Sen. Robin Bill Assures Indigenous Peoples Bigger Share of Revenues from Natural Resources
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla has filed a bill assuring Indigenous Peoples (IPs) a bigger share of revenues generated from natural resources within the territories of indigenous cultural communities. Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, filed on Tuesday Senate Bill 2869, which introduces amendments to the 27-year-old Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997 (IRPA). “The right of Indigenous communities to access natural resources and the revenues derived therefrom is fundamental and must be recognized and respected,” he said in his bill, which provides a mechanism for the distribution of such revenues. He added the proposed amendment in his bill “seeks to establish clear and enforceable entitlements for our Indigenous brothers and sisters” to safeguard against potential abuses in the exploitation of natural resources within the territories of IPs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs). Under the bill, IPs and ICCs shall have a five-percent share of net revenues generated from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources including natural gas projects found in territories “covered by a native, traditional or customary title in their favor.” Currently, IPs get only about one percent share of such revenues. During his visits to IP communities last October, Padilla had promised to strengthen their claim to revenues generated from natural resources in their territories. “Kailangan po natin mabago, madagdagan ang batas at maiilagay po doon, na kung ano kinikita ng inyong lupa (We must amend the law and specify how much your share should be),” he said in a visit to Mangyans in Mindoro last October.
Sen. Robin: Let’s Not Insert Politics into ‘War on Drugs’ Hearing
Let’s not insert politics into the Senate’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs.” This was the plea made Monday by Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla at the hearing on the matter. Padilla said the threat from illegal drugs and drug syndicates cannot be denied, as drugs were even manufactured in the New Bilibid Prison where he was jailed for some years. “Napagusapan po natin ang mga biktima ng sinasabing war on drugs pero hindi po natin napagusapan ang mga biktima ng mga durugista, kung paano pinapatay ang kanilang mga anak, pinapatay ang kanilang mga asawa, pinapatay ang kanilang mga kapitbahay, kung paano sinira ng droga ang buhay ng mga pamilya ng OFW (We talk about the victims of the war on drugs but we have not talked about the victims of drug syndicates – how they and their loved ones are killed, or how drugs have ruined the families of overseas Filipino workers),” he said. “Totoo po ang buhay ng isang tao, yan ay bigay ng Diyos, yan ay kayamanan, yan ay regalo sa atin ng Diyos. Pero mga mahal kong kababayan, ang atin pong bayan ay nasa bingit ng napakalaking kapahamakan. Kung hindi po titindig ang ating kapulisan, kung hindi tatayo ang ating law enforcement, tayo ay tatalunin ng mga sindikatong naghahari nagluluto ng droga kung saan saan (It is true that a life is a gift from God. But our nation is in deep trouble. If our police do not act, we will be defeated by the drug syndicates),” he added. Padilla stressed it would be wrong to blame all deaths from the “war on drugs” on the Duterte administration, adding the drug problem is now worldwide. “Kung walang tatayo para lumaban dito paano ang kinabukasan ng mga anak natin? Paano ang kinabukasan ng bayan natin (If no one will stand up and fight this menace, what future will our children and nation have)?” he asked.
Sen. Robin: Country Needs Pro-Federalism Senators
“Ang kailangan ko lang, maghalal kayo ng senador na naniniwala sa pederalismo (I need you to vote for senators who believe in federalism).” This was the request of Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla on Tuesday after he visited Simunul town in Tawi-Tawi to join the observation of the National Month of Indigenous Peoples. Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, is a vocal advocate of federalism. “Ang pakiusap ko lang sana mga mahal kong kapatid, sa darating na eleksyon maghalal kayo ng naniniwala sa pederalismo. Panahon na para ang bayang Pilipinas ay maging pederal. Ibig sabihin, mas magiging malapit sa inyo ang gobyerno (My request to my dear brethren is to elect those who believe in federalism. It is time for the Philippines to become federal, where the government will be closer to the people),” he said in his speech. “Lahat na hiling sa akin ni mayor, ni governor, lahat na paguusapan naming proyekto aprub kaagad. Wala nang usap-usap, yun na yun. Ang kailangan ko lang maghalal kayo ng senador na naniniwala sa pederalismo (I have no problem with the requests of the mayor and governor for projects. But I need the people to elect pro-federalism senators),” he added. In July 2022, Padilla filed Senate Resolution 6, calling for amending some provisions of the Constitution to allow federalism and a parliamentary form of government, so the people will have a just government. Padilla was saddened that economic growth is not equal, with growth “centered” in a few regions – 57 percent in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, from 2019 to 2021. He said that under a federal form of government, government’s powers are not centralized. Also, he said a parliamentary system would allow the peaceful removal of a leader instead of “mob rule.” Meanwhile, Padilla reminisced his first time to set foot in Simunul. He said it was a gift from Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari as it is the dream of those returning to Islam to see the mosque there.
