Noy urged to set aside political differences

MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing Sen. Edgardo Angara yesterday called on President Aquino to set aside political differences and make sure that important legislation will be passed in the last three years of his term.

Angara also challenged his colleagues and the new legislators, who will be part of the 16th Congress, to cooperate on the legislative agenda needed for economic recovery. 

He stressed the importance of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) in passing key legislation.

Angara made the call amid criticisms over the lack of coordination between Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Manuel Mamba and resigned Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

“I call on them to build on the legacy we leave behind, even as they strive to build their own,” said Angara.

“Good politics is also marked by close collaboration between the branches of government,” he added.

Angara outlined his accomplishments on education, agriculture, healthcare and social welfare, culture and the arts, economic and financial system development, science and technology, and good governance.

He was the longest serving senator, having spent 23 years in the Senate.

Aside from Angara, Senators Joker Arroyo, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan and Manny Villar are bowing out of the Senate on June 30.

For his part, Villar vowed to pursue his advocacy in helping the less fortunate through the Villar Foundation. He refused to say goodbye, saying the fight against poverty needs to be sustained.

“This is not a retirement from politics as some have suggested,” he said.

Angara’s son Sonny and Villar’s wife Cynthia will be joining the 16th Congress.