Thank you, my distinguished Majority Floor Leader.

May I just also add a couple of lines. 

 The good gentleman has served the House of Representatives with great passion for four (4) terms and he had -- we should take note that he won his fifth term, would have been his fifth term, one of the senior members of the House and yet, he graciously accepted the President’s wish for him to become the Justice Secretary of this country.  

His mission to fight corruption is laudable.  We had a talk earlier during the break, as well as prosecuting criminality or criminals rather, and sharing our advocacy, my advocacy of building the Supermax facility which we will be undertaking together very soon.  And I think that's something to look forward to.

Yes, and if I may also give just a few short remarks.  

I’ve known Mylene for a very long time because, first of all, I have the honor and privilege to serve with her father in the 11th Congress, together with Alan Cayetano, Cong. JJ Romualdo, and Sen. Imee Marcos.  We were all members of the 11th Congress and then with your brother, Vince Garcia, who will never to this day, he would always -- he would never forget to send me jokes on text messages.  And you are considered, your family, gentlemen and ladies, are considered as royalty in Davao, as one of the Hijos de Davao.  And because of that, she followed in an illustrious career as a three-term Congresswoman of a district in Davao.  And what is the gain of the Foreign Affairs as a member, as an Ambassador is actually a loss, if you ask me, for the Executive Department, because I really think that she would have been a great Secretary of a Cabinet rank. Sayang, if we’re sending her to Japan which is an equally important mission as already mentioned by my colleagues, Senator Cayetano and the other members.

Your appointment to that post, Madam, is very historic.  You’re the first woman Ambassador to Japan, that would be in the history books of this nation.  And at the same time, you bring to the table a brilliant mind, top of her class, and also a bar topnotcher and she also has a heart for the people.  It’s a combination of EQ and IQ, very difficult to find in people.  Some people have a lot of IQ, no EQ.  Some people have a lot of EQ, very little IQ.  This is a perfect combination kaya sabi ko sayang magaling sana itong Cabinet Secretary.  But I’m sure as Ambassador to Japan, you will be a great mother to our OFWs there.  I’m sure they are looking forward to having a mother, this time, to take care of the tens of thousands of OFWs in Japan.

But,  my word of advice,  Ambassador, when you give your credentials to the Emperor, because that is what happens when an Ambassador is appointed to Japan. 

 Make sure you watch your husband very intently.  Keep him away from the cherry blossoms, and the koi garden, the koi ponds.  And that is a joke that only us, legislators, know.  But also, I’d like to congratulate your husband because he is a dear friend, member of the Northern Block, as well as a classmate in the 11th Congress.  So, I’m sure you’re in good hands whenever you visit -- when we visit Japan and all our OFWs there, when we need your assistance, Ambassador Mylene will be an Extraordinary Ambassador.

And if I may, Majority Leader, before I make the confirmation.

Many of you don’t know this, but, as a first termer, when we came together with Alan Cayetano and the other members that were here in 1998, 11th Congress, he was head of NEA – National Electrification Administration.  He went to the province of Bukidnon, we went to a kasuluk-sulukan, talagang malayong barangay na walang ilaw dahil swinitch-on po naming dalawa. Pauwi na po kami noon, may nakita po kaming babaeng buntis at manganganak na.  And, me and Conrad Estrella were just in a pickup, we took this lady and put her behind the pickup and lo and behold, she gave birth in front of us. Naging ninong pa kaming dalawa and right there and there he gave a good donation to that lady.  She is, of course, a marginalized person na nangangailangan ng tulong.  D’yan ko nakita ‘yung puso ni Sec. Conrado Estrella III, kaya I know, in his heart, he will continue the social justice programs for our farmers. 

And with that, no other members are going to object to his confirmation, and we would like to congratulate the Mister Pogi of Pangasinan, now Mister Pogi of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Congratulations, Sir. 

Thank you, and if I may, just less than thirty (30) seconds.  

