OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SECRETARIAT May - August 2016 Pimentel: Don’t worry over federalism Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III allayed No cordon fears of a massive layoff among Senate employees in case the sanitaire for country shifts to a federal form of government. Barbo Pimentel made the BY JARDINE CHUA announcement during a Being at the helm of the fl ag-raising ceremony to Senate Secretariat is a approximately 1,000 workers daunting experience for last July 4. the select men and women "Do not worry too much who have taken up this role, about the shift to the federal but for Senate Secretary system of government as there Lutgardo Barbo, it is like will still be a legislature under coming home. that system," he said. “It seems self-fulfi lling. Pimentel, a long-time Para akong tumatanda ng federalism advocate like his pabalik ,” he muses. He father, former Senate President Senator administers the oath of office to Senator smiles as he looks around Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who assumed the Senate presidency the sizeable room replete explained that both versions st th during the opening of the 1 Regular Session of the 17 Congress with neatly-stacked books of a possible federal form of last July 25, 2016. Also in photo is Pimentel’s father, former Senate and documents where he government would still require President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. now holds offi ce: “Sixteen a separate and independent Luzon and Bicol), four in the its own legislative branch, years ago, this was my legislative branch. Visayas (Eastern, Central, and “which can benefi t from the same offi ce. The same “Under the Federal- Western Visayas and a new expertise the employees have setup.” Presidential espoused by group with Mindoro, Palawan, developed in the Senate.” In the history of the my father, there will still be Romblon and Marinduque ), and "You can choose to work Philippine Senate, Barbo is a Philippine Senate, a much three in (Northern therefore in your own region. one of the few to be elected larger one. We will be hiring and Southern Mindanao, Hence, I repeat, there is nothing Senate Secretary twice. more employees,” he said. and the federal state of the to worry about," he stressed. He served the same role According to Nene Pimentel, Bangsamoro), along with Metro Pimentel, a partymate of back in the 11th Congress, the federalism model they as the country’s federal President in when he joined then Senate are espousing would have 11 capital. the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino President Aquilino “Nene” federal states: four in Luzon said each (PDP)-Laban, said that the (Northern, Central, Southern regional state would also have PIMENTEL / PAGE 5 BARBO / PAGE 6 Senate spouses push for fi nancial literacy BY YVONNE A. ALMIRAÑEZ The Senate Spouses projects were for other people, be what Senate employees Gumabay said the spouses Foundation, Inc. (SSFI), led by she wanted to do something for need,” Pimentel said. also planned to conduct medical Lourdes “Bing” Ll. Pimentel, the employees since “charity She said the spouses were and dental missions, hospital mother of Senate President begins at home.” also mulling the possibility visits and gift-giving activities. Koko Pimentel, is pushing for a Pimentel said the foundation of setting up a gym for the The foundation planned to tap seminar on fi nancial literacy to has lined up a series of seminars employees so they can adopt a the business community, non- “encourage Senate employees every fourth Thursday of the healthier lifestyle. government organizations, the to manage and save their month for the employees as Meanwhile, Director Ma. local government units and money.” part of the Senate Centennial Asuncion Gumabay, SSFI schools for better coordination “Senate employees are celebration (1916-2016). coordinator, said the spouses and implementation of the fi nancially blessed. I want to “These will be a holistic will visit the Philippine General foundation’s projects. Gift- guide the employees on how approach. We will start with the Hospital to check on two of giving activities, Gumabay said, they can manage their fi nances,” fi nancial literacy then values the children’s wards which the would also be held in Luzon, Pimentel said, adding that formation. The seminars could foundation helped construct in Visayas and Mindano, especially since most of the foundation’s be family oriented or they could 2006 and 2008. in calamity stricken areas. SPOUSES / PAGE 5 N E W S PRIB, MROs to work closely in promoting Senate The Public Relations and media. Information Bureau (PRIB) and For her part, BMS Director the Senators’ Media Relations Fleur de Liz Godoy shared Offi cers (MROs) have agreed how the bureau handled the to work closely together to documentation and video strengthen the image of the archiving of plenary sessions, institution after a briefi ng committee hearings and other conducted by PRIB last July 28. Senate activities. More than 52 MROs, Another highlight of the photographers, and other event was the brief talk by Senate media personnel were veteran reporter and radio host present during the briefi ng Cely Bueno of DWIZ, who gave which was held to help the participants tips on how participants address media- Cely Bueno of radio station DWIZ and host of Kapihan sa Senado , senators could work effectively related concerns. gives pointers to media relations officers on how to work with reporters with the Senate media. The event featured during a media briefing conducted by the Public Relations and According to Corro, both presentations led by PRIB Information Bureau. the Senate Secretariat and the Director Raymundo Corro, facilitate media operations Kapihan sa Senado . media staff of the senators detailing the various services in the Senate, through its PMS Director Samuel Santos need to work closely since

