Pangilinan espouses change in apparent Senate presidency bid

MANILA, Philippines - With the incoming Aquino administration’s overwhel-ming mandate, it’s now time for the next Congress to “think big” and legislate measures that would propel the country to developed status in 15 years, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said yesterday.

“Let’s think big. Let’s have a grand vision. Let’s think in terms of the next generation. Let’s go beyond the tip of our noses, which is sadly what many of our leaders fail to do,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

“Key pieces of legislation in infrastructure modernization, justice system modernization, modernizing our tourism and agriculture industries, ending armed conflict, and engaging public participation in governance can propel our nation to where we should be,” he said.

Pangilinan, who is reportedly eyeing the Senate presidency, said the Senate and the House of Representatives should live up to the expectations of the people who voted for Sen. Benigno Aquino III in the belief that his leadership could usher in meaningful change.

“They do not wish for more of the same inutile and decadent politics and governance. The people want results,” he said.

“They do not want political infighting, or the usual horse trading and the mindless and bankrupt politics that come with it. We cannot let our people down,” Pangilinan said.

“The unprecedented May 2010 people’s electoral victory must be the guidepost by which we are to provide leadership for our nation,” Pangilinan said.

“The victory of our people must be translated into change we all wish to see,” he said.

“We cannot go back to politics as usual. We cannot throw away and squander the gains of this people’s victory by shutting the people out in favor of decision-making by a few,” he said.

“As far possible, the people must be allowed to engage with their leaders both in the national and local levels.”

In his bid for the Senate presidency, Pangilinan reportedly enjoys the support of the president-elect’s celebrity sister, Kris Aquino-Yap.

In a move perceived as an attempt to win more support from colleagues, Pangilinan – a member of the Liberal Party – attended the oathtaking of Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada last Thursday at the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

Pangilinan, husband of popular actress Sharon Cuneta, mingled with guests who included former President Joseph Estrada, vice president-elect Jejomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Serge Osmeña III.

Enrile has said Pangilinan can get the 13 majority votes including those of senators Panfilo Lacson, who is in hiding, and detained Antonio Trillanes IV.