The good Secretary is beauty and brains personified with public service in her heart.  And, I’d like to say that she is bringing into the department her stock knowledge of ah -- as a Mayor of the town -- beautiful town of Liloan and the beautiful Province of Cebu who’s lifeblood is tourism.

Tama po ang sinabi ni Cong. Abet Garcia, she comes with that stock knowledge with taglines of Cebu, “Suroy Suroy Cebu”, which actually means - come visit allover Cebu, and that’s a local tagline to promote local tourism, and of course, the world-renowned “Sinulog Festival”. If you ask me, the Department is in great hands. 

I   would   just   like   to   say   that  the Secretary is fit for the job.  He is well-loved and well-liked by his peers.  He comes in as a Secretary or a public servant who does not need the learning curve because he grew up from the ranks of the DPWH.  

The hands of the DPWH are safe with this gentleman and I’m proud to act on the motion.

And before I act on the motion, I would just like to say that the appointee’s integrity is beyond reproach and untarnished, we have to take note of his unblemished  and untarnished years of government service for the people of this Republic, and most especially and final point is that he headed a co-equal branch of government.  So, therefore, as many of you have said, he is overly qualified for the position and we thank him for his continuous service. That is why I am proud and honored to act on the motion of the Majority Floor Leader, there being no objection to the ad interim appointment of Mr. Lucas Purugganan Bersamin as Executive Secretary, Office of the President.

Before I act on the motion, I just want to expound on what Cong. Abet Garcia had said.  

When I said that if there is anyone in this world that we can say was born to the job and to the task, it is this Honorable lady, Ma’am Toots, Secretary Toots Ople.  And why?  You may ask.  I’ve had the opportunity as a young man to see another Ople working, dedicated his life working for the welfare of our Republic.  And his core concern for all is about labor, about the poor and particularly our OFWs.  This was no other than her father, former Secretary of Labor Ka Blas Ople, who became a Senator, and eventually Senate President of this great institution.  And that’s why after so many decades, so many years after, his esteemed daughter, Secretary Toots Ople has been able to rise above the occasion and will be, by the way, the first ever Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers.  This is a historic day because last two (2) weeks ago, we passed the first budget of the Department of Migrant Workers.  

Today, we are confirming, without objection, with full support of twenty-four (24) of our Members plus the Chairperson, this lady’s commitment to continue serving this Republic and our OFWs.  

So without further ado, I have the honor to act on the motion, without objection, to confirm the ad interim appointment of Ms. Maria Susana Vasquez Ople, more commonly known to all of us as Toots Ople.

Congratulations! 

Before I act on the motion, I would just like to put on record, as well, that this distinguished gentleman Secretary Balisacan, galing po s’ya -- he rose from the ranks, like the story of Secretary Acuzar, from rags to riches.  This gentleman was a graduate of  the Mariano Marcos State University, Magna Cum Laude.  He also graduated from my alma mater, UP Los Baños, and he also further studied Doctorate in Economics from the University of Hawaii.  And, he started from the ranks in 1980 as a researcher in the Cotton Research and Development Institute and worked his way up to become the Secretary of the NEDA.  

We salute your perseverance and we thank you for your service to our people.  

Congratulations, Secretary.

Before I act on the motion, I’d just like to add a few more words of support to my dear Secretary.  Again, as I mentioned earlier in the Committee level, ah, never have I seen a Press Secretary or Secretary of the government who’s very humble and low profile.  Marami sa mga Secretaries natin mga high profile.  Ito low profile lamang.  Napaka-bait, napaka-sipag, napakadaling lapitan.  And, as I mentioned, it’s the first time that media personalities in the Senate – when I say media personalities, ‘yung nagsusulat dito ng, ah, iba’t ibang outfits.  For example, Sherrie Ann Torres of ABS CBN, Ate Cely Bueno of DZWIZ, pati si Paolo Romero of Star and Marlon Ramos of Inquirer, all -- and all the other members of the Senate bit were fully supportive of your appointment and confirmation.  Ang sabi nga nila sa akin, katuwaan lang, sila daw ay magra-rally para sa’yo.  Kung ganoon ka kamahal ng media, I think they know you more than all of us and that you will be performing your duties very well.   We know that for a fact.  So, mabuhay po kayo! 