MAY - AUGUST 2016 AUGUST - MAY and programs offered by the administrative services like also discussed how PRIB could everyone has a common bureau and its Print Media registration, accreditation, help expand the media coverage objective: to boost the image of 2 Service (PMS) and Broadcast and provision of IDs to media of Senate plenary sessions and our institution. Media Service (BMS). entities assigned to the Senate, committee hearings through “We need to work together. Corro briefed the participants arranging of forums and press press and photo releases for The key is close and integrated on how PRIB could help senators conferences such as the weekly traditional mass and social BRIEFING / PAGE 5 Infomercial gets free airtime SEF distributes Public and private agencies join “We have thought of laws to improve and uplift hands in supporting the Senate doing the infomercial for our the standard of living of the P11M in Centennial infomercial which centennial celebration because ,” Godoy said. will be aired for free this year. it offers numerous advantages, The infomercial is a sequel dividends The infomercial, being not to mention its powerful to another 30-seconder The Senate Employees’ Fund considered as one of the most impact on reaching a wider infomercial launched last June. (SEF) distributed P11 million popular ways of conveying to audience using various media The July infomercial featured in dividends to about 1,700 the public about the institution’s platforms, including television,” the country’s great legislators employees last July 25. centennial celebration, is a Corro added. such as Manuel Quezon, Sergio SEF Chief Executive Offi cer project proposed by the Public Liza Godoy, PRIB’s Broadcast Osmeña Sr., and Manuel Roxas, Ronald Golding said the Relations and Information Media Service director, said among others, who passed cooperative processed and Bureau (PRIB). the infomercial is one of landmark laws for the welfare released a total of 2,421 loan “We were overwhelmed the activities for the Senate of the people, economic applications amounting to by the support from both Centennial anniversary (1916- growth and the protection of P196.393 million this year, or government agencies and 2016). The infomercial will the Filipino’s civil, political and P10.590 million higher than the the private sector. We air the focus on “the 17th Congress’ human rights. P185.803 million loaned out in infomercial for free, saving thrust towards the future. Godoy said the fi rst 2015. hundreds of millions of pesos,” “We want to keep the public infomercial is still being shown “From an initial capital of Bureau Director Raymond Corro informed of the work of the on different TV networks, in P16.5 million, the fund’s total said. Senate…how senators pass INFOMERCIAL / PAGE 5 assets grew to P129.524 million, an increase of P20.470 million HRMS conducts review for career service exams from last year’s P109.054 million,” Golding said. A series of review classes to help to help casual and contractual of Civil Service eligibility,” he He attributed the 19 employees pass the upcoming employees properly prepare for explained. percent increase in assets to Civil Service Commission (CSC) the CSC exams for Professional Most of plantilla positions in the contributions collected examinations are being held and Sub-Professional levels, the Senate Secretariat require and added to the combined as part of the efforts of the which will be held this October applicants to have Civil Service employers’ and employees’ new Senate leadership to drive 23, 2016. eligibility, as mandated by the shareholdings, and the income up regularization among the Earlier, Senate Secretary Civil Service Commission (CSC). netted for fi scal year 2016. Secretariat workforce. Lutgardo Barbo said the Barbo said the new Senate Golding said the cooperative The Senate Human review is in connection with leadership will continue to had actually decreased the Resources Management Service Senate President Aquilino explore ways on how to help dividends by P507, 007 as (HRMS), in coordination with “Koko” Pimentel III’s support deserving Senate employees compared to the dividends the Carl E. Balita Review for the regularization of casual achieve regular positions: “We distributed to its members last Center, is hosting a 13-session employees in the Senate have casual employees who year. review series scheduled from Secretariat. have been working for more He attributed the decrease in September 7 to October 18. “I checked the problem and than 10 or 15 years. That is dividends to several factors such According to a memo issued I found out that a number of very unfair to them.” by the HRMS, the series seeks these cases are due to a lack HRMS / PAGE 5 SEF / PAGE 5 THE SENATE MONITOR: OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SECRETARIAT O P I N I O N FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK By Sammy Santos, Print Media Director A homecoming for Secretary Barbo For an extremely gentle, decorous, and soft- Barbo was a human rights lawyer during martial law. He spoken person, Senate Secretary Lutgardo was one of the original plaintiffs who fi led a class suit against “Lutz” Barbo packs a fi rm and balanced the Marcos Estate, which they won in Honolulu, Hawaii. handshake, which also reveals the man’s Also for his role as a human rights crusader, Barbo earned sense of confi dence, security, and sincerity. a commendatory decision at the Supreme Court through then A human rights lawyer, academician, and Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee, who commented: “Atty. a former local government offi cial, Barbo Lutgardo B. Barbo, counsel for the petitioners, merits the considers being a Senate Secretary not new Court’s commendation for his fearless and unrelenting pursuit Santos to him, having served in the same position in of truth and justice for the tragic victims.” 