PEACE-MAKER The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand has shaken Southeast Asia to its core. With over 1,600 lives lost and many more injured or missing, it has become a heartbreaking reminder of nature’s fury and of our shared vulnerability. In Mandalay,...
OF TREES AND FOREST (Part I) A few days ago, March 20 to be exact, the World Happiness Report 2025 was launched. That day, March 20, was International Day of Happiness. The United Nations website described the report as a document that “features a ranking of countries by their average levels of...
PEACE-MAKER As speaker of the House of Representatives and in the course of our modest foray in parliamentary and political party diplomacy, we have had the privilege of meeting UN Secretaries-General U Thant, Javier Perez de Cuellar, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Kofi Anan, and Ban Ki-moon — all men of...
Senator Imee Marcos announced on Wednesday, March 26, her withdrawal from the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Senator Imee Marcos "I cannot stand on the same campaign platform as the rest of the Alyansa. As I have stated from the outset of the election period, I will...
OF TREES AND FOREST It is a very controversial question. Should government regulate social media? On one hand, we know, and some of us have experienced first-hand the dangers of social media that is completely unfettered. I have been a victim of this. Most recently, I had to post a proof of...
FINDING ANSWERS Now being National Women’s Month, I’d like to highlight key legislation that greatly benefits Filipino women — laws of which I had the privilege of being the principal sponsor or author during the two terms I served as senator. Among the many laws I championed, I’m...
PEACE-MAKER March marks a significant milestone for women across Asia and the international community as it is celebrated as the National Women’s Month. The occasion serves not only to recognize the achievements and contributions of women but also to reflect on the issues and...
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 When are we going to get rid of the negative connotations attached to the word “palengkera.” In its literal form, “palengkera” simply means someone who engages in the market. I really do not understand why people use the term in a pejorative manner, that is, referring to...
FINDING ANSWERS At the memorial service for my late brother Alberto “Bert” David Lina who was also fondly known as ADL, tributes poured in attesting to his legacy of service and generosity that uplifted many across business, sports, culture and the arts – a legacy of philanthropy that...
PEACE-MAKER Once again, our country finds itself grappling with unbearable heat as summer temperatures soar to alarming levels. Several areas in the Philippines are experiencing extreme heat indices, prompting the Department of Education and various local government units to suspend classes...
OF TREES AND FOREST “Helping mothers is really my advocacy. As a mom, I know the difficult and multiple roles we have to play. I want to fight for Filipino moms.” This was from Camille, my daughter. I have heard her talk about this when meeting with her campaign team and they were...
