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...
FINDING ANSWERS Last week’s Kapihan sa Manila Hotel featured the highly accomplished former Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, popularly known as Tito Sen, my close friend for almost four decades now, ever since he run and won as vice-mayor of Quezon City in the late ‘80s. At that time, he...
PEACE-MAKER Our heart is filled with deepest gratitude to the Philippine Senate, led by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, for honoring us with a resolution acknowledging our years in public service and modest contributions to our beloved country. It is a great privilege to be recognized...
OF TREES AND FOREST Araw ng mga Bayani or National Heroes Day was originally commemorated every last Sunday of August. This was based on Republic Act No. 3827 which celebrated the first National Heroes Day on Oct. 28, 1931. When I was Senate President, we passed Republic Act No. 9492 which...
Seven former secretaries of the Department of Finance (DOF) have expressed their support for utilizing excess funds from government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) to finance important government projects. In a joint statement on Tuesday, Aug. 27, the former DOF chiefs said that...
FINDING ANSWERS Last week’s observance of the 41st anniversary of the martyrdom of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino got me reflecting on the significance of what transpired on Aug. 21, 1983. Ninoy’s assassination that day was a turning point in Philippine history. It sparked widespread outrage across...
PEACE-MAKER Thailand made history last August 16 when its parliament elected its youngest-ever prime minister, the 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra clan to become prime minister of Thailand. She is the youngest child of Thaksin Shinawatra, who...
Former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo labeled as "demolition job" on the Dutertes the linking of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the murders of three Chinese detainees in Davao. Former president Rodrigo Duterte and former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo (File Photo/PCOO)...
Tangere ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and former president Rodrigo Duterte continue to lead in Tangere’s senatorial preference survey conducted in August, reflecting their sustained popularity ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections. In the survey results, Tulfo secured the top spot,...