2000 during the term of then Senate President Nene Pimentel, The autobiographical books of former Senate President father and mentor of incumbent Senate President Koko Jovito R. Salonga, “A Journey of Struggle and Hope” (2001) MAY - AUGUST 2016 Pimentel. and Senator Nene Pimentel, “Martial Law in the : “This is a sort of a homecoming to me,” Barbo told the My Story” (2006), mentioned Barbo for his “courage and Senate Monitor a few days after he assumed his post. “It’s honesty” in the fi eld of human rights protection and promotion. so wonderful, it seems self-fulfi lling. Para akong tumanda na Shortly after being appointed as offi cer-in-charge for the pabalik.” provincial government of Eastern Samar under the auspices of Among the many highlights of his fi rst stint as Senate the 1986 revolutionary government, Barbo became a member Secretary was his role as Senate Impeachment Clerk of of the select group of President Cory Aquino’s “Kabisig Court during the impeachment trial of then President Joseph governors.” Estrada. For three consecutive terms, Barbo was elected governor of 3 Barbo was also the impeachment court spokesperson Eastern Samar. His exemplary performance as governor was that fi elded questions from media. The impeachment trial cut capped in 1997 by a Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the short the term of President Estrada when he stepped out of highest and most coveted honor bestowed by the Civil Service Malacanang in 2001. Commission on government offi cials and employees. Before being named Senate Secretary twice, Barbo Similar to his policy when he was Eastern Samar governor, served as Chief of Staff of both Senators Nene Pimentel and Barbo said he would promote transparency and accountability Koko Pimentel. Before his Senate jobs, he was a three-term in his tasks as Senate Secretary. governor of Eastern Samar where he served for 12 years. “My offi ce doors will always be open to everyone, especially Barbo was President of the Philippine Normal University among Senate employees. There will be no cordon sanitaire (2006-2010) and Taguig City University (2011-2013). here,” he said. SENADO FILES______By Rosella Eugenio, Senado Director Let’s walk the talk It’s nearly two months since the Duterte Filipino people, especially the marginalized and the poor in administration took offi ce and almost a crafting a new law. month since the newly-elected Senate We are optimistic that the new leadership of the Senate President took his seat. President will minimize or end the contractualization of our What strikes me the most of President non-permanent employees and address priority concerns of Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), aside from his campaign against “...shifting to a federal form of illegal drugs under the context of social government creates questions and Eugenio justice was his promise of uplifting the poor by making some improvements in the areas of health, fear among the employees...” education, food and housing, environmental preservation and respect for culture. the employees. Towing the same line, Senate President Koko Pimentel got The leadership is on the right track in its decision of down to the Senate employees as he delivered his speech last opening vacant plantilla positions for possible promotion and July 4 during the fl ag raising ceremony. regular employment. The message was clear: An all-out war on drugs, crime and The support of the administration in the approval of the corruption, budget reform, tax reform, end to contractualization review class for the casual and contractual employees will help and a shift to a federal form of government. a lot in assisting employees acquire necessary eligibility. The idea or plan in shifting to a federal form of government We expect the leadership to maintain and open its creates questions and fear among the employees. doors for regular communication and remove all barriers in Apprehensions such as massive layoffs or dislocation of the advancing the rights and welfare of the employees. To quote employees in establishing a new form of government threatens the Senate President in his speech, “our mantra under this our jobs and security as well as the lives of our families. new government is “the poorest fi rst, the poor second”. In The idea of reapplying for employment creates insecurity, laying our priorities for our employees, we mean to address especially for the middle aged and old ones. We hope that in general, their concerns, especially the neediest, the senior this government as well as our lawmakers in the Senate and citizens or the retirees as well as the lowly paid section of our House of Representatives would consider the security of workforce. If I may borrow Secretary Barbo’s line, let’s walk tenure of the employees as well as its effect on the lives of the the talk.

