KIKO PANGILINAN: 15th CONGRESS MUST BE THE SPRINGBOARD FOR THE COUNTRY TO GAIN DEVELOPED NATION STATUS IN 15 YEARS

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan says that the 15th Congress has a golden opportunity to be the springboard from which the Philippines will achieve developed nation status in 15 years.

"Key pieces of legislation in infrastructure modernization, justice system modernization, modernizing our tourism and agriculture industries, ending armed conflict, and engaging public participation in governance can propel our nation to where we should be. Let's think big. Let's have grand vision. Let's think in terms of the next generation. Let's go beyond the tip of our noses, which is sadly what many of our leaders fail to do."

Pangilinan adds that both congress and senate will need to live up to the expectations of the Filipino people, whose fervent need for change has them electing an unlikely candidate as President.

"The unprecedented May 2010 people's electoral victory must be the guidepost by which we are to provide leadership for our nation. The victory of our people must be translated into change we all wish to see. We cannot go back to politics as usual. We cannot throw away and squander the gains of this people's victory by shutting the people out in favor of decision-making by a few. As far possible, the people must be allowed to engage with their leaders both in the national and local levels."

Pangilinan adds that although the 15th Congress faces tough challenges ahead, he is confident that genuine changes can be implemented through the Aquino administration.

"The May 2010 polls tells us that our people want real change. They do not wish for more of the same inutile and decadent politics and governance. The people want results. They do not want political infighting, or the usual horse trading and the mindless and bankrupt politics that come with it. We cannot let our people down."