Col. Querubin in NP senatorial slate

Nacionalista Party (NP) President Manny Villar announced the inclusion of Marine Col. Ariel Querubin in the party's senatorial slate following a thanksgiving mass in anticipation of the colonel's retirement on Nov. 30.

The NP standard-bearer said, "I am honored to announce the inclusion in the Nacionalista Party senatorial line-up of a public servant whose love for country is unquestionable and whose service to the defense of freedom all of us should emulate."

"Si Col. Ariel Querubin ay hinubog ng Philippine Marine Corps sa pamamagitan ng motto nito: Karangalan, katungkulan, kabayanihan. Kumbinsido akong ang mga katangiang iyan ang makikita natin sa paglilingkod niya bilang isang Senador," Villar stressed.

"Ngayon, ang kalaban natin ay hindi ang pananakop sa ating bayan kundi ang ating pagkalugmok sa kahirapan. Isang bagong pag-aalsa ang marapat nating isulong, isang rebolusyong magpapalaya sa ating bansa sa kahirapan."

"At isang karangalan para sa aking makasama?sa ating laban para sugpuin ang kahirapan, labanan ang katiwalian at itaguyod ang interes ng mga Pilipino?ang isang magiting, matapat, at marangal na kawal ng mamamayang Pilipino, si Col. Ariel Querubin," Villar said.

The most bemedalled officer in the history of the Republic, Querubin is considered a "living hero," having been awarded the coveted Medal of Valor for heroism and bravery displayed in combat above and beyond the call of duty.

The colonel, who donned his military uniform at the event with his Medal of Valor, gained prominence after a seven-hour stand-off in Fort Bonifacio during the alleged coup plot of February 2006 against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Among his numerous achievements include the neutralization of the notorious Abu Sabaya, and the capture of Camp John Mack, and the liberation of the municipality of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

Querubin, who continues to face mutiny charges, is a member of the PMA Class of 1979. He earned his Masters in Defense Studies degree from the University of Canberra in Australia.

With a platform of military reform, anti-corruption and good governance, Querubin will be the first Medal of Valor awardee to seek a Senate seat after his fellow Ilocano, the late President Marcos.

Querubin's wife Pong and their seven children, vice-presidential bet Sen. Loren Legarda's father Tony Legarda, and Villar's children Mark and Camille attended the mass held at the St. Ignatius Cathedral in Camp Aguinaldo, followed by a lunch at the colonel's quarters. X