Zubiri Points Out What Should Be Addressed in Upcoming SONA

The SONA or State of the Nation Address will be happening on July 22nd. This is the third time the President is doing it. Before that, Senator Zubiri laid a few concerns of Filipinos that should be discussed, which he hopes the President would do in his term.

He says "The country could have been an upper middle income economy by year 2028, but this has been dampened by high inflation. The high price of rice, usual commodities affects the ordinary working class. It is essential that the growth seen with the GDP translates into good things in the daily lives of Pinoys. He should also address the minimum wage, increase it. Maybe a new wage law, acted upon, and not just sit in the house of representatives. Aside from the wage hike, food security should be prioritized at this time."

These are just some of the things he deem important to be addressed at the upcoming SONA. The former Senate President has been working hard in making sure his peers at the Senate do the same for the development of the country. The SONA is the best platform to not just show what he has done, but what plans he have to make sure that all the gains he has done in the past year would continue in the future.

Senator Loren Legarda Issues Statement on Philippine-Japan RAA

About a week ago, the Philippines and Japan signed an agreement which they call RAA (Reciprocal Access Agreement) which would make it possible for Filipino soldiers to train in Japan as part of their defense cooperation. Honorable Senator Loren Legarda is serving her 4th term, and this landmark agreement will surely be affecting a lot of our decisions and foreign policies. Here's a statement from the environmental superhero:

Seeing the positive impact of this particular agreement and advantages especially for the Pacific region and national security, our allies certainly will be instrumental in making sure we won't get bullied in our own turf. The Senator's support for the ratification of this agreement in the Senate will become instrumental in the formalization of its terms, and hopefully would become advantageous to both parties in this very volatile time.

Here's to championing not just environmental causes, but issues of national interest! Cheers!

Zubiri Welcomes PH - Japan RAA

It's been a week and a few days since the PH-Japan Reciprocal Access Pact was signed. This RAA came at a very opportune time especially since tensions in the West PH Sea has been at an all time high. Former Senate President Zubiri made mention about the initial talks about this with former Japan Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko and presented it to the President, and the signing is certainly beneficial for inter country training and familiarity of equipment between the two countries. 

He also reminded how much of an ally Japan is especially with the help they have provided for the Navy and Coast Guard. The joint exercise between PH and Japan is going to be historic, and will bolster even more effort, cooperation in different activities as visiting forces agreement gets details soon. 

The goal is to have defined peace in the region, and stronger ties between forces, and have inter operability as we further promote security measures in our exclusive economic zone, and the Indo-Pacific region.

Generals, Officers Issue Manifesto of Support for Colonel ARIEL QUERUBIN PN (Marines)

I was among heroes this morning from the Marines, Philippine Navy, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, all servant warriors as they pledge their support for Coloner Ariel Querubin, the most bemedalled Filipino soldier in history (including the coveted Medal of Valor).

Aside from the call for solidarity and heroism, he, along with 2000 Generals and Officers from different branches of the military are now signifying their support for his bid in running for the Senate.

When Ariel Querubin went up on stage, he discussed how even the venue of the event was instrumental in the history of the country. That no matter how divided people may have been in the past few years, they were there all together to support him. Querubin knows how this time, they are there for their children, their families, and stand united for God and country. He also emphasized how important it is to address external and internal threats, as our sovereignty is on the line.

He is able and willing to serve, a man who's capabilities are now backed by thousands of officers in the military, of it's different branches... And if you want a warrior in the Senate who can spark change, perhaps you know who could do it after the remarkable recommendation of these men and women. The entire nation deserves a good one.

Netizens Clamor Monsour Del Rosario Inclusion in Leni-Kiko Lineup

After the recent brouhaha regarding the flip flopping of a candidate from the Leni Robredo - Kiko Pangilinan Senate slate, Migz Zubiri was removed officially a few days ago. With this development, that particular spot has been the talk of the town and netizens are beginning to clamor for Senators be on that spot.

