RAFFY T. TULFO

Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, I would like to manifest my full support to give its consent to the nominations and confirm the ad interim appointments of the Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs presented before us today.

I have faith and confidence in your exemplary service record, your extensive diplomatic experience, proven integrity and compassion. I have no doubt that you will continue to serve our country and the Filipino people with the same dedication and competence. In the course of representing our country before the international community, I earnestly hope that you will put the best interests of the Filipino people above all else.

A few weeks ago, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, we were confronted by the problems of our seafarers who were unjustly detained and deported by the United States of America. Due to the ongoing crackdown being implemented by the CBP and the ICE, maraming mga Filipino seafarers ang nadamay at napauwi, na ngayo'y wala na pong trabaho. I myself, personally, appealed to US Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson and she promised to look into the matter closely. This incident may also happen in other territories and it is important that we give extra attention to these pressing concerns and issues of our kababayans. I urge you to provide prompt and adequate assistance to them not only in instances of arrests, detention and deportation but in all forms of abuse and discrimination, please assist them immediately and without reservation.  As a preventive measure, it is equally important to advise and update our Filipinos overseas, hindi lang po ang ating mga seafarers, of ever-changing immigration policies and crucial regulations that may affect their status, livelihood and basic rights.

I would also like to implore our new officials to give priority to the pending problems on human trafficking and illegal recruitment.  Nagpapasalamat po ako lagi sa DFA for assisting our OFWs na nabibiktima ng human trafficking at online scams, of course in coordination with the DMW.  Marami na po tayong napauwi at sana, sa tulong ninyong lahat, matuldukan na ang problemang ito.

In territories where there is no Migrant Workers Office yet, I urge you to step in and provide assistance to our OFWs, especially in times of war, civil unrest, natural calamities and in cases where there is violence and physical abuse.

With that Mr. Chair, allow me to again extend my warm congratulations to our newly confirmed Diplomats and other Foreign Service Officials. I wish you the best of luck, and together, let us all work towards protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of all Filipinos around the world.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues.

I rise today to express my support for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Sharon Garin as Secretary of the Department of Energy.

I had the privilege of working with Secretary Garin during my time as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy.  Even in that short span, I witnessed firsthand her professionalism, her grasp of complex energy issues, and her earnest commitment to ensuring that our country's energy policies serve the best interests of the Filipino people.

Secretary Garin brings to the Department not only her extensive legislative experience but also a strong track record of policy work in the energy sector.  She has consistently demonstrated a pragmatic yet forward-looking approach, balancing the need for reliable energy supply with sustainability, innovation, and consumer welfare.

The challenges facing our energy sector are immense, from securing stable and affordable power, diversifying our energy mix, to advancing our renewable energy goals in the face of climate realities.  I urge that under Secretary Garin's watch, the Department of Energy will be able to confront these challenges with urgency, while maintaining competence, integrity and vision.

With that, Mr. Chair, I register my strong support for the confirmation of Secretary Sharon Garin as Secretary of Energy, and I respectfully urge this Commission to do the same.  Thank you po.

Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues,

I rise today to manifest my strong support for the confirmation of the 39 appointed Generals, Flag Officers, and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Their appointments come at a critical time for our nation. We continue to face evolving challenges, from safeguarding our territorial integrity, to ensuring internal peace and order, to providing vital support during natural calamities and humanitarian missions. Time and again, the AFP has proven itself equal to these tasks, and it is through the leadership of these officers that our armed forces will remain steadfast and strong.

Today’s confirmation is not just about recognizing rank. It is about affirming their competence, their honor, and their commitment to the Constitution and to the Filipino people. It is about strengthening the chain of command, and ensuring that our men and women in uniform are guided by leaders worthy of their respect and confidence.

With this, Mr. Chair, I join my colleagues in expressing full support for the confirmation of these 39 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

May they continue to serve with courage, integrity, and an unwavering sense of duty.

Thank you.

Mr. President, distinguished members of the Commission, I rise to express my support for the appointment of Justice Jose C. Mendoza as Member of the Judicial and Bar Council, representing the Retired Justices of the Supreme Court.

Justice Mendoza has devoted an impressive forty-five (45) years of service in the Judiciary, a career marked by integrity, competence, and a deep respect for the rule of the law.  From his early years in judicial service to his tenure as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, he has consistently upheld the highest standards of fairness and judicial excellence.

This appointment marks his third term representing the Retired Justices of the Supreme Court in the Judicial and Bar Council, a testament to the continued trust and confidence placed in him by his peers.  His long experience and institutional knowledge are invaluable to the JBC, whose constitutional mandate ensures that only individuals of proven integrity, competence, and independence are recommended to the bench.

Thank you, Mr. President.

“Mr. Chair, I wish to express my full and unequivocal support for the confirmation of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines appointees presented before this Committee today. 

Their confirmation is not merely a formal acknowledgment of rank or position. It is a renewed affirmation of their fidelity to the Constitution, respect for the chain of command, and unwavering commitment to serve the Filipino people. As Senior Officers, they bear the heavy responsibility of leadership at a time when professionalism, integrity, and selfless service are most urgently required.

I would like to particularly recognize Col. Allan M. Mangaser, PA, a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy Sanghaya Class of 2000.  The careers of our appointees reflect sustained dedication, discipline, and service beyond self. The values instilled through their training, shared class identity, and years of military service are evident in the manner by which they lead and perform their duties. It is my hope that they continue to embody the strength of their class solidarity and serve as inspiration to the next generation of men and women in uniform.

Congratulations to all the confirmed officers. Saludo po kami sa inyong lahat.”

Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of this body.

Our task today extends beyond a mere administrative procedure; it is a formal validation of the trust we vest in those charged with defending our nation.  By confirming 70 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines today, we are recognizing a caliber of leadership defined by grit, tactical brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to our Constitution.

These individuals have been molded by decades of rigorous service and high-stakes decision-making.  I would like to specifically highlight two standout representatives of the PMA Sanghaya Class of 2000:  Col. Andrew M. Cagape, PA and Col. Omar B. Hagada, PA.

As they ascend in rank, let it be understood that with higher authority comes a deeper obligation of stewardship.  The public demands a military that remains a bastion of transparency, professional neutrality, and democratic values.  We trust that their leadership will not only fortify the integrity of the AFP but also serve as a blueprint for the next generation of soldiers.

I am proud to offer my full endorsement of their confirmation.  Long live the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  We honor your sacrifice. 

 Thank you, Mr. President.