QUEZON CITY – Three senatorial aspirants pledged on Tuesday, February 25, to push for a corrected narrative on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), combat corruption, and prioritize the people’s agenda if elected to the 20th Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
During the Kapihan sa Eurotel Media Forum, hosted by Dr. Danilo Mangahas and journalist Alvin Pelobelo, Marine Col. Ariel Querubin (Ret.) emphasized the need for a unified stance on the WPS, citing the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Querubin, a former operations officer of the AFP West Command, stressed that the WPS narrative should be clarified, stating, “Filipinos should unite and say that the WPS is ours.”
Querubin proposed the Self-Reliance Defense Posture Act to strengthen military and maritime defenses amid continued territorial disputes in the region. He also underscored the importance of commemorating the EDSA People Power Revolution as a symbol of unity, urging a national dialogue to overcome political divisiveness. “We should unite because we have a common enemy,” he said, pointing to external threats and internal disunity.
Querubin criticized the divisive nature of political impeachment processes, referring to the impeachment of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona as “very political” and not based on merit. He called for impartiality and decisions based on evidence, rather than political influence.
Rep. Bonifacio Bosita (1-Rider Partylist) echoed Querubin’s sentiments on prioritizing public welfare over political gain. He highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending and called for fair implementation of laws affecting the motorcycle-riding public, including the 20% discount that should be fairly applied.
Bosita abstained from signing the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing his principles and the need for substantial evidence. “There is a bigger problem that should be prioritized, which is the misuse of public funds,” he said.
He also advocated for a diplomatic approach to the WPS issue, stressing that poverty and corruption are interconnected. “Kung hindi naghihirap, walang korap,” he stated, underscoring the need to uplift the economic condition of Filipinos to eliminate corruption.
Allen Capuyan, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), focused on social justice as the essence of the EDSA People Power Revolution. He vowed to push for the people’s agenda, emphasizing the need to correct historical narratives about the WPS and establish a unified national stance.
Capuyan proposed a comprehensive study on the WPS issue and called for the Executive and Judiciary branches to formulate an official position. “This narrative about the WPS should be corrected,” he emphasized.
If elected, Capuyan aims to focus on National Security Strategy and Vision 2030, prioritizing social justice and addressing corruption. He cited the P90 billion unprogrammed funds that could be used for infrastructure development, such as constructing two MRT lines.
Common Ground and Unity Beyond Politics
Despite their different backgrounds, the three aspirants expressed a shared commitment to unity beyond politics, vowing to serve the Filipino people with integrity and dedication. Querubin emphasized, “The love of country is not about money. It should be service to the people.”
With their shared stance on national security, anti-corruption, and people-centered governance, Querubin, Bosita, and Capuyan aim to bring courageous and principled leadership to the Senate if elected to the 20th Congress.#