One of them is Monsour Del Rosario, former Olympian and Congressman of the first district of Makati who's done remarkable work in the House of Representatives. With over 292 bills and resolutions under his belt plus the very useful Telecommuting Act of 2018 or the so called Work From Home Law (which a lot of Filipinos benefited from during this pandemic), it'll be a good thing to see him formulate even more laws in the Senate. Twitter, Facebook and other social channels have been source of talk to have him as part of the official slate since he already is adopted by 1Sambayanan.

Del Rosario is currently pushing for his cause of healthcare by putting up Healthcare Heroes Card for frontliners, and pension for Athletes as sports is pretty close to his heart. He also is advocating education for children, those who are also differently abled, the need to help farmers and fisher folk, and ease of transaction with government agencies.

Monsour says "I am thankful for the support of netizens who wish for me to be part of VP Robredo and Senator Kiko's senate slate, but only they can decide on that. I know though that in the end, it will be the voters who would be able to put me in the Senate, with the help of 1Sambayanan I fervently hope we would achieve that on May 9th. I will dedicate my term for genuine service just as I have done in Congress. I am glad that I've been able to appear in the biggest Leni-Kiko sorties and talk to everyone there and Makatindig volunteer driven activities. I know we're all looking forward to a trustworthy government and commit ourselves to public service, for the Filipino and the Philippines."

JV Ejercito Pushes for Universal Health Care Implementation, Housing and More as he runs for Senate

JV Ejercito has done a remarkable job in the Senate. For those who don't know, he's done several landmark bills including the Universal Health Care Law which aims to alleviate the burden of paying for hospital and ailment care for Filipinos nationwide. It would give apt health services, provide assistance in medical emergencies, but it needs time for full implementation hence, his hunger to go back to the Senate.

It really is a no brainer because aside from the actual groundwork in medical institutions and government agencies, it needs funding and he plans to have it sourced from projects that have not been able to utilize funds by putting them all together. He also have pointed out things that can be addressed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the lack of medical facilities, rightful benefits for frontliners, healthcare workers and mismanagement of the PhilHealth program and this could be addressed by the Universal Healthcare Law which he authored. He also have put importance in Housing, Education and the Youth, Job Opportunities, Agriculture and Transportation which would benefit a lot of Filipinos especially now where we're all trying to revive the economy. 

 

He also addressed rumors about laws and statements that have been misunderstood by the transport sector in the past, so it was actually good to ask him about that in person. Being an independent candidate, he's very glad that he got the support of Senators from different parties. Aside from that, it was extra difficult to campaign this year and told us about the hardships he's had and yes, it was a little difficult for him and his family why he wasn't supported by the parties he was expecting to carry him this year. All that is in this video plus THE GOOD ONE telling us about his projects:

You've got 12 Senators to choose this coming May, the stakes are high and if you choose the Senator who made this all happen... that would be a good one.

Monsour Del Rosario Joins Leni-Kiko Camp

With the elections coming, political developments are being seen recently. Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan have definitely advanced in the surveys due to effective campaigning, which they are even taking house to house, great track record, and a promise of uplifting lives by working together. Part of their 1Sambayanan Senate slate, they included Olympian and Congressman Monsour Del Rosario last April 8th. He's running for Senate and bringing in his public service experience spanning years representing Makati's 1st District and doing the legwork of authoring/co-authored/sponsored 292 bills in the lower house. 

He still has his passion set in helping frontliners, his fellow athletes, children, farmers and marginalized individuals who need all the help they could get through legislation and projects. He says "We have the capacity to choose 12 Senators. We need to choose wisely on whom we can give 6 years to help VP Leni improve the lives of Filipinos. This is for the future of our countrymen, and I fully support our future President Leni Robredo together with the Angat Buhay Lahat cause she brings. We have to choose the right leader."

I couldn't agree more with the fine gentleman from Makati. I hope a lot of people follow suit.

DS Loren Legarda's Message on International Women's Day

Former Senator and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda recently released her message for International Women's Day. In it, she gave importance to empowering women and giving opportunities for those who are talented and skilled.

DS Loren Legarda says "Cheers! Happy Women's Month and Happy International Women's Day to women here and around the country!"

She adds "Women are naturally gifted, full of dedication and effort, of which rightfully deserve our support to further enhance their skills and talent, as part of nation building."

"We have been steadfastly supporting efforts to give more opportunities of livelihood, provide jobs and put importance in improving their lives with their own skills and talent. Long live the Filipina wherever they are in the world!"

Legarda Aspires Senate Re-election, 1st National Candidate to File COC

Legarda files COC in Pasay City. Credits: Melissa Lopez

Looks like Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda is seeking re-election as she filed her COC yesterday morning at the Sofitel Tent in Pasay City. She's been a Senator for three terms and currently representing the lone district of the Province of Antique.  

In the Senate, she's noted to have chaired committees on Finance, Foreign Relations, Economic Affairs and Environment and Climate Change. She's authored several laws aimed to help Filipinos improve their lives and make servies accessible to the masses. She has previously garnered some of the highest votes in the 1998 and 2007 elections and vows to pursue more of her advocacies in health, economic recovery and the actions she could do about the climate crisis.

She also wants to enact laws that would help generate jobs, quality education and an efficient healthcare system. She also wants to push for stronger laws for environmental protection and cultural preservation which she has continuosly done in the congress, and do it for those who are marginalized, vulnerable and promote sustainable growth and recovery especially during these times. You may see her advocacies on her site lorenlegarda.com.ph today!

Take a Look at Samira Gutoc

Honestly, I feel iffy when talking about politicians, I kinda do shy away from that topic because it is severely polarized, people get in trouble just by mentioning names and stuff, no joke. You’ll be called terms you wouldn’t like hearing, but this particular article isn’t placed here to convince you, merely tell you why I’m voting for her in the next elections. I am saying that with a straight face.

In the past few years, I have been hooked in current events, debate shows and programs where the youth ought to be represented. I used to see her laden with the hijab on her head, confidently speaking on political and social issues, using her voice for the greater good. I was surprised to see a glimpse of her in the restaurant where we had lunch, apparently she’s running for a senate seat in the upcoming elections. Yes, she’s running under the opposition slate even if she’s served a couple of years under this regime. Here’s part of our interview with her on video:

To put it simply, she’s a Mom, a fighter, a volunteer and a legislator from one of the most marginalized sectors in the country. She has witnessed how it is first hand to beholden to crisis and felt how it is on ground to help not just her people in Marawi but the different regions in Mindanao. She has a stellar educational background, best of all, she wants to help. I have also seen people in her staff who has gone above and beyond their regular corporate positions and threw it all away because they believe in her, maybe that accounts for something so we could give not just Mindanao but mothers, people like her to start formulating laws that would directly affect them in a national level.

Maybe it’s time you take a look at Samira Gutoc, I know I will.

KUMAGCOW

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An Evening with Honorable Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan

I'm no expert in Philippine politics nor military knowledgeable or inclined; but I realized I had so many things to thank for when I got the chance to talk to one heck of a great leader... the Honorable Senator Gregorio Ballesteros "Gringo" Honasan.

First time to see him. I was really nervous because I sat right next to him! :)

I never get to talk to people I voted for in the last elections and this was officially a treat for me. I kept asking myself the same question, whilst heading over to the venue. What should I ask him? Would he find my questions intrusive or complicated? How would I ask him about certain issues without holding back? I was put to ease by everyone who made this possible, his whole staff made it easy for us and didn't tell us a single thing not to ask about... it was no holds barred. I felt so good when they told me that.

He didn't hold back explaining everything. Even hard issues in the past!

