Manifestation/Explanation of Vote Approval on Third Reading of Senate Bill No. 1563 (Height Equality Bill)

I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the principal author of the bill, Sen. Zubiri and to other co-authors, Senate President Sotto III, Sens. Lacson, Tolentino, Pacquiao, Revilla, Gatchalian, Go, Villanueva and Marcos.

Today, we translate into practice the credo of our former President Ramon A. Magsaysay, who was also a former member of the Philippine Army, and I quote: "I believe that he who has less in life should have more in law."

Indeed, Mr. President, with the passage today of Senate Bill No. 1563 or the PNP, BFP, BJMP and BuCor Height Equality Bill which we hope will soon be enacted into law, we give more in law to those who have less in height. We make an important contribution in addressing the existing social inequality for those who have not been gifted with towering height.

It has often been said that we are all created in God's likeness. Unfortunately, those who are not blessed with height are almost always discriminated against in biblical proportions. Who could ever forget the story of David, who vanquished Goliath, a much larger and taller opponent? Today, as in biblical times, we learn an important lesson, the limitation in height will always be compensated by the abundance in heart and spirit.

Legislated requirements restrict our vertically challenged countrymen in their desire to serve as law enforcers, firemen, jail officers and correction officers. If we continue to allow physical attributes as basis of entry into government service, and if as legislators, we have only done so little to change this practice, are we not shortchanging our people, the Filipinos who gave us our legislative mandate.

Sa araw na ito, pinatunayan natin na tayong mga senador ay hinalal upang ipagtanggol ang "maliliit" - literally and figuratively, Mr. President. Our people expect no shortcomings from us. Indeed, there is no tall order that cannot be conquered.

Maraming salamat po sa pagbibigay ninyo ng pag-asa at oportunidad para sa mga nakararami nating kababayan upang makapaglingkod ng tapat at buong puso sa bayan.

Maraming salamat po!