LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has congratulated fellow Bicolano legislator Sen. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero for being elected as new Senate President.
ESCUDERO (with gavel). Also in photo is former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. (Arnold Quizol)
Co, who is from Albay, said that Escudero is known for his deep understanding of legislative processes and advocacy for good governance while consistently demonstrating his ability to work towards the common good.
He said one of Escudero's initial efforts was to secure tax exemptions and additional benefits for low-income earners, leading to the enactment of Republic Act 9504 (Tax Exemption for Minimum Wage Earners and Increased Tax Exemptions) that made him a capable leader of the Senate.
"As a fellow Bicolano, I'm immensely proud to witness Sen. Chiz Escudero's remarkable achievement. His election as Senate President is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and steadfast commitment to serving the Filipino people," Co said.
Co added that Escudero, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, was instrumental in the passage of several important laws – Anti-Vagrancy Law (RA 10158), the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act (RA 10353), and the Anti-Torture Act (RA 9745).
He also expects that the senator for Sorsogon will lead the Senate towards meaningful reforms and addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.
Escudero’s rise to the Senate presidency is not only a victory for Bicolanos but rather a victory for all Filipinos seeking an effective, transparent, and responsible government. I'm confident that under his stewardship, the Senate will continue to champion the interests of our people, particularly in these challenging times, Co said.
Co said that as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, he looks forward to collaborating with Escudero and other members of the Senate to advance legislative measures that will promote sustainable development, social justice, and economic prosperity.