In hindsight I actually only asked a couple of questions, he already had the mind to explain to us about the controversies or issues with the government we didn't dare ask. That's how open he was right from the get go. The Coup de etat, the jail time, his relation with the officers, the rebellion, the Oakwood mutiny all seemed to be a nono to ask but he went ahead and did answer them. It was idealism and his profound wishes for a better regime and country for everyone + more that made him do some of the things he did in the past. He was an officer and a gentleman, now that he is a Senator and more he said he's already made milestones and accomplishments that he didn't get to do before. He got to help a lot of people in a "general" scale, from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao; he realized the laws he get to pass in the plenary affect countless lives... plus generations to come. Isn't that admirable? IKR?!

Actually, he understood why he's still being tagged by irresponsible media and government officials every time there is something rebellious in nature that happens in the Philippines... though we laughed it off; it was really preposterous! How in the world can one man do 9++ coup attempts and all the other officer disgruntlement's all by himself... some government officials who pointed an accusing finger at him really need to get checked in on mental institutions IMHO.

The Honorable Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan

Unlike Other Lawmakers

This interview was getting all serious and we got to know how much he cared for the less our less fortunate kababayans. Did you know squatting is decriminalized now? Did you know he extended the rent control law? Did you know he did a lot of things for Agrarian reform, Land use and its proponents? It might be so simple to you guys but believe me a LOT of people benefited from it. He did all those things and more; but you probably didn't think of it that much when you voted the last time right? I did my research and got my vote for him counted because as a citizen of this country I always thought that in order to legitimize each concern that I have I need to do my part. I'm glad to see my vote wasn't wasted. Ask yourself this question next time when you put someone's name on the ballot, will he be worth it?! Mine did.

On His Personal Life

I didn't want to just stay with the serious issues really and since this was a once in a lifetime opportunity I wanted to know about him in a more intimate way. I knew some things courtesy of my Dad and Uncle about the Senator and his musical affiliations in the past. You probably didn't even know that right?! LOL Senator Gringo also almost didn't remember either but I guess some of the names I mentioned suddenly hit a chord and named names like Spanky Rigor, Pepe Smith, VST and other ones I didn't quite know coz you and I probably weren't born yet. It was so refreshing to shy away from politics. He now remembers a couple of things from that era... and I agree those were really the good ole days.

He's not choosy per se with the food he eat but he needs to trim down a little he said so he's sticking to healthy choices these days. He values communication and knows the power of social media. He is a twitter user and at the age of 63 and he's a cool Grandpa to begin with. Today he wants to have all our resources to be equally distributed. He wants solid government programs that turn into good things that people will feel. This light talk about the music industry, bits and pieces of graduating from the PMA, militarism was turning quite good. He also said something about that controversy about answering back to Jim Paredes on Twitter. I think the Senator was right though. He said these life threatening situations like being a soldier isn't a joke. He was apologetic about bursting out like that later on. He contemplated after that incident that social networking has brought the best and worst in us. True, true!

Land use and it's sustainable development is his priority bill. He wanted to do something like "equating" land use. He admits that the country has been exploited too much by the US and China too and I totally agree with him on that. What's ironic is that even if they did these things we still tried to help em. China already made structures on the shoal/Recto bank but we didn't do crap. 9/11 would have not happened if US only listened to our intelligence information, they didn't know that! Those are facts but he's quite optimistic and hopeful about our country and he'll continue to do his best to make efforts reforming the country's defenses, the PNP and AFP through laws.

The Senator candidly tells stories about him at home

I felt that he's got nothing to prove now that it's his 12th yr as a Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. With an accomplished and a reputable resume to boot; we asked about a regular day in the Honasan household. His grandchildren occupies his morning (that alone already counts as a workout he jokingly said *whilst chases around the kids*). Getting married was his happiest memory together with the ousting of Marcos in 1986; he's family oriented, very romantic to his wife and wants to do a lot of things until now. He believes that the right to life is prime, whosoever gets killed in Mindanao is as important as the one in Manila; honor is next.