Congratulations.

Before acting on the motion of the Acting Majority Floor Leader, I’d like to also share the sentiments of Sen. Bong Go. 

My dear Ambassadors, you are the face of the Filipino people abroad.  When you meet with the dignitaries, potential investors, and even taking care of our OFWs, kayo po ang mukha ng gobyerno at ng Inang Bayan.  So, I pray that you will do a great job.  I know you’ll do a great job.  Many of you have been Ambassadors in the past or worked in the DFA or working very well with the DFA. 

And a special mention, I’d like to say this to Ambassador Bensurto, Jr., I got a special call from Sen. Franklin Drilon who loves you.  He said that you took care of him when he was in California and he truly appreciates it. 

And to all the others who worked before in many capacities in the different administrations in the past, I wish you all the best, Godspeed, and may God bless you more in life and protect you from any harm that may come upon you in doing your job as Ambassadors in these faraway lands. 

So, mabuhay po kayo!

Yes, it is nice to have Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier with us again.  I know we missed out on Andorra and now I’m glad we’re including Andorra, as his scope of work as Ambassador to Spain.  It’s always good to see him.  His son is like a brother to me. So, we’re happy to be able to culminate with Ambassador Lhuillier, as well as Ambassador Mellejor whose family comes from Bohol.  His mother is a Jala.  One of my colleagues in Congress was Congressman Jala. I think he is also a relative of the good Ambassador.  And, of course, to the other appointee, a lady appointee who is now based in San Francisco, si Ma’am Raquel Solano.

Congratulations to each and everyone of you. 

Before I act on that motion, whenever I address, whenever we address the men and women of the Armed Forces, I’ve never failed to mention them --  the collective attitude of the Commission on Appointments when it comes to appointing our men and women of the Armed Forces, which is to thank you.  Nagpapasalamat po kami sa sakripisyo at pagmamahal n’yo sa Inang Bayan, sa serbisyo n’yo sa Inang Bayan.

We want to thank you all for your loyalty to our flag, for your patriotism and valor in guarding our sovereignty, and your willingness to make the ultimate sacrifices for our beloved country.  Once again, you are the vanguards of democracy in our country.   We cannot have these hearings today.  We cannot have these institutions in place, if not that we have the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.  Kaya ika nga ‘yung ginagawa po naming ito, it is our willingness to make sure that your confirmation is done so that you can go back to your duty in guarding our beloved country.

Maraming, maraming salamat muli sa inyong serbisyo.  May God bless all the men and women of our beloved Armed Forces.  

Congratulations. Mabuhay po kayo. 

Before I act on that motion, there will be no seconding sponsorship from the model of Frabelle, Senator Escudero?  I’m sure he gives full support. Iyun nga lang Secretary, sabi sa akin ni Senator JV na lousy model daw si Sen. Chiz Escudero sa iyong brand of hotdogs kasi payat daw siya.  Kailangan mas mataba yung kunin mong model.  

But kidding aside, I’ve known this gentleman, Your Honors, for a long, long time.  Maybe thirty-five (35) years.  I’ve known him for thirty-five (35) years.  We were teenagers when we first hung out, we were together in martial arts.  Sabi ko nga kanina matapang ‘yan. Huwag mong kalimutan iyung tapang mo, Secretary, when you deal with the smugglers and even inefficient and ineffective members of the Department of Agriculture.  Huwag kang matakot.  The President put you there for a reason. He was the former Secretary but if he put his trust in you, malaking bagay po iyan.  That means a lot to the President.  So, as I’ve mentioned earlier nasubukan na natin yung academe of the different academes of this great country of ours hindi pa masyadong gumanda ang agrikultura natin.  Nasubukan natin iyun mga galing multinational corporations, hindi rin gumanda ang ating agrikultura.  Nasubukan din natin  balikbayan because the former Secretary who used to work in India for the grains of India, wala din pong masyadong nangyari at puro importation na lang ang nangyari sa atin.  Siguro nahirapan po siya gawin iyong katungkulan niya. Pero ngayon, bigyan natin ng oportunidad ang DA that would be run by an entrepreneur.  I mentioned this earlier, being an entrepreneur dealing with agri business you know all the bottlenecks, you know all the red tapes, you know all the difficulties one agribusiness entrepreneur has to hurdle each time when you want to sell the produce in someone’s table and in someone’s market. So, I know the Department of Agriculture is in good hands and we wish you the best of luck, Your Honor. 

