PEACE-MAKER Looking back on years spent in public office and the campaigns that shaped them is a mixture of nostalgia, lessons learned the hard way, a clearer understanding of the complexities of public service, and the joy of having contributed to nation-building. Political campaigns are...
OF TREES AND FOREST One of the proudest moments of my political career was being elected Senate President, first, during the latter part of the 13th Congress, and later at the beginning of the 14th Congress. It was truly an honor to be chosen by my esteemed colleagues to lead the upper chamber of...
FINDING ANSWERS Whether it’s less or more, evil is still evil. Unlike a choice between good and evil, being left with nothing else but an array of poisons can be quite challenging. But not making a choice might even make matters worse. The recent comment of Pope Francis that voters must choose...
PEACE-MAKER Our Philippine Embassy in Lebanon has called on some 11,000 Filipinos in the country to leave immediately, following the series of explosions in the capital Beirut, South Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley, resulting in about a dozen deaths and some 3,000 injuries. We remember visiting...
OF TREES AND FOREST The hardest part of any journey is the first step. This is true in every aspect of life: Your baby’s first step; your first bike ride without anyone helping you; your first date; your first day in school. It is terrifying simply because of our fear of the unknown and...
FINDING ANSWERS It’s National Peace Consciousness Month this September, a time to boost awareness of the need to strengthen and sustain peacebuilding as a cornerstone of national development, greater harmony and unity. Peace month in the Philippines aligns with the International Day of Peace on...
PEACE-MAKER Since we retired from public office and narrowed our international engagements, we have been spending more time in our congressional district, which includes our hometown Dagupan City and the towns of Manaoag, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, and San Fabian. We are now, however, more of an...
The Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has brought the name of this illustrious gentleman back to the news and opinion sections of media platforms. Hailed as a “towering figure in Philippine politics and governance” by Senator Loren...
OF TREES AND FOREST When I officially announced Villar City to the public, I called it my legacy project because I believe that this is part of my dream for our country — for our country to be truly world-class in every way. As I have always endeavored, whether in business or as a public servant...
FINDING ANSWERS Now that high-profile wanted persons like former mayor Alice Guo and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy are now in custody, law enforcement authorities may breathe a sigh of relief. Of course, there’s still unfinished business as the government has yet to gain custody of other high-profile...
PEACE-MAKER The Manila Bulletin editorial on Sept. 5, 2024, “National Peace Consciousness Month: Sustaining the gains of peace,” pointed out that the observance every September “symbolizes the country’s desire for greater unity, mutual understanding, and harmony.” Citing what it said as...
OF TREES AND FOREST I was part of the high-level private sector delegation during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan in February 2023. It was a smashing success as the trip produced numerous commercial deals and defense and political arrangements between the two Asian...
