Pep Talk as of December 2009
On New Year bringing new
We must join hands so that we can have honest, orderly and peaceful elections, and that the results truly reflect the people’s will. The new year should bring about better governance, food on the table especially for the poor, and jobs for the unemployed. And we must take decisive steps to win the battle versus climate change.
December 31
On reviving the maritime sector
We should develop our own shipbuilding industry. We have a very competent maritime labor force to which we can provide employment by building our own ships. Let us revive the natural Filipino aptitude for shipbuilding and seafaring, not just to provide employment for our people, but to contribute to national progress through cheaper and more efficient inter-island transport.
December 30
On Rizal’s vision
While we Filipinos have honored Dr. Jose Rizal by establishing him as our national hero, we still have to fulfill the vision for which he sacrificed his life. This vision is that of a united, strong, independent and progressive country, where justice, equality and harmony reign, in which all citizens share in the bounty of its natural wealth.
December 29
On protecting teachers
As teachers will once again be tasked to perform duties at the precinct level as members of the Board of Election Inspections in the May elections, they must be given ample protection by authorities. Our teachers are the unsung heroes of our democratic system because they help our people exercise the right to suffrage guaranteed by our fundamental law.
December 28
On growing public debt
Our country may face a worse financial crisis in 2010 due to the extravagance and over-borrowing of the Arroyo administration in the past nine years. This means that the Philippines would have a hard time funding its requirements not only for the necessary social and economic projects but also for government operations.
December 28
On carbon emission
The US and China contribute at least 40 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, while the Philippines emits only 0.2%. Yet the Philippines, like other developing countries, is among the most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions caused by climate change.
December 23
On climate justice funding
I see climate justice not only for the Philippines but for all the people, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia, who bear the brunt of the sufferings, hunger and poverty brought about by climate change. But issues like transparency should not be used by countries like the US and China to delay the setting up of a climate change adaptation fund. The effects of climate change are being felt right now, thus support must come in today and not tomorrow.
December 22
On survey uptick
I am very pleased with the results (increase of 14 percentage points) of this latest survey. It validates my belief that a green platform is precisely what this country needs, and that the Filipino electorate approves of my efforts to push a pro-environment agenda.
December 21
On world hunger
Widespread world hunger looms unless world leaders agree to binding carbon emission targets within the nearest future. Any further delay in a legally binding instrument between developed and developing countries could lead to an irreversible and catastrophic climate change. It is only right that developed countries should help finance Third World projects to combat climate change, like conservation and proper management of forest and water resources, irrigation, use of drought and flood-resisting seed, to promote agricultural sustainability.
December 21
On women and climate change
Policies should come to terms with the fact that women disproportionately shoulder the brunt of shocks and trends of climate and environment change in the face of continued poverty. We call on women to engage with governments and communities to initiate mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk programs that are truly attuned to their needs on the ground.
December 18
On stopping sale of fake goods
Those who sell goods that endanger public health and safety must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Turning a profit is not the end-all and be-all of business because traders have a social responsibility to consumers. Government, on the other hand, has a duty to ensure that the public is not taken advantage of. There are no holidays for government because ensuring the safety and welfare of our people is a 24/7 calling for public servants.
December 18
On ‘walking the talk’
US President Obama must prove his leadership and his avowed desire for his country to be involved in the global initiative on climate change. He must act to get the bill passed into law. He must walk the talk. He must act on his stated desire for the United States to contribute to the global fight against global warming.
December 17
On disaster reduction
There is no more fitting time to say than now that reducing disaster risk and climate-proofing our livelihood and development gains and goals have become a moral imperative for governments and a social responsibility for all—when having less in life means losing life itself.
December 17
On her party, the NPC
I am very proud to be a member of this party. I know that the NPC is a party of principles, and that it is a party totally devoted to the public interest. It is a party that seeks above all a strong and progressive nation, where no citizen is left behind in the march to social and economic advance.
December 14
On law and order
The breakdown of law and order throughout our country is attributable to the lack of respect by our people in the capacity and determination of our top officials and law-enforcement authorities in upholding justice for every man. Impunity by the powerful and politically connected has driven many to take the law into their own hands.
December 13
On women and development
I stand solidly behind efforts to strengthen the role of women in development by involving them in all aspects of decision-making. I shall work towards eliminating all forms of inequalities and injustices based on gender.
December 11
On ‘climate justice’
Lowland farmers do not fly off on holidays in planes yet they’re the ones who have lost their livelihoods in a series of strong typhoons here in the Philippines. This is the height of injustice. Rich countries must take its fair share in compensating for this inequality.
December 10
On RP’s vulnerability
We in the Philippines must join those who, like us, are most vulnerable to climate change. We must push climate justice as an agenda… We must call on developed nations to provide new, adequate and timely financial resources, technology development and transfer, as well as capacity-building for developing countries.
December 10
On Maguindanao martial law
Even the Supreme Court disputes the assertion in Proclamation 1959 that the judicial system in Maguindanao was no longer functioning. If this is the case, the main justification for martial law falls flat on its face. The primordial concern of government should be the protection of women, media and residents of Mindanao.
December 7
On agri support
To realize the goals of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act, such as food security, poverty alleviation, global competitiveness, sustainable development and people empowerment, we should ensure that our limited resources are allocated rationally.
December 6
On carbon emission
All nations must deal with climate change so as to avert credible doomsday prophecies. This entails no less than drastic emission reduction targets by industrialized countries.
December 4
On heroism
Whoever said that heroism is long gone is mistaken, proven wrong by the many Filipinos who rose up to the challenge of Typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi, including a number who gave up their lives so others may live.
December 3
On women’s rights
There is much more to be done to fight all forms of gender-based discrimination and violence. This issue should be a priority of the next administration, along with easing poverty and addressing the threats of climate change.
December 3
On water shortage
Water shortage, amplified by climate change problems, will create a growing security challenge. We must learn and accept that the only way for us now lies in nurturing Mother Earth, which has generously nurtured us.
December 2