Sen. Robin Vows Farm-to-Market Roads, Added Rights for Mangyans
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla promised to bring farm-to-market roads and additional rights for Mangyans, after visiting them in Barangay Panaytayan in Mansalay, Mindoro Oriental on Monday. In his speech before the Mangyans, Padilla – who thanked them for helping him top the polls in Mindoro in 2022 – vowed to work with Vice Governor Ejay Falcon to make this a reality. “Nakita naming ano dapat ang unahin dito sa Mindoro at ang kailangan diyan magkaroon ayo ng farm-to-market roads. Kailangan magkaroon kayo ng kalsada ninyo sa sitio ninyo (We saw that the people here need farm-to-market roads. You need them in your sitio),” he said. “At yan po ang isang bagay na maipapangako ko sa inyo sapagka’t ang ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, yan din ang kanyang gusto, magkaroon ng kalsada ang nasa malayong lugar (This is something I can promise you because President Bongbong Marcos also wants to have roads in remote areas),” he added. Padilla likewise promised to fight for the rights of the Mangyans and other Indigenous Peoples (IPs) particularly in the use of their ancestral lands. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs lamented the IPs are not getting what is due them for the use of their ancestral lands. “Ang nangyari kasi yumayaman sa lupa ninyo, hindi kayo. Yumayaman ang ibang tao. At yan tandaan ninyo katulad ng sinabi ni Vice Gov, hindi kami mananahimik at ipaglalaban namin (What is happening is that other people are profiting from the use of the land, and not you. Like what the vice governor said, we will not keep silent. We will fight for you),” he said. Padilla visited Mindoro to take part in activities including registration, dental and medical missions for the Mangyans.
Three-term Councilor Edith “Wowee” Manguerra is set to run for mayor of Pasay City under the Aksyon Demokratiko party
Following the call for change and genuine service in Pasay City, three-term Councilor Edith “Wowee” Manguerra filed her Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to officially announce her bid for the city’s mayoralty. In her declaration of candidacy, Manguerra emphasized that serving others is not just a job or duty for her but a mission. “Likas po sa akin ang malasakit, at sa bawat pagkakataon na may kailangan ang ating mga kababayan, lagi akong handang tumugon. Ang bawat sulok ng Pasay ay tahanan ko, at ang bawat mamamayan dito ay aking pamilya. Kaya’t bilang Alkalde, nais kong ibuhos ang lahat ng aking lakas, kaalaman, at panahon para mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat isa sa inyo” Manguerra said. Manguerra particularly advocates for establishing a strong system of checks and balances within the local government. “Napakahalaga po na may sapat na check and balance sa bawat antas ng pamahalaan. Kailangan natin ng pamahalaang bukas, tapat, at may pananagutan—isang sistema kung saan walang abuso sa kapangyarihan at lahat ng desisyon ay para sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayan” Manguerra asserted. She further explained that her decision to run for mayor stems from her belief that the level of service for Pasay residents can significantly be elevated. “With a focus on community development and enhanced public services, I am committed to implementing initiatives that will foster growth and elevate the quality of life for our residents,” she added. As the election approaches, Manguerra called on the entire city to unite and support candidates who genuinely have the vision and capability to serve. She stressed that Pasay City has great potential for progress, but choosing the right leader is the first step.
PhilHealth Unveils Expanded Healthcare Benefits to Support Filipinos
PhilHealth continues to uphold its mission to provide every Filipino with access to quality healthcare services through the ongoing campaign, “Pinalawak at mga Bagong Benepisyo para sa Mamamayan, damang-dama ng bawat Pilipino.” This effort, alignedwith President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision, represents a significant commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare system. Through the program, PhilHealth aims to ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of social status, can access life-saving medical treatments without being financially overwhelmed. “Ito ang mensahe ng PhilHealth sa ating mga kababayan, huwag po kayong matakot sa gastos sa pagkakