Filtered By: Topstories
News

Newly proclaimed senators vow to support Aquino presidency


Newly proclaimed senators from different political parties on Saturday vowed to support the administration of winning presidential bet Senator Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, and called for unity among their ranks days after the country’s first nationwide automated polls. Senator-elect Ramon “Bong" Revilla Jr., who ran under the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD, said winning candidates should go beyond political lines and rally behind Aquino. “Siya ang hinalal ng sambayanan. Siya ang pinagkatiwalaan. Mapa-oposisyon, mapa-administrasyon, dapat suportahan sya. Ang nakataya rito ang kinabukasan ng ating sambayanan (He’s the one elected by the people. He’s the one they put their trust on. Whether you’re with the opposition or administration, you should support him. Our nation’s future hinges on this)," he said. Revilla, who finished first in the senatorial race, likewise said politicians should stop bickering and focus on the work ahead. “At this point in time, dapat siguro walang oposisyon, walang administrasyon. Kung tayo mag aaway-away, walang mangyayari. Bigyan natin ng bagong bukas ang ating bansa (At this point in time, let’s set aside opposition-administration distinctions. If we bicker, we won’t go anywhere. Let’s give our nation a fresh start)," he said. Senator-elect Pia Cayetano, who ran under the Nacionalista Party (NP) banner, also said she is looking forward to pushing for her bills on the environment and protection of women’s rights under Aquino’s presidency. “Marami hong kailangang gawin (So much needs to be done)… I am looking forward with the newly-elected president and vice-president and my new colleagues in the Senate," she said. Cayetano vowed to pass a bill revising the Philippine National Health Insurance Act of 1995 and to empower local government units to get more access to healthcare projects. Another newly proclaimed senator, Jose “Jinggoy" Estrada, said he will respect Aquino’s mandate, even if it means accepting his father’s electoral loss. Former President Joseph Estrada is trailing behind Aquino by some five million votes in the Comelec tally. “Well, the nation must support the coming president. We have to unite as one nation," he said. The younger Estrada however maintained that his father would not concede to Aquino unless all votes have been canvassed by Congress, which will convene on May 24 as the National Board of Canvassers to canvass the votes for president and vice-president. “Ang kay Pangulong Erap naman (President Erap’s take is that) we will have to wait for the congressional canvass. Whatever the results, [if Senator Aquino turns out to be the winner, my father] will abide by the rule of the sovereign people," he said. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday officially proclaimed nine of the 12 winners in the senatorial race. (See: Comelec en banc proclaims 9 of 12 newly elected senators) http://www.gmanews.tv/story/191029/comelec-en-banc-proclaims-9-of-12-newly-elected-senators Aside from Revilla, Estrada and Cayetano, the new senators-elect are: Miriam Defensor-Santiago of the People's Reform Party (PRP); Franklin Drilon of the Liberal Party (LP); Juan Ponce Enrile of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP); Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (NP); Ralph Recto (LP); and Vicente Sotto III of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).—JV, GMANews.TV

LOADING CONTENT