THE SENATE MONITOR: OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SECRETARIAT N E W S Angara, Villanueva to lead Senate Defenders BY OLIVE CAUNAN The Senate Defenders is more The nine original players than ready to bring home the who are still in the line up championship in the fi fth season are Director General Ronald of the UNTV Cup basketball Golding of the Senate Economic league with the addition of three Planning Offi ce (SEPO), new playing senators and taller, Christian Andaya of the Library more experienced members. Service, Joe Andrew Garcia Senate Defenders Coach of the Public Relations and Rodelio Dacsil said he is Information Bureau (PRIB), confi dent about the team’s Samuel Marata of the Public chances this season, which Assistance Center (PAC), Marlon opened last August 29 at the Legaspi and Reynaldo Malaga SM Mall of Asia. of the Offi ce of Senator Sonny “From sixth place to fourth Angara, Emmanuel Baltazar place, this year we want to win of the Offi ce of Senator Alan the championship,” he said. Peter Cayetano, Warren Tan of At least fi ve senators will be the Offi ce of the Sergeant-at- helping the Defenders in and Arms and Simon Valencia of the The Senate Defenders, led by Senators and Joel MAY - AUGUST 2016 AUGUST - MAY outside of the basketball court Offi ce of Senator . Villanueva (middle), join 12 other teams in the fifth season of the with Senators Sonny Angara UNTV Cup. Other members of the team are (front row L-R) Christian The Senate Defenders will 4 and as the co- Andaya, Samuel Marata, (rear row L-R) Rey Malaga, Simon Valencia, be playing under the coaching team captains. Harry Petilos, Marlon Legaspi, Harley Ng, Rommel Balboa, Ervin expertise of Mike Fermin, A known basketball fan, Bacsal, Ronald Golding, Joe Andrew Garcia, Warren Tan and current assistant coach for the Angara has actively played for Emmanuel Baltazar, along with team coach Rodelio Dascil (5th from Philippine Mighty Sports, the the team as point guard and right) and Benjie Navea (3rd from left). recent champions of the 38th team captain since he was Recto, a veteran member of the have improved,” Dascil said. William Jones Cup last July 31, elected senator in 2013. team. Harley Ng (6’3”) from the 2016. His co-captain, Villanueva, Senators Bam Aquino and Offi ce of Senator Antonio “We’re looking forward to is also no rookie, having played , who are both Trillanes IV is a member of the playing a very good season for for the Malacanang Patriots among the youngest members Mapua Cardinals back in 2005. our benefi ciary organization. for the fi rst four seasons of of the Senate, will also play Rommel Balboa (6’4”), also In the end, the point of this the league. The UST Growling in the court as part of the from the Offi ce of Senator tournament is charity,” Angara Tiger alumni and member of Defenders’ lineup. Trillanes, played for the said. the 1990 RP Youth Team in The Defenders roster will University of Perpetual Help The three benefi ciaries of the Southeast Asian Basketball include former college stars Rizal during his collegiate years. the Senate team are the Kythe Association (SEABA) is expected from the University Athletic Standing 6’3”, Ervic Bacsal Foundation, a non-government to increase the team’s shooting Association of the Philippines from the Offi ce of Senator organization (NGO) for children ability, especially beyond the (UAAP) and the National Trillanes, will also be an asset diagnosed with cancer and perimeter. Collegiate Athletic Association to the team together with Ryan other chronic illness, Bahay Joining them is Defender’s (NCAA). Neil Endaya of the Offi ce of Pangarap Foundation in team manager – Senate “In terms of ceiling, we Senator Gringo Honasan, who City and Share-an-Opportunity Minority Floor Leader Ralph became bigger. Agility-wise, we will be returning to the team. Philippines. Perseverance pays off for new PAC lawyer EDITORIAL STAFF If anybody had told a young parents wrong, Nine enrolled the bar for the Sammy Santos Niniveh Lao that she would for a master’s degree in biology people around EditorinChief be a lawyer someday, her and planned to get a doctorate. me,” Nine said. Yvonne Almirañez reply would be a resounding “My life at the Public Assistance Nine Managing Editor no. “That was the last thing Center became routine since promised Pilar Macrohon I wanted to do,” Niniveh, I entered the Senate in 2002. herself she’d News Editor or Nine, told her friends. “I That’s when I decided to try stop if she’d Apple Buenaventura wanted to be a doctor. That’s my hand at law because my fail the bar Lao Layout Ar st why I took biology at the De La parents were very persistent.” on her third Olive Caunan Salle University.” After graduating from the try because it would mean an Mae Miranda However, Nine’s dream to Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng automatic refresher course. Writers be a doctor met a bump due Maynila’s College of Law Nine “My mom kept on pushing me Joel Locsin to fi nancial problems. Her told herself that law would not because my bar ratings were Lora Queñano Contributors parents told her to try her luck be for her if she would fail the close to the passing rate,” she at the Senate. “They thought bar on her fi rst try. She felt recalled. Romeo Bugante Albert Calvelo that I would have an interest the same way on her second “I never thought I would be Alex Nueva España in law once I worked in the try but took the bar exam so ecstatic hearing the news,” Cesar Tomambo Senate. They really wanted anyways. “On my second take Nine said on passing the bar. In Photographers me to become a lawyer,” Nine I didn’t study at all because I my opinion, failure is one way Raymond Corro explained. felt like I gave everything in of making you a better person,” Liza Godoy Editorial Consultants Wanting to prove her my fi rst try. I was just taking she said. (Apple Buenaventura)

THE SENATE MONITOR: OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SECRETARIAT

Spouses... Pimentel... FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 She said the foundation also new Senate leadership would planned to produce a coffee be supportive of the shift to table book on travel and food federalism and other reforms featuring the popular dishes to help the “faceless, voiceless, of the spouses’ respective powerless, defenseless, and provinces. The project would penniless members of Philippine be spearheaded by Senator society.” Zubiri’s wife, Audrey; Sen. “In short, our mantra under Angara’s wife, Elvira and Sen. this new government is: "The Joel Villanueva’s wife, Gladys. Poorest First, the Poor Second!" he said.

