any given time. He also emphasized the need to establish better and efficient telecommunications and internet connectivity in all parts of the country to push for development and transition towards a world-class digital economy.
From then on, I know why President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. has chosen him for the post. I saw a passionate, dedicated, and a well-experienced man ready to take on the challenge of becoming the DICT Secretary.
Secretary Uy’s background in the field of ICT speaks for itself. During the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III, he served as a Cabinet Member and Chair of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) where he oversaw the formulation of the Philippine Digital Strategy for 2011 – 2016. He covered national concerns on broadcasting, e-governance, cyber security, data privacy, cyber services.
He also led e-transformation efforts in the Judiciary to promote efficiency in the delivery of services and introduced, among others, technology as an enabling tool for Judicial Reform. He also served as consultant in various government agencies and as a resource person in the Senate for ICT-related legislations. His efforts in the advancement of ICT in the country is indeed beyond reproach.
A results-oriented, and service-driven public servant, he is the best person to deliver on the President’s national ICT development agenda. He will certainly uphold the mission of the department: “a DICT of the people and for the people.”
Therefore, Mr. Chair, my fellow Members of this Commission, it is my honor and privilege to move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Ivan John E. Uy as Secretary of DICT – Department of Information and Communications Technology.
I so move, Mr. Chair.”
DEC
07
2022
Seconding speech for RAPHAEL PERPETUO MERCADO LOTILLA for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Energy
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 12, First Regular Session
“Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, I would like to express my full and unwavering support to the full confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Raphael Popo Lotilla.
Secretary Lotilla is no stranger in the energy sector. He has worked with various energy-related agencies and has dedicated his career in government service and the academe.
A well-versed man in the field of law and a public servant who is keen to the complexities of the field of energy, Secretary Lotilla deserves to be installed in the post.
Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, Secretary Lotilla has proven to us his competence and knowledge in the three (3) days of deliberation before us. It is indeed time that we confirm his appointment.
With that, I move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Raphael Popo Lotilla as Secretary of the Department of Energy.”
DEC
07
2022
Seconding speech for RENATO UMALI SOLIDUM JR. for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 12, First Regular Session
“Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, I would like to express my full and unwavering support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.
In this age of modernization and continuous research and development, Mr. Solidum is the perfect choice for the DOST Secretary post.
Mr. Solidum’s work experience in the field of Science and Technology is unparalleled and unmatched. He has worked in the academe and the government – where in both fields, he excelled.
He served as Lecturer and Senior Fellow of the Philippine Public Safety College, Professional Chair in Science and Technology of PUP – Manila, and Faculty Adviser of the Development Academy of the Philippines.
He also served as the Director of PHIVOLCS, Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change of DOST, OIC- Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services of DOST.
With that, I move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Renato Solidum Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.
Thank you very much.”
DEC
07
2022
Seconding speech for KIRA CHRISTIANNE DANGANAN-AZUCENA for the confirmation of her ad interim appointment as Chief of Mission, Class I, Department of Foreign Affairs
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 12, First Regular Session
“Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, I would like to express my full and unwavering support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Ms. Kira Christianne Danganan Azucena as Chief of Mission, Class I, DFA.
Ms. Azucena is my kababayan and a constituent of mine. She also hails from Dumaguete City. I am honored to say that Ms. Azucena is among the pride of our City and our province. Her background and service to the DFA is one that deserves high recognition.
She has served as Third Secretary and Vice Consul, Alternate Permanent Representative to the Food and Agricultural Organization, Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy, Deputy Consul General, Philippine Consulate General, Hong Kong SAR, Executive Director, Office of the United Nations and other International Organizations, Charge d’ Affaires, and Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations, and Assistant Secretary, Office of the American Affairs, DFA. Currently, she serves as the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
She is indeed a well-seasoned diplomat. With that, Mr. Chair and my dear colleagues, I move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Ms. Kira Christianne Danganan Azucena as Chief of Mission, Class I.
Thank you very much.”
DEC
14
2022
Seconding speech for JAIME JIMENEZ BAUTISTA for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Transportation (DOTr)
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 13, First Regular Session
“Mr. President, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Jaime Bautista as Secretary of DOTr - Department of Transportation.
Secretary Bautista’s experience in the private sector will be very helpful in the development of our country’s transportation agenda. Having worked as Chief of one of the top airlines in the country, he has the first-hand knowledge to lead the transformation of the Philippine transport to a global and world-class standard.
Therefore, Mr. President, my dear colleagues, it is my honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Jaime Bautista as Secretary of DOTr - Department of Transportation.
So move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.”
