MESSAGE OF SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN M. DRILON

My dear colleagues in this chamber,

We adjourn today to join the Christian world in celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I wish each of you blessings of love, joy, peace and good health.

This festive season is an opportune time to express our profound appreciation and gratitude to our family, community, co-workers and friends for their unconditional love and unwavering support. And most of all, to thank our Lord Almighty for the wonderful blessings He bestowed on us.

As we close our sessions this year, my heart swells with gratitude and pride as I thank the Honorable Senators, the staff and the Senate Secretariat, for initiating relief efforts for the victims of typhoon Yolanda, Bohol earthquake and the siege of Zamboanga City. These catastrophes were of epic proportions, killing hundreds of our people and displacing thousands more. I commend your activities to raise funds for livelihood projects that would help the victims rebuild their lives. Every good thing that you do for them would make a huge difference in their lives.

On behalf of the Philippine Senate, I would like to assure our people that this democratic institution will continue to be responsive to their needs, institute meaningful reforms and work for the attainment of our development goals.

May the spirit of Christmas remain with us even after the holidays are over. And may the coming year bring in more blessings to you and your family.

Merry Christmas! God bless you all.