The spouses took their oath MAY - AUGUST 2016 of offi ce before Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III New Senate Secretary: last August 16. Aside from Federalism no cause for alarm Pimentel, the other offi cers Senate Secretary Lutgardo include Milagros G. Drilon (vice- Barbo echoed Pimentel’s president), Katherine Gordon statements, saying that “there (treasurer), Elvira Angara and is no basis for fear that the Gladys Villanueva (secretaries); employees of the Senate will Zubiri and Niel V. Llamanzares, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (extreme left) lose their jobs.” (public relations offi cers); and administers the oath of office to the newly-elected officers of the “I think so far there is no 5 lawyer Maria Donnah Guia C. Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc. (SSFI) last August 16. SSFI’s cause for alarm. Besides, there new set of officers are (from left) Lourdes Ll. Pimentel, Milagros G. will always be a proviso in the Lerona-Camitan, representing Drilon, Katherine H. Gordon, Elvira E. Angara, Gladys C. Villanueva, Sen. , as the Maria Donnah Guia C. Lerona-Camitan, Audrey T. Zubiri and Niel V. revised Constitution that the foundation’s legal counsel. Llamanzares. present set up of public offi cials, meaning the tenure of the employees will be respected, SEF... and assuming that we will FROM PAGE 2 month to an equivalent 12 saying that these two loan retrench, they will be paid as a reduction of interest rate percent for one year and 18 facilities are “expensive and correspondingly,” he said. on loans of investments from percent for two years to only 24 non-benefi cial to the fund’s Rather than losing personnel, fi ve percent to two percent; percent for three years for an members”. Barbo, who served as Senate extending the term of property average of only eight percent Senate employees can avail Secretary during the 11th and multi-purpose loans from per year for property and multi- of SEF’s loan facilities like short Congress from year 2000 to two to three years – a reduction purpose loans. term loan, assistance loan, 2001, said that it is more likely of six percent from 12 percent in Golding said the Board, property loan, multi- purpose that the Senate would have to the interest rate being collected through Resolution No 2015- loan, emergency loan and loan hire more employees, to cope in advance; and a reduction 003, also discontinued the in investment, Golding said. with the legislative needs of a of interest of one percent per special and personal loans, (Yvonne A. Almirañez) federal state. “There is no cause for Infomercial... anxiety. Perhaps there is nothing to fear but fear itself,” FROM PAGE 2 The Senate Centennial other activities such as the he said. Committee has also slated a continuation of the Senate between movie breaks in Ayala dinner reunion for former and centennial lecture series, a Regularize casuals too Malls Cinemas, SM, Shang incumbent senators as part one-day festival which includes Meanwhile, Pimentel said Cineplex, Greenhills Theater and of the centennial anniversary. a motorcade, torch parade, he would encourage and Eastwood Cinemas as well as in The event, which aims to fi reworks display, and an support the regularization of various airports and seaports, bring together both old and outdoor concert/cultural variety casual workers in the Senate the LED boards of Mercury Drug new senators for a night of show. There is also a plan Secretariat, having been Corporation branches and those nostalgia, will be held at the to invite present and former informed that there are more in the stations of the Metro Rail Senate Session Hall of the old Senate employees to join the than 200 casual employees in Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Congress building, now the celebrations. the Senate Secretariat. Transit (LRT). National Museum. The committee also proposed "Since I am joining “We are happy to say that In a meeting held last a plan to intensify public the President’s call to end the fi rst infomercial was a August 18, the Senate awareness of the centennial contractualization, I have resounding success. We aim to Centennial Committee, with celebration by placing ads in the to be consistent and call achieve the same success with Senate Secretary Lutgardo country’s leading newspapers. for the minimization of the sequel,” Godoy said. Barbo presiding, proposed (Yvonne A. Almirañez) contractualization’s equivalent in the public sector, which is HRMS... Briefi ng... casualization." FROM PAGE 2 FROM PAGE 2 also served as a venue where "I have heard of the union’s “We start helping these coordination, regardless of the senators’ new and old programs to assist our casuals casuals by making sure that political colors or affi liation, media staff could acquaint or become regulars. I will support they are eligible in the fi rst because we all work under one reacquaint with each other and said programs as we have the place,” Barbo added. (Jardine roof,” he said. establish closer working ties. same goal," he said. (Jardine Chua) He said the PRIB briefi ng (Olive Caunan) Chua) THE SENATE MONITOR: OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SECRETARIAT

The Senate of the 17th Congress sees the presence of fi ve new senators – Leila de Lima, Sherwin Gatchalian, , Manny Pacquaio, and Joel Villanueva. While new to the Senate, all fi ve are veterans in public service. Gatchalian, De Lima Gatchalian Hontiveros Pacquiao Villanueva Hontiveros, Pacquiao and Villanueva have previously served as members of the House of Representatives, while de Lima, Hontiveros and Villanueva all worked in the executive branch under the Aquino administration.

