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...
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...
