By: Adela Garapan Ida
Sen. Gregorio Honasan was the Guest Speaker during the Pandesal Forum held at the Kamuning Bakery Coffee Shop, Kamuning, Quezon City, Tuesday, January 19, 2016.
He was likewise a candidate vying for VICE-PRESIDENT seat with his running mate Jejomar Binay as PRESIDENT under the UNA Party List Coalition.
At this juncture, Sen. Honasan confided that after his term as Senator for 18 years his plan actually is not to enter politics anymore. He would rather stay with his family and serve as a layman.
Furthermore, Sen. Honasan informed that he had served in the military service for 17 years and had received various awards and distinction for his valuable performance in the service.
But because politics is his destiny, and through the encouragement of his colleagues and friends to continue his political career he was chosen by the Selection Board Committee to run for VICE-PRESIDENT with his running mate Jejomar Binay candidate for PRESIDENT. He had no other option but to accept the offer by the Party List Coalition and willingly to run as candidate for this position for that matter.
In this regard, the Party List Coalition organized and established the following PLATFORMS;
- POVERTY ALLEVIATION
- JOB/EMPLOYMENT GENERATION
- SECURITY
Sen. Honasan was informed that SECURITY was his contribution to the PLATFORMS. His top most priority must not only the Police Force and the Army Force. He would ensure that every homes must be safe and well protected with the visibility of Police Force within the area, to put more lightings in the streets and alleys particularly in depressed and critical areas.
At this point, Sen. Honasan was asked regarding the issue of EDCA (ENHANCED DEFENSE COOPERATION AGREEMENT) In this regard, Sen. Miriam Defensor commented that this is a sensitive and serious issues that should be taken into consideration by our government officials. It should not only an AGREEMENT but must be a TREATY. The military welfare and interest is at stake so that the negotiation must be transparent.
The military are optimistic that the conflict between China and U.S. must be settled that the military should not be caught in the middle. Set aside their vested interest and instead work together for a common goal….WORLD PEACE.#