Expect the Senate’s work MAY - AUGUST 2016 AUGUST - MAY to benefi t from the unique perspectives and abilities that Senators pose for a souvenir photo after the opening of the 1st Regular Session of the 17 th Congress. 6 the Senate’s newcomers will offer. Barbo... FROM PAGE 1 the most pressing concerns of the Monday to Thursday Pimentel Jr., father of current Senate employees. He talks to working schedule. We need Senate President Aquilino the Senate Monitor to share his to coordinate our working “Koko” Pimentel III, in his insights so far: efforts with the House of now-famous resignation during Representatives, which shares the Senate impeachment trial On regularization of casuals: the same schedule as us. of former President Joseph We have casual employees Estrada. who have been working for On taxes to Senate bonuses: The former local executive more than 10 or 15 years. Remember the Senate and academic is particularly That is very unfair to them. has what you call ‘fi scal proud of serving under both So I checked the problem and autonomy.’ It can spend its Pimentels, who are the fi rst I found out that a number own money that it wants and second Mindanaoans to of these cases were due to to, along the parameters ever hold the position: “You lack of Civil Service eligibility. set by Commission on Audit feel that you are a part of So I have tasked the Human (COA). It cannot be dictated contemporary history, when Resources Service Management upon by other branches of Barbo you think the father and son (HRMS) to organize lectures government since this is the that we have no authority to became the Senate President in on how to pass the exam, and budget that we asked, subject veer away from. In my watch, a span of 16 years, and I was get as many applicants as we to reasonableness. So long as we have to enforce these, for the Senate Secretary during can since the next round of it is justifi able - and it can be example, matters of absences both terms.” Civil Service examinations is justifi ed- we will go ahead with and attendance, and other For Barbo, transparency in October. We start helping the present system. misdemeanors or violations and accessibility is key to good these casuals by making sure about which penalties are leadership. that they are eligible in the fi rst On the Centennial imposable. I hate to do that – In speeches, he repeatedly place. Anniversary: iyan ang ayaw ko , but I have invites employees to his offi ce We have many programs to do it. I have suspended to voice out their needs and On promotion for employees: planned for the upcoming or dismissed people before, concerns, stressing that his I will call for a Selection and event, such as the treeplanting according to the rules, and offi ce “will have no cordon Promotions Board for every (and tree growing) event, the after due investigation. sanitaire.” organic vacancy. Those who Senate lecture series, and the “I used to have this really want to get promoted, and dinner with past and present On the Senate Performance big drawing in my offi ce which those who feel that they should senators. We are also working Management System: features a hand pointing at get promoted, they should on a new infomercial on the I will look into that. the on-looker,” he says. “It sound off the board, and we Senate’s legacy featuring the Gusto ko maging effi cient read: The public is not an will decide. I would like to be Senate President. tayo na totoo, hindi lang interruption to our work. The fair with them. kunyari-kunyari . It should be public IS our work. I have On maintaining discipline: properly documented. I want remembered that ever since.” On 5-day work schedule: I like to think that we are my judgment on workers’ Barbo says he intends to be That’s completely out of all compliant with the rules, performance to always have fair and focused in addressing the question. We will maintain but there are Civil Service rules concrete basis. THE SENATE MONITOR: OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SECRETARIAT Chiefs... FROM PAGE 8 accountability, and transparency. He also takes pride in saying the transport group sector holds a special place in his heart, as his CELIA S. MARASIGAN grandfathergran was a jeepney driver. Offi ce of Senator II After graduating from La Salle Greenhills in 1991, Lacson entereden the Philippine Military Academy, seeking to follow in his Although she is known for her soft- father’sfath footsteps. It was at the PMA where he learned the motto spoken and motherly ways, the story of that cadets “do not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate among us those Celia Sunga Marasigan, Senator Gringo whowh do so.” He has additionally earned a degree in aviation at Honasan’s chief-of-staff, is defi ned by the Airlink International Aviation College. determination and hard work. A true Lacson is also a successful businessman, having displayed a success story of an employee who worked keenke eye for business when he realized it was not his calling to her way to the top, Marasigan fi rst started be in the military. (Joel Locsin) her career in government when she joined Marasigan MAY - AUGUST 2016 the offi ce of Senator John Osmeña in 1988 as HERMINIO BAGRO III an accounting clerk, and was soon promoted to an administrative Offi ce of Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan assistant. Marasigan rose from the ranks by proving herself to be a When Senator Francis N. Pangilinan won diligent and dependable individual. In 1989, she was promoted a senatorial seat in the 2016 elections, he to the position of