Thank you, Mam Malou! Political Guru Malou Tiquia Goes PiRoTeMa for Senate

Coming back to “civilization” today after a three-day climb of Mt. Apo, I received a great “welcome back” gift from political expert Malou Tiquia with her published endorsement of my candidacy for the Senate, along with three other new names.

In fact, I was on top of her list which she called the PIROTEMA for Piñol, Roque, Teodoro and Marcoleta.

This endorsement is totally unexpected because while she is a very influential political analyst, I do not know Malou Tiquia personally.

Coming from her, this would certainly give my bid for the Senate, initiated and supported mainly by farmers and fishermen’s groups, agricultural stakeholders and environmentalists, a big boost.

I am posting here excerpts of her column which came out in The Manila Times today, Feb. 1.

“THE 19th Congress will need to be a collaborative body for whoever will win the presidency and the vice presidency. We have a chance to once again, rebuild, reformat and reform political institutions to serve our nation. Congress is a body that has direct mandate with the people together with the president and the vice president. As such, the fresh wind of change accompanies the body with every new administration.

“New candidates that voters should consider are Manny Piñol, Harry Roque, Gibo Teodoro and Rodante Marcoleta, or Pirotema. Piñol brings in rural development, agriculture and Mindanao. Roque, we know, will fight it out in any debate in the Senate. His advocacies run from human rights, universal health care, justice and equity concerns. Teodoro was presidential material and with the lapse of 11 years, he brings in corporate experience and has a very unique legislative agenda, including the blue economy. Coming out to help the nation in the most important effort to rebuild our economy, Teodoro will bring stability and depth to the Senate. We have seen Marcoleta do a methodological approach in legislation. He has matured much from his initial years in politics. Why is Marcoleta going to be an important member of the Senate? He is the only one talking about solving the price of electricity. We have the highest in the region and in Asia. We cannot be competitive if our energy mix is compromised and if energy regulators pass on too much to Juan de la Cruz.

“We are electing 12 senators in May 2022. Old names, same names, do we expect any difference? Or do we risk having less of erudition and more of heart, of common sense or legislative slouch? Do we want lightweights or heavies in their own right? 2022-2028 is another chance given to the whole officialdom to formulate a preferred future. Can we get the right people elected at this precise time?”

#PreparadoSaSenado!

#SeryosoSaTrabaho!