Congressman Gilbert Remulla admits being baby-faced is both a plus and a minus for him. (Photo by Enie Reyes)

Although it has been years since Congressman Gilbert Remulla co-hosted the ABS-CBN entrepreneurial show, “Kabuhayang Swak na Swak,” its concept still redounded to the senatoriable's livelihood and employment advocacy.

“The show strengthened my belief that giving people jobs, even if but a small-scale business, empowers them. This then contributes to economic development and helps in eradicating poverty,” he said in a small press conference on Feb. 8.

He may have a baby face, but Remulla knows exactly what he wants to achieve if voted into office. Aside from his livelihood and employment advocacy, the 39-year-old congressman is pushing for a Magna Carta for Journalists as priority legislation.

“My aim is for journalists to adhere to a high standard in the practice of their profession. We’ll give them life insurance, hazard pay, computer accessibility for local press corps in the provinces and other relevant benefits.”

Remulla perfectly understands the needs of media practitioners since he started out as one. It is recalled that his first job was as a production assistant in the Kapamilya network before becoming a news reporter and then a host of morning show, “Alas Singko Y Media.”

“The earliest task given to me was to hold up idiot boards,” he recalled. “’Di pa kasi uso ang teleprompter nuong time na ‘yon.”

What’s his most unforgettable assignment?

“Our coverage of the Ozone Disco tragedy in 1996. It was shocking to see the victims’ bodies piled on top of each other. It was also heartbreaking seeing the survivors try to rebuild their lives after such a horrifying experience.”

He added that he sometimes misses his former job as a reporter, especially the part when his segments are aired.

“Ang sarap kasi ng feeling na makita mo na ang pinaghirapan mo ay nagamit, may pinuntahan,” he recalled fondly.

As far as running a business is considered, he, too, knows what he speaks of since he has been Managing Director of Island Cove Resort and Leisure Park in Binakayan, Cavite City for some time now.

“I can’t give up that job because alam n’yo naman, wala naman talagang pera sa public service kung tutuusin,” he said.

Asked if he has sought celebrity endorsement, Remulla said that as much as he wants to, “We just can’t at this point.” He added, though, that his wife (Georgia Isabel Roa) and her beauty queen in-laws (including Miss Universe Gloria Diaz) have offered to help him out during the campaign.

During the press conference, Remulla gave the media a preview of his political advertisement that’s soon to hit the airwaves. In the ad, the congressman is shown confidently climbing a flight of stairs with inserts of the kind of people he aims to help. The imagery is in line with his campaign’s tag line, “Hakbang sa Kinabukasan.”

Although happily married and with three daughters, the entertainment press couldn’t help but ask Remulla to name a celebrity who can play her leading lady should he decide to do a movie.

“Heart Evangelista or KC Concepcion because they are very talented,” he quipped.

Remulla’s other advocacies include health, education, youth empowerment and housing.