MEETING RUSSIA'S COUNCIL OF FEDERATION CHAIR : Senate President Franklin M. Drilon (middle) speaks to Valentina Matvienko (left), Chairperson of Russia's Council of Federation, during her courtesy call with members of the Philippine Senate held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on Monday, November 10, 2014. Drilon welcomed Russia's renewed focus and interest in the Asia-Pacific region and hoped that the Russia's present policy thrust will bring greater opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. Also in picture are (from left to right, right row) Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, acting Minority Leader Sen. Vicente Sotto III, and Senators Aquilino Pimentel III and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV. (PRIB Photo by Joseph Vidal, November 10, 2014)