DEC
14
2022
Seconding speech for JOSE RIZALINO LARION ACUZAR for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 13, First Regular Session
“Mr. President, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Jose Rizalino Acuzar as Secretary of DHSUD - Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
From humble beginnings to becoming a Department Secretary, Mr. Acuzar proves to us that hard work and perseverance will indeed lead one to greater heights. His background and experience in the private sector specifically in real estate and construction will certainly be a huge and vital asset to creating a national plan that would provide our Filipino people with affordable and adequate housing.
Therefore, Mr. President, my dear colleagues, it is my honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Jose Rizalino Acuzar as Secretary of DHSUD - Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
So move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.”
DEC
14
2022
Seconding speech for ARSENIO MOLINA BALISACAN for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 13, First Regular Session
“Mr. President, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Arsenio Balisacan as Secretary of the NEDA – National Economic and Development Authority.
Mr. Balisacan is no stranger in the field of economics and research development. His background both in the government and academe proves that he is one of the country’s top economic minds. With his expertise, the administration’s economic agenda will be put into place and will certainly be achieved in the next few years to come. He is indeed the perfect choice for the post.
Therefore, Mr. President, my dear colleagues, it is my honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Arsenio Balisacan as Secretary of the NEDA – National Economic and Development Authority.
I so move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.”
DEC
14
2022
Seconding speech for NELSON JAVA CELIS for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Commissioner, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), for a term expiring on 02 February 2029 vice Ms. Aimee S. Torrefranca-Neri
Plenary Session No. 13, First Regular Session
“Mr. President, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Nelson Celis as Commissioner of Commission on Elections.
Commissioner Celis’ expertise in the field of information and communications technology is vital in the development of a better and more efficient automation of electoral processes in the country. In these modern times where we are one way or another becoming more and more dependent on technology, we need a well-versed public servant in COMELEC that will push for e-governance, data privacy, information, security management in the Commission to safeguard our democracy.
Therefore, Mr. President, my dear colleagues, it is my honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Nelson Celis as Commissioner of Commission on Elections.
I so move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.”
DEC
14
2022
Seconding speech for ERNESTO FERDINAND P. MACEDA JR. for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Commissioner, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), for a term expiring on 02 February 2029 Vice George Erwin M. Garcia
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 13, First Regular Session
“Mr. President, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full support to the confirmation of Atty. Ernesto Maceda Jr. as Commissioner of the Commission on Elections.
Commissioner Maceda’s background speaks for itself. His legal acumen, along with his educational background and work experience, is an asset to the Commission. With his addition to the COMELEC, Commissioner Maceda will certainly perform with competence and integrity – the very traits that he has been observing since the start of his government service.
Therefore, Mr. President, my dear colleagues, it is my honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Ernesto Maceda Jr. as Commissioner of Commission on Elections.
So move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.”
FEB
22
2023
Seconding speech for the consent of an appointment (1) and for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of fourteen (14) Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs
Plenary Session No. 15, First Regular Session
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full and unwavering support on the confirmation of my kababayan, Ms. Kira Christianne D. Azucena as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to New Zealand with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Independent State of Samoa, and the Cook Islands.
Ms. Azucena was born and raised in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. In fact, she and I graduated from the same university - Silliman University. Guided by our dear Silliman's motto: “Via, Veritas, Vita” - the way, the truth, and the life, Ms. Azucena has lived up to the ideals of being a true-blooded Sillimanian and an exemplary public servant in the field of foreign service. With her extensive background and efforts for the Filipino community both here and abroad, it is no wonder why she is highly respected and admired as a persevering and hardworking career diplomat.
Ambassador Kira, we are so proud of you. You surely inspired many of our kababayans. You have brought so much pride to our beloved city, Dumaguete, and to the province of Negros Oriental.
Mr. Chair, without further ado, I move for the confirmation of Ms. Kira Christianne D. Azucena as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to New Zealand with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Independent State of Samoa, and the Cook Islands.
Salamat kaayo.
MAR
15
2023
Sponsorship speech for CHELOY E. VELICARIA-GARAFIL for the confirmation of her ad interim appointment as Secretary, Presidential Communications Office
Plenary Session No. 16, First Regular Session
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon again, Mr. Chair, and dear colleagues.
On behalf of the Committee on The Executive Secretary and Presidential Communications Offices of the Office of the President, and the Philippine Space Agency, it is my honor and privilege to sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Offices of the Office of the President.
Atty. Cheloy Garafil is a lawyer, a journalist, and a public servant. Prior to her appointment as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office, Atty. Garafil had a well-rounded background that proves her fit to be part of the President’s Cabinet.
As a lawyer, she served as an Associate Prosecutor, State Solicitor, and engaged herself in the private practice of law from 2010 to 2018.