Before acting on the motion, just a short manifestation.  

I mentioned earlier when I approached the gentlemen and ladies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, maraming, maraming salamat po sa serbisyo n’yo sa Inang Bayan.  We owe you our freedoms, and the democracy and freedoms that we are enjoying today.  And, our hearts go out, me, personally, I deeply sympathize and would like to condole with the four (4) army troopers that perished in Maguindanao two (2) days ago.  Being the author of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, it pains me to still see these insurgents in the name of religion trying to terrorize our forces.  And, I salute each and everyone of you for keeping the peace, not only in Maguindanao but all throughout Mindanao where I’m from, together with your sponsor, Senator -- Congressman Romualdo.  

So, once again, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.   

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, it is my great honor to stand before you today to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of our dear friend, seatmate, kumpadre, and brother - former Senator, and now the Department of Education Chief, Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.

I've had the privilege of working alongside Secretary Sonny at the Senate since my re-election as Senator in 2016, as well as in the House of Representatives during my last term as Representative of the Third District of Bukidnon from 2004 to 2007.

In this period of more than 10 years of working together as legislators, I witnessed firsthand his brilliance, dedication, and mental stamina, particularly his extraordinary ability to withstand hours upon hours of interpellation, defending various important measures, including the country's annual national budget which he defended as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance - I think, for historic five (5) years.

He is one of the most prolific legislators and we have seen him authoring and sponsoring over 330 laws with focus on education, youth empowerment, healthcare, labor, finance, local government and good governance. He has attended — and I think I'd like to take note that he's probably one of our Education Secretaries with a very distinguished background in education. He attended some of the best schools in the world — Xavier University for his elementary and high school education. Later, he went to the UK in Douai School, as well as the London School of Economics and Political Science for his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and International Relations. He completed with honors; University of the Philippines College of Law for his Bachelor of Laws degree; and Harvard Law School in Cambridge — not the one in Laguna, this one is in Boston Cambridge, Massachusetts, for his Masters of Laws degree.

This is not just an impressive educational background, Mr. Chair. This is also the record of a man who is clearly passionate about learning; a man who has been shaped by the finest educators; and a man who knows the value of receiving good education. There is no better person other than him at the helm of the Department of Education.

He was recognized as one of the “Top Ten Outstanding Young Men” for government service and legislation in 2010, and as one of the “Outstanding Manilans” for public service in 2017. He was a three-term Representative of the lone district of the Province of Aurora, and a two-term Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. He is a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a passionate and skillful basketball player, an excellent legislator, and a true public servant. As he is also fondly called by his Masons here as a brother, he's also a member of our group “UHAW" - Union of Husbands Afraid of Wives. [Laughter) He is Secretary now of the DepEd.

He is sorely missed -- he will be sorely missed here in the Senate and the Commission on Appointments but we know that he will be able to do more for the sector closest to his heart and to his father's heart, my former mentor, Sen. Edgardo Angara has served, which is the sector of education, serving as Secretary of the Department of Education.

I've said this before, and I will say it again — his parents, Tito Ed Angara and Tita Gloria, are nothing less than proud of our new secretary, Secretary Sonny for continuing their legacy as educators and as advocates of accessible quality education for every Filipino.

Mabuhay ka, Secretary Sonny! Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much, Chair.

Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues, to hasten the proceedings because we don't want for another hour delayed for this good gentleman. I just would like to submit for the record my seconding speech. However, allow me to just say a few words.

There is no one more ably capable and experienced than Secretary Cacdac to hold this position, especially at this time that he's needed the most, my dear colleagues, where there is an extreme tension in the Middle East and where the highest concentration of OFWs in the world would need all our help and support at this point in time.

Therefore, without further ado, Mr. Chair, I would like to second the confirmation of his ad interim appointment as Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers. And, I do not only congratulate him but I also congratulate all OFWs, for they are in capable hands with this good gentleman.

Congratulations, maraming salamat.

"It is my great honor to stand before you today and co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Javier Cacdac.

Secretary Cacdac has dedicated twenty-three (23) years of his career in public service, starting out as Director IV at the Bureau of Labor Relations of the Department of Labor and Employment. He then took on other key positions in government, serving briefly as Executive Director/Administrator at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board of DOLE: and as Deputy Administrator of the Phillippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) from 2006 to 2010. Following this, Secretary Cacdec served as Undersecretary for Labor Relations of DOLE; before being called to lead the POEA as its Administrator from 2012 to 2016. Secretary Cacdac also served as Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration the youngest to head the office in its 40-year history - from 2016 to 2022. He then served as Undersecretary for Foreign Employment and Welfare Services of the Department of Migrant Workers, before finally becoming Secretary of the DMW a post which he has occupied since the passing of former DMW Secretary, our beloved friend Secretary Toots Ople, in 2023.

A lawyer by profession, Secretary Cacdac completed his AB in Philosophy degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1989, and finished his Juris Doctor degree at the same university in 1993. After passing the Philippine Bar Examinations in the same year, Secretary Cacdac proceeded to complete his Master of Comparative Law with focus on International Trade and Workers Rights from the Cumberland School of Law in Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, USA in 1998.

Throughout his life, Secretary Cacdac has remained committed to promoting the well-being and protecting the interest of our overseas Filipino workers. He has championed the sector by pushing for more efficient service delivery to our OFWs, anti-illegal recruitment laws and licensed recruitment regulations, financial education and literacy, and the overall protection from unfair labor practices of more than 2.5 million OFWs we have abroad.

We call our OFWs our modem-day heroes, making great sacrifices of working abroad, away from their families. But heroes need heroes too.

They need someone in their comer who is prepared to fight for them, to protect them, and to hold a hand out for them, letting them know that they are never on their own, no matter how far away they are.

And we can say with confidence that Secretary Cacdac has the knowledge, the experience, and especially the heart to lead the Department. We wish him all the best as he takes on the role of DMW Secretary!

Mabuhay ka, Secretary Cacdac!

Thank you, Mr. Chair."

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, my dear colleagues.

I stand before you today to second the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of the subject appointee, Chairperson Marilyn Bugarin Barua-Yap of the Civil Service Commission.

With forty (40) years of government service under her belt, twenty-nine (29) of which were spent holding various key positions in the House of Representatives - once upon a time, Mr. Chair, she was our Director for the Committee on Rules during our time, when she was still in Congress, Your Honor, and notably, the first lady-Secretary General ever elected in over the 100 years history of the House of Representatives -- I believe our subject appointee is highly qualified for the position of Civil Service Chairperson.

She is well-educated, holding numerous degrees including, Bachelor of Arts in English and Comparative Literature from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Bachelor of Laws from the same university,  Master in Business Administration (Fiscal Administration) from the Philippine School of Business and Arts, Master in Education also from UP Diliman, Master in Public Management from the Ateneo School of Government, and finally, Doctor in Public Administration from UP Diliman, a Doctorate Degree for that matter.

I know the Chairperson to be very competent, Mr. Chair, a highly respected individual who possesses a strong work ethic, and with her at the helm of the CSC, we hope to have an even more efficient, responsive, and progressive civil service, as the Filipino people deserve no less.

Maraming salamat po, Mr. Chair.

