Bam Aquino bids farewell to colleagues in Senate: 'Ipinagkakatiwala ko na po sa inyo ang ating mga naitanim para sa bayan'

Senator Bam Aquino / File photo from Twitter

Manila, Philippines - Six senators, including opposition senator Bam Aquino delivered their farewell speech on Tuesday at the Senate session hall.

Aquino, who lost his reelection bid in the last May elections, expressed his gratitude to those who supported him not only during the 90-day campaign period but more importantly during his six years in the Senate.

“Among my colleagues, I've found mentors and friends that have come through for me even in the most challenging and intimidating times. Thank you.” He said

“And within these halls, I've come to know fierce allies in the fight against poverty. I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with kind and productive people here in the Senate, the Lower House, in the Executive branch of government, in media, in business, in development groups and organizations from various sectors. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.” He added

Aquino also called on to his colleagues to “continue” the reforms that are beneficial to all Filipinos.

“Ipinagkakatiwala ko na po sa ating mga kasama dito ang ating mga naitanim para po sa bayan at para po sa ating mga kababayan. Sana po, laging manatili sa puso at prayoridad ng ating institusyon ang kapakanan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino." He said

"I hope with all my heart as I move on to my next adventure that our beloved Senate, our last bastion of democracy, will always, always make the collective choice for the benefit of our people – the last, the least, and the lost," Aquino said

Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito said he hopes to be back at the higher chamber of Congress “soon.”

“Please keep that seat warm for me. I hope to be back soon,” Ejercito said.

Also, despite serving only one term, Ejercito believes he has done his job as a legislator as best as he can.

“Today as I leave the Senate, I would like to think that I have fulfilled the mandate of the people. I would like to think that I have done my job as best as I could, as honestly as I can demanded of a public servant,” he said.

Ejercito cited the 379 bills he authored and co-authored, 17 of which were signed into law and particularly proud of the passage of Universal Health Care law, which he was the main sponsor and the co-author.

Senator Gringo Honasan recalled his beginnings in the Senate, Honasan cited some notable senators he worked with, including the late Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Juan Flavier.

Meanwhile, Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Loren Legarda, also delivered their respective farewell speeches while another outgoing Senator Antonio Trillanes IV did not give a valedictory address.


Source: Inquirer, Senate