As a journalist, she worked with the Philippine Daily Globe, the Central News Agency of Taiwan, the Associated Press, and the People’s Independent Media, Inc. – Malaya Newspaper. During her stint as a journalist, she contributed health stories and updates about reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and other health issues, and monitored sensational cases in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Department of Justice, and the Office of the Solicitor General.
She also served as a Public Relations Practitioner where she became a consultant of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and of the Center for Strategy, Enterprise and Intelligence, Inc. – CENSEI Inc.
As a public servant, she served as Legal Staff Chief or Media Director at the Office of Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and as Service Director at the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives.
In July 2022, Atty. Garafil was appointed as Chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-LTFRB of the Department of Transportation. As the Head of the agency, she supervised and managed its overall operations, acted on franchise and public land transportation cases, and provided policy recommendations to the Secretary of the DOTr.
In October of the same year, she was assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Press Secretary. As OIC, she provided strategic direction to the Department, provided recommendations to the policy actions of the President with regard to messaging of the administration, and advised the President on media-related matters.
In January 2023, she was nominated and appointed by the President as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office. The Presidential Communications Office is the lead communications arm of the government. Its primary duty is to be the vanguard in bringing the government closer to the people through mass media, and in cultivating a well-informed, educated, enlightened citizenry on matters relating to the policies, programs, and projects of the President.
With an impressive background both in the legal field and journalism, and her charismatic and humble demeanor, Atty. Cheloy Garafil is the best person for the position of PCO Secretary. She is very adept at dealing with the media as she was once a journalist. She is an eloquent and well-seasoned lawyer. And most importantly, she is a committed public servant through and through.
Mr. Chair, my fellow Members of this Commission, I do not want to delay this again any further, I move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Atty. Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Offices of the Office of the President.
Thank you very much.
MAY
16
2023
Seconding speech for REXLON TING GATCHALIAN for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 17, First Regular Session
“Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full and unwavering support to the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Rexlon “Rex” Ting Gatchalian as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Much has already been said about him, and all are testaments of his competency and professionalism. On a personal note, Secretary Rex and I come from one family - the Nationalist People’s Coalition. I have known him to be a hardworking, intelligent, and dedicated public servant. His firsthand experience in catering to the needs of his constituents back when he was a local Chief Executive and his background in working in the legislative branch are the very qualities that make him perfectly fit for the post. Indeed, President Bongbong Marcos has entrusted the DSWD in good hands.
Thus, Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, it is my honor and privilege to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Rexlon “Rex” Ting Gatchalian as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
So move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.”
AUG
09
2023
Seconding speech for the consent of the appointments and for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of three (3) Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Plenary Session No. 01, Second Regular Session
Thank you very much, Majo.
Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full and unwavering support to the nomination of Mr. Philippe Jones Lhuillier as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Principality of Andorra, with the salary and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I.
I have expressed my support for the good Ambassador when he was appointed and confirmed as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain last year. Mr. Ambassador, you have my 100% support always.
On a personal note, I would like to
thank Ambassador Philippe for the warm welcome extended to me and my family when we visited the Embassy in Spain last June. We felt like we were in the Philippines because of your hospitality. My only wish to DFA Secretary Manalo and of course to Ambassador Philippe, kindly change the aircons in the Embassy, they’re not working, it was very hot.
Mr. Chair and my fellow Members of this Commission, I hereby second the motion for the consent of the nomination of my dear friend, Mr. Philippe Jones Lhuillier as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Principality of Andorra, with the salary and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I.
Mr. Ambassador, muchas gracias.
To Ms. Raquel Rayel Solano, Chief of Mission, Class II, and to Amb. Mersole J. Mellejor, a fellow Sillimanian, you have my support as well.
I so move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.
AUG
30
2023
Seconding speech for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments and for the consent of the appointments of twenty-nine (29) Generals/Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
Plenary Session No. 02, Second Regular Session
For: ELMER BELEN SUDERIO
To the rank of Brigadier General
“Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I would like to express my full and unwavering support to the ad interim appointment of Mr. Elmer Belen Suderio to the rank of Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Mr. Suderio is a native Dumagueteño. His mother, Zoila, is from Dumaguete City, and Mr. Suderio was raised in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, as well. In fact, he and I went to the same High School, the St. Louis School.
Known to his loved ones and colleagues as Tex/Mer, Mr. Suderio is described as a hardworking and determined man who prides himself in being a “survivor” – one who grew up from a poor family and started from humble beginnings to a well-educated and committed military man. Among other things, he is a renowned class Starman for being a stalwart cadet during his PMA days. He is also a recipient of the Vice-Presidential Saber Award for graduating as 2nd in the Graduation Merit Roll of PMA 1993. He is named as one of Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos for his exemplary career in military service in 2017 and honored with a distinguished Service Star Award in 2018.