“Mr. Chair, my distinguished colleagues, I have the honor and privilege to stand before you today  to  co-sponsor the nominations and ad interim  appointments  of the twenty-one (21) subject Officials  from the Department  of Foreign Affairs.

We value their efforts as they champion the rights of every Filipino working and residing abroad, and continue their work for the promotion of amicable relationships with members of the international community.

We also would like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to those who have extended assistance during  our parliamentary visits abroad as we performed our duties as Senator of the Republic, and I thank you, all, for your continued  sacrifices and  hard works for our beloved country and our people.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.”

My distinguished colleagues, I have the honor and privilege to stand before you today to co-sponsor the nominations and ad interim appointments of nineteen (19) subject Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

We value their efforts as they continue to work for the promotion of peace and cooperation among members of the international community, and we extend our gratitude for their tireless dedication in helping and improving the lives of every Filipino working and residing abroad.

Mr. President, Mr. Chair, I’d like to take special note or make special note of the efforts of three (3) Officials, whom I've had the pleasure of working with during my time as Senate President:

1) Patrick Ang Chuasoto, who provided us with valuable insights in preparation for the filing of resolutions relating to the West Philippine Sea.  

Thank you very much, Sir.  Thank you.

2) Christopher Baltazar Montero, who supported us during our trip to Cambodia in 2019 in order to get the support of the Cambodian Olympic Committee to enjoin them to participate in Arnis, the sport of Arnis in the Southeast Asian Games competition which was held in the Philippines that same year.  

We thank you, Ambassador, for that.  

3)  Aileen Sibal  Mendiola- Rau, who helped us during the successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum. I think it was hard to beat because  last -- This was in 2023, no one has hosted it again.  No one has wanted to host it after we hosted it in the Philippines in 2023.  She provided  substantive support in the negotiations of various resolutions during that meeting, during that event, all our resolutions were approved by the general assembly. Thank you very much, Ma’am.  

Also to Usec. De Vega for his tireless work helping all the OFWs, and to all of them. I thank you for your continued sacrifice and hard work for our beloved country and our people.  

Mabuhay po kayong lahat. Mabuhay!

 “Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, it brings me great honor to speak before you today to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Secretary Vivencio Bringas Dizon II of the Department of Transportation.

Sec. Vince is not new to government service. He actually started his career in these very halls, as an economic staffer to former Senate President Edgardo Angara in 1996. As a fresh graduate of the De La Salle University, who had just completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree, Sec. Vince had the privilege of being trained by one of the Senate greats, who was known for his strict style of leadership and high standards of work.

After this, he then pursued further studies at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom as a British Chevening Scholar, graduating with distinction in 1998 as a Master of Science in Applied Development Studies. He returned to the Senate just a few years after, serving as Chief of Staff of Senator Angara from 2001 to 2004. From then on, he served the government in various capacities, most notably as President and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority from 2016 to 2021; as Deputy Chief Implementer and IATF-EID Testing Czar of the National Task Force Against Covid-19 from 2020 to 2022; and as Presidential Adviser for Covid-19 Response from 2021 to 2022.

Looking at his resumé, Mr. President, we can say that not only is he a seasoned government worker; he also does not shy away from taking on challenging roles.

As the  forty-first (41st) Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Sec. Vince has vowed to expedite major transport projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the country's transport systems and easing the burdens faced by everyday commuters. I am sure that I am not the only one here who asks, "Bakit sa ibang bansa, kaya naman na magkaroon ng mabilis at efficient na mass transport system?" I think it is high time that we have our own, and I am looking forward to what is in store for us, like the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway Project.

The good Secretary definitely has a lot on his plate, but I am confident that there is no better candidate who can take on this challenge. He is an action man with fresh and innovative solutions to the same problems facing our transport sector, and with his confirmation, we can say that better roads lie ahead.

Congratulations, Sec. Vince Dizon II, and we wish you all the best as you take on this new role! Maraming salamat, Mr. Chairman.”