PEACE-MAKER In October 2010, we travelled to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, following our trip to Buenos Aires two years earlier, where we explored ways and means of cooperation between our Asia-wide organization, ICAPP, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, and...
Past and present senators will pay their respects to former Senator Rodolfo ‘’Pong’’ Biazon in the traditional necrological services at the Senate building on June 19, Monday morning. This followed the filing today by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri of Senate Resolution 652...
The Senate of the Philippines has flown the Philippine flag at half-staff to mourn the passing of former Sen. Rodolfo "Pong" Biazon. Senate of the Philippines building (Senate PRIB Photo) Biazon passed away last Monday, June 12, 2023 or during the country’s...
OF TREES AND FOREST We just celebrated the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Actually, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has decided to organize a multi-year commemoration to celebrate our independence and our nationhood from 2023 to 2026. The idea is to...
FINDING ANSWER Yesterday’s commemoration of Philippine Independence Day got me pondering on our nationhood and country, its future, what ails it now, and the many challenges we are facing since our flag was raised from a balcony in Kawit, Cavite 125 years ago. As I reflected on what it must have...
Three more senators mourn the passing of former Senator Rodolfo "Pong" G. Biazon. Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero lauded Biazon as the “decorated military general for serving the Philippines “impeccably” all throughout his more than five decades in government service. Escudero, likewise,...
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday, June 12, joined the millions of Filipinos who gave their final salute to the late Sen. Rodolfo "Pong" Biazon, who passed away on Independence Day. Aside from being a former senator, Biazon was also a former House of Representatives...
Together with the nation, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros mourned the passing of former Senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon whom she described as a “great soldier, statesman and a solon.” "He passed on this Independence Day, June 12, a reminder of his formidable, lifelong fight for...
PEACE-MAKER As the whole world celebrates Father’s Day next Sunday, June 18, we wish to pay tribute to our beloved father, the late Jose Ravago de Venecia Sr. After World War II, our father served as Judge at Large for the entire Bicol region, appointed by the late President Manuel Roxas, first...
OF TREES AND FOREST I applaud the Senate for passing the Maharlika Investment Fund bill on third and final reading during the last day of May which was also its last session day before it took a break. The House of Representatives have decided to adopt the Senate version of the bill so as of press...
FINDING ANSWERS This just can’t be overemphasized: Getting good nutrition in the womb and through early life is very important for a child. While a time of vast potential, the 1,000 days from conception to birth and to the child’s second birthday can also be a time of immense vulnerability when...
PEACE-MAKER The recent happenings in the Lakas-CMD (Christian-Muslim Democrats) brought back memories of the beginnings of the party as well as the many challenges and struggles we and our partymates faced together. When we, together with then former Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos and former...