Mr. Suderio’s qualifications speak for itself. His years in the military prove that throughout his service, he exuded utmost professionalism, competence, and discipline – qualities imperative of a General of the AFP, the palladium of our country’s national security.
General Suderio, you have made our hometown, Dumaguete City, proud.
Mr. Chair and my fellow Members of this Commission, I hereby manifest my support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of my kababayan, Mr. Elmer Belen Suderio as Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
So move, Mr. Chair.”
Salamat kaayo.”
For: JOEY ALMENDRALEJO ESCANILLAS
To he rank of Brigadier General
“Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I would like to express my full and unwavering support to the ad interim appointment of Mr. Joey Almendralejo Escanillas to the rank of Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Mr. Escanillas is an adopted son of the Province of Negros Oriental. He is currently the Brigade Commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, stationed at Brgy. Sta Cruz Viejo, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
Mr. Escanillas is a man of competence and integrity. When he joined the Philippine Army, he was the Platoon Leader of the Alpha Company of the 40th Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division. From there, he rose from the ranks and has shown and portrayed excellence in every post he has been assigned to. He was recognized with a Bronze Cross Medal in 2009 for his acts of heroism, earned a Distinguished Service Star in 2017 for his best practices in the administrative and managerial operations of his battalion, and conferred with a Meritorious Achievement Medal in 2018.
His achievements and years in military service are testaments to his commitment and dedication for the country and the Filipino people. This representation lauds and gives a snappy salute to General Escanillas for his efforts in maintaining peace and order, and in strengthening security not only in my district but in the whole of the Province as well.
I look forward to working with you and your team to better serve our constituents, General Escanillas.
Mr. Chair and my fellow Members of this Commission, I hereby manifest my support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Joey Almendralejo Escanillas to the rank of Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
So move, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much.”
SEP
13
2023
Seconding speech for GILBERTO COJUANGCO TEODORO JR. for the confirmation of his ad interim appointment of as Secretary, Department of National Defense (DND)
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 03, Second Regular Session
“Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I stand before this august Body to express my full and unequivocal support on the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of my friend, Atty. Gilberto “Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro Jr. as Secretary of the Department of National Defense.
Secretary Gibo’s diverse background
would speak for itself. I do not need to expound any further on his highly respectable career in the public service, private sector, and the legal field. These are all that he equally excelled.
Sometime in 2010, during wee hours at a local restaurant in Dumaguete City, the Secretary and I talked about our experiences in public service and the learnings we gained along the way. It was right there and then that I realized that the Secretary is a statesman with staunch commitment and resolute dedication to serve the country.
We all know why His Excellency President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has chosen former DND Secretary and former legislator, Atty. Gibo Teodoro. His highly accomplished background and his amiable, calm, and conscientious demeanor have proven him to be the perfect choice for the post. He will certainly perform his duties and functions as Secretary of the Department with the same vigor and professional competence as before, or perhaps, even greater.
With that, Mr. Chair and my dear colleagues, I hereby express my full and unequivocal support to my friend, Atty. Gilberto “Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro Jr. as Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND).
Thank you very much.”
SEP
13
2023
Seconding speech for KIRA CHRISTIANNE D. AZUCENA for the consent of her appointment as Chief of Mission, Class I in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
*(submitted in writing)
Plenary Session No. 03, Second Regular Session
“Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.
I would like to express my full and unwavering support on the nomination of my kababayan, Ms. Kira Christianne D. Azucena, Chief of Mission, Class I, as Non-Resident Ambassador to Nieu, in addition to being Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to New Zealand.
I have expressed my support to the good Ambassador when she was appointed and confirmed as Ambassador of New Zealand last February.
Madam Ambassador, you have my 100% support always.
Recently, in the light of the Founding Anniversary of our Alma Mater, Silliman University, Ms. Azucena was awarded the “Outstanding Sillimanian Award” in recognition of her outstanding service in the field of Government Service and International Relations and Diplomacy. As I said before and I reiterate in the four (4) walls of this Chamber, Ambassador Kira has indeed embodied the ideals of true-blooded Sillimanian by being a dedicated and conscientious public servant and career diplomat.
Ambassador Kira, we couldn’t be any more proud of you. You are the pride of Silliman University, Dumaguete City, and the Province of Negros Oriental.
With that, Mr. Chair and my dear colleagues, I hereby express my support to Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena, Chief of Mission Class I, as Non-Resident Ambassador to Nieu.”
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