Legislative Staff Offi cer III, and in 1992, she was chose Herminio C. Bagro III, a young and Legislative Staff Offi cer IV. brilliant lawyer, to be his chief of staff. Later in August of 1996, Marasigan transferred to the Offi ce Born to a family of humble means, Bagro of Senator Gregorio Honasan II where she held a position as obtained his degree in Philosophy from the Legislative Staff Offi cer VI. She was promoted to Director 1V in University of the Philippines Diliman and 7 1998 and again in 2001 as Director V. later fi nished law at the UP College of Law, A hardworking and effi cient worker who always smiles no Bagro through scholarship grants from the Bank of matter the circumstance, Marasigan became Honasan’s chief- Tokyo-Mitsubishi Foundations, Justice Irene of staff in 2007, and has held the position since then. (Yvonne R. Cortes and Owen White of Australia. He placed 8th among 5, Almirañez) 903 examinees during the 2010 bar exams. Bagro fi rst entered government service as part of the legal staff RAFAEL P. ALBERT of the First Division of the National Labor Relations Commission Offi ce of Senator Risa Hontiveros while studying law. In 2010, he joined the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) as the chief-of-staff of then PMS Serving the government is not a new Secretary Julia Abad. He was later appointed Undersecretary endeavour for Raffy Albert, the chief-of-staff and Deputy Head of the PMS, when he completed his Master of the offi ce of Senator Risa Hontiveros, a of Arts degree in Public Administration at the Maxwell School seasoned activist and public worker. of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University as a Before working at the Senate, Albert served Fulbright scholar in 2014. as the assistant secretary of the Offi ce of Bagro said that the job isn’t new to him, but is not without Political Affairs (OPA) in Malacañang from adjustments: “I expect to see a Senate that is independent, Albert 2011 to 2016.He is also no stranger to the effi cient, fi scally responsible, and responsive to the needs of the legislative branch, having served as political people. I also expect a lot of long hours, negotiations, and new adviser to former Representatives and Mario Aguja friends.” (MaeJoy Albano-Miranda) of the Citizens’ Action Party. Before entering government service, Albert worked with various non-government organizations (NGOs) such as the Freedom from JOANNE D. HABER Debt Coalition (FDC) and the Center for Popular Empowerment Offi ce of Senator Joel Villanueva (CPE), where he helped build networks of support organizations for urban poor communities and other marginalized sectors. The chief-of-staff of Senator Joel The University of Santo Tomas (UST) alumnus is also an Villanueva, Joanne Haber is hardly experienced campaign strategist, who helped with the successful new to public service, having been in campaign of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, the current the government for almost 20 years. A Senate President, in 2013. Three years later, he offered his veteran public worker with a solid record of services to his long-time comrade, Risa Hontiveros, who then excellence, she started her public service made the long-time activist and public servant her chief-of-staff career as Secretary II at the Internal Audit upon her victory. (Lora D. Queñano) Service of the Department of Social Service and Development (DSWD) in 1997. Haber RONALD JAY P. LACSON After 10 years of able performance at the DSWD, she took her Offi ce of Senator Panfi lo M. Lacson talents to the Senate where she worked as director in the offi ce of then Senator Benigno S. Aquino III from 2007-2010. Proving Like father, like son. This aptly describes herself to be adept in managing people and accomplishing Ronald Jay Lacson, who is currently the chief tasks, she joined Aquino in Malacanang when he became the of staff of Senator Panfi lo M. Lacson. While country’s 15th president, as Director IV at the Private Offi ce of the he keeps a relatively low profi le, Lacson has President. displayed a quiet brand of leadership that has It was during her stint at Malacanang where her outstanding earned his father’s trust. service was recognized, and she was awarded the 2015 It is Lacson’s second time to serve as his Outstanding Public Offi cials and Employees (Dangal ng Bayan) father’s chief of staff, having fi rst served in by the Civil Service Commission. this capacity in 2007. Before his Senate stint, Lacson Haber joined the offi ce of Senator Joel Villanueva as his chief Lacson has rallied various advocacy groups of staff to lend her skills and experiences to the neophyte senator. against corruption while promoting good governance, public (Olive Caunan)

THE SENATE MONITOR: OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SECRETARIAT

