Residents brought placards thanking the President for her social programs in the province of Nueva Ecija that uplifts the lives of the poor citizens.

Last update: 06-10-2009 01:15

“President Cory Aquino, is a woman of peace,”  Rep. Antonio H. Cerilles expressed his admiration about her, in his privilege speech as the Lower House passed a Resolution of Sympathy of her demise, three days before her burial.

The late President Cory was a Philippine icon for democracy, who died of colon cancer dawn of August 1.  She rest in peace beside her late senator-husband Ninoy at the Manila Memorial Park last August 5.

In an interview, Cerilles said he was among the few legislators who stood up to say his piece for the late President.

From the original PD 1680 of President Marcos’ regime, she promised to include the institutionalization of Autonomous Regions (ARMM in Mindanao and Cordillera Autonomous Region in mountain province) in the 1987 Constitution.  In short, she made good of her promise.

She wanted the problem in Mindanao should be discussed within the context of the Constitution without inference by other countries like Malaysia and the United States.

The 2nd district representative of Zamboanga del Sur emphasized: “we should not tinker with the territory of the Philippines.  That’s why we have to correlate it with the present situation where there was an attempt to detach or dismember some areas of the country from the republic like the Southern Philippines or Mindanao through the MOA-Ancestral Domain.

“Luckily for us the Supreme Court sustained the integrity of our territory,” he said adding, “it was the right direction to finally tell those who pushed for the MOA-AD that the Constitution can only give them the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and a more than that there is no more room for discussion.”

More than anything else, she (President Cory) loved this country so much because every time there was an issue, you would see her visibility; she would clearly declare her position on it. 

She was also humbled when she realized having committed a mistake, just like she publicly offered public apology to President Estrada.

According to the congressman, President Aquino was as very private person because in her final year as President, she virtually delivered a “Goodbye” State of the Nation Address and chose to have a private and simple life.

When pressed on the move to declare President Aquino a “National Hero”, Cerilles said, “whether we like it or not, she’s already a “hero.”  She was part of our Philippine History. 

However, Cerilles stressed out that we should not jump into conclusion for it took us sometime to recognize Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio and the rest as our national hero.

“We have to be careful in declaring our national heroes because it is not only our generation to judge what good to this country they have done but also the next generation.”

“If President Cory be declared a national hero, that would likely also be true to the late President Marcos, Presidents Ramos, Estrada and Arroyo,” Cerilles said, emphasizing objectivity.  (Remai S. Alejado/Zambosur Press Bureau)

Last update: 18-08-2009 13:04

Amidst the 369 punong barangays in the First District, Governor Auring E. Cerilles offered her delight and gratitude to them as she is about to end her third and final term as the First Lady Governor of this province.

“I must admit, very seldom I see you and I will soon to retire as your governor.  This is my last term and I will take this opportunity to say that from the bottom of my heart I am saying “Thank you so much from supporting my programs.”

Governor Cerilles was the honored speaker during the opening program of the 3-day Barangay Congress led by Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Allan Godoy at Hotel Alindahaw last August 12. 

Zamboanga del Sur as a province has a total of 681 barangay: 369 at the first district and 312 belonging to the second district.  The Barangay Congress for the 2nd District would follow immediately, it was learned.

Once a year, the liga ng mga barangay is mandated by the Department of Interior & Local Government to hold a barangay congress to build consciousness and awareness among punong barangay of the various laws and programs of government for strong barangay leadership. 

Cerilles, was joined by DILG regional director Paisal Abutazil with provincial director Abcede Asjali and City Administrator Rufino Amor when she sought the barangay leaders’ attention to join her cause in fighting against the proliferation of illegal drugs.

“It is my commitment that before my term ends in June 2010, we will have a drug-free province.  I hope you will support me in this advocacy,” she implored.

With misty eyes, the lady governor confessed that every time she talks about this cause, she becomes emotional for because of this, not only her life is in danger but her entire family including her grandchildren.

“But this is my cause and I’m going to win this cause,” she said.  Nevertheless, because of the threats against their lives, she has to be security conscious.

“This cause had virtually changed my lifestyle – it is not me anymore,” she said recollecting the days when she was still a congresswoman where she can go anywhere without any bodyguard.

“But nowadays, I become security conscious – I cannot simply go to any engagement without seeking clearance from my security officials.  I have only one life so I have to treasure it,” she elaborated.

Cerilles said “the rampant proliferation of illegal drugs has driven this leadership to waging all-out war against illegal.  We cannot allow the evil of illegal drugs to ruin the future of our youth. With the full support and partnership of the law enforcers – the PDEA, PNP and the Philippine Army, we will win this fight.”

Noting that many of the punong barangays are still new to their position, Governor Auring made them aware that with the fast-evolving demand for access to justice, there is a need to utilize and apply the Katarungang Pambarangay more strategically and proactively.

Zamboanga del Sur, being a Child Friendly province and Gender and Development sensitive, Cerilles also gave the impression that the Barangay congress would also tackle the discussion about R.A. 9262 specifically on Barangay Protection Order.  This secures women and their children against violenc as the State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights.  (Remai S. Alejado/Zambosur Press Bureau)

Last update: 29-08-2009 02:51

Last update: 18-08-2009 01:31