Plenary Session

Today’s Senate session was a testament to the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and South Korea as we marked the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. We look forward to a future built on continuous mutual respect and enhanced cooperation in anticipation to the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement between the Philippines and South Korea.
We also honored Dr. Carmencita Padilla for her remarkable contributions to science and medicine, earning her the prestigious Order of National Scientist Award. Dr. Padilla and I worked together in pushing for the passage of RA 9228, or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004, which I authored.
All of these showcase the power of collaboration in building a brighter tomorrow for the Filipinos and our nation.??