S DANIEL T. SALOMON was managing partner. She was also a court attorney at the Court Offi ce of Senate Pres. Aquilino L. Pimentel III of Tax Appeals, and served as legal counsel to the offi ce of then Representative Robert “Dodot” Jaworksi. Being the chief-of-staff of the Senate While possessing different backrgrounds and perspectives, E President is no easy task, but Daniel Sawali and Camitan share a common love for teaching: Sawali Alejandro Salomon, a veteran lawyer is a lecturer at the Angeles University Foundation, while Camitan with credentials both from the private taught law subjects as a substitute professor at the University of and public sector, has the experience Makati. (Jardine Chua) and expertise to get the job done, and N Salomon get it done well. SARAH LOU Y. ARRIOLA Salomon joined the offi ce of Senator Offi ce of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel in 2012, but his fi rst stint at the Senate was in 1989, as a legal and technical assistant If there is one word to describe Senator Alan for the offi ce of Senator , where he ably Peter Cayetano’s chief of staff, it would be A prepared Senate bills, resolutions, and legal comments on brilliant. pending Senate legislation. Sarah Lou Ysmael Arriola earned her A true-blue Atenean who received his Bachelor of degree in AB Communication at the Ateneo Science and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1993 and her law T De Manila University, Salomon started out as an insurance Arriola degree in the same university fi ve years later. adjuster in 1985 and practiced law throughout the She also holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree 90’s with two law fi rms, handling various civil, criminal, in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex administrative and other cases until he became a partner in United Kingdom as a scholar under the British Chevening in the law fi rm Salomon, Gonong and Dela Cruz in 1999. programme in 2004. E Salomon was the Secretary of the National Youth Arriola serves as the chief of the Investigation Service of the Commission from 1996 to 1998 and a legal consultant to Senate Blue Ribbon Oversight Offi ce Management. She has then Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan Jr., from 2004 to 2007. taught law subjects at the Philippine Judicial Academy and at the He has also taught law subjects at the Sienna College of Ateneo de Manila University Law School. Taytay in 1986, and at the Ateneo de Manila University in Arriola has lent her skills to various local and international 1991. (Yvonne Almirañez) advocacy groups, such as the Ateneo Human Rights like the Law Association for the Asia and the Pacifi c (LAWASIA), the Adhikain para sa Karapatang Pambata (AKAP), and the Women’s Rights FHILIP D. SAWALI & DONNA LERONA-CAMITAN AcAction Watch Asia-Pacifi c (IWRAW Asia Pacifi c). S Offi ce of Senator Leila De Lima She also served as a legal consultant of the government monitoringmo committee for the joint committee of the Senator Leila de Lima has entrusted the ComprehensiveCo Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and role of chiefs-of- staff to two seasoned InternationalIn Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) between the state lawyers who have proven themselves andan the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). N within and outside of government service, Fhilip Sawali and Donna Lerona- Camitan. KRKRISTA GEM J. MERCADO Before working at the Senate, Sawali OfOffi ce of Senator Manny Pacquiao served as a political and communication Sawali strategist for De Lima’s campaign in the A two-time chief of staff of Senator Manny A 2016 elections. He was a legal consultant to various Pacquiao, Krista Gem Mercado is best national, local and regional public offi ces, including the described by those who work with her as Special Presidential Task Force 156 under the offi ce of smart and kind. then President Gloria Macapagal Mercado had previously served as ArArroyo. Pacquiao’s chief of staff when he was P He was also the managing partner reelected at the House of Representatives of the Belmonte Sison Sawali Quetua in 2013, after joining his staff as a Political Mercado anand Punzalan Law Offi ces, and has Affairs Offi cer III in 2010. woworked in private fi rms and a non- A straight “A” student, Mercado received her Bachelor of Arts S gogovernment organization (NGO). Degree in Sociology at the University of the Philippines in 2005. In An alumni of the University of the 2008, she earned her degree in Master of Arts in Social Science PhPhilippines College of Law (2002), in Mainland China and Asia-Pacifi c Studies at the National Sun- SaSawali also devotes his time to various Yat Sen University in Taiwan, through a Taiwan government adadvocacies as a member of the Free scholarship. She was working in the executive branch as a H Camitan LegalLe Assistance Group (FLAG) and the research offi cer in the Offi ce of the President in 2010 when she Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). fi rst met Pacquiao, then a fi rst termer Saranggani representative. On the other hand, Camitan traces a long history During her stint in the House, she fi nished an Executive of working with the neophyte senator, going back to a Education program at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of paralegal in the De Lima and Menez law offi ce. Like Government in 2015. O de Lima, Camitan is also an election lawyer, and was a Her staff describe her as “a people’s person with a good consultant to the Senate Committee on People’s Reform character” and speak highly of her kindness and compassion as a and People’s Participation. Her fi rst stint in the Senate boss. was back in 1998 as a staff of former Senate President For herself, she notes that she and her principal have a bigger T Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. role to play now that they are in the Senate: “I know that I have A graduate of Arellano University School of Law, more responsibilities now than when we were still at the Lower Camitan has also worked with various private law fi rms, House, since our constituents are no longer limited to our district.” such as the Lerona – Camitan Law Offi ce and the Abellon (MaeJoy Albano-Miranda) Camitan Demetria & Associates Law Offi ce, where she S CHIEFS / PAGE 7