These days he enjoys reading and exercises as much as he can to manage his weight. He watches movies (Transformers etc.). He also designs furniture, paint and carve wood. He takes care of bonsai trees and believes he's got a green thumb. He sometimes love to pretend he's listening to other politicians nonsense. He's got advise about women too: Love them unconditionally, don't try understanding women because it would be pointless. Senator Enrile btw is like a father to him. He loves listening to new songs too from Amy Winehouse, Mic Jagger, The Beatles and appreciate more of his life through music. Isn't that nice to know?! :)

He loves practicing Kendo these days and makes sure this is a part of his regimen. He's a national champion for combat shooting and a very good skydiver. He lead professionals in ASEAN years ago too. He wants people to know that the greatest unexplored part of the Philippines is his hometown Sorsogon. A swim in Donsol Sorsogon is bliss! he says. He loves seeing and touching those gentle giant whale sharks. He agrees that we have so many things to be explored in our own country and people should really take a look at them soon!

In a nutshell, I was really inspired to ask questions because talking and listening to him was indeed a pleasure. He's a soldier, a rebel, an artist, a lover, a good looking guy like me (no pun intended hehe) among others; but best of all he's a great law maker and public servant. I'd like to take this bit and thank Senator Gregorio Honasan and his staff for being so nice to me that evening. He inspired me to make smart choices and tell the people I love about how to choose someone to have the heart serving my countrymen. I hope this wouldn't be the last time that I'd get to talk to such an honorable gentleman. I hope my readers get to do the same thing and make sure they research (if possible talk to them) first before they support someone in the next elections. I just did. =)

OPRAH for Senator of Illinois

He said he knew Oprah wouldn't accept it!

It's quite surprising that this came in the news today. I just watched the Oprah show and the "valentine" episode (obviously a re run of some other year) and was kinda smiling about some of the surprises she's been giving the guests, one of which was an appearance by Patty La Belle and giving away a Red Volkswagen Beetle... it was cute but what puzzled me was this statement by the ill fated Gov. Rod Blagojevich that she ought to be the Senator of Illinois.... yeah you heard it, she could have been Senator Oprah Winfrey. ^_^

She helped a lot in the recent election obviously because she campaigned for the one and only US President Obama... well I bet yah she could not have accepted the senate seat... that's just too low profile hahaha... She could run for President for crying out loud... that's just too obvious... but really, politics is just going to tarnish her career and name. One of which she's probably taking care of in the years she's been in the business.

Bailout Approved and Signed : Now We'll Wait!

President Bush shakes hands with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson at the Treasury Department in Washington after the House passed the $700 billion financial bailout bill
(photo by Associated Press)

Now that Congress has acted upon this particular issue giving the US government the tools necessary to bring some stability into the marketplace, the wait begins for it's effect. Bush stated that without this, the country would have crashed their market placing not just them but the whole world in chaos. Being the largest that they are, most probably that will happen if it were not for this resolution.

Obama and McCain even got their act going and helped in this financial crisis. That's American enough! I mean its a good thing they did it, it was fair enough for both ends. Now Americans can be assured that their hard earned taxes are put to good use because their package included safety measures that would make sure everything gets accounted for. Some are afraid that only a chosen few businesses might earn with this and would not benefit the American public. John Boehner of Ohio said lawmakers knew that if they failed to act, the crisis probably would worsen and "put us in a slump the likes of which most of us have never seen", I guess nobody would wanna see that huh?! This bailout ensures federally insured deposits to rise from the original $100,000 to $250,000 making the ceiling value more viable for adjustments. America must take note of 33 Democrats and 25 Republicans switched from opposition to support which helped pass this bill which were conferenced call and persuaded by Obama and probably McCain as well. They even had groupies in the house, that comes with the newbies too. I just don't know if this will be a legacy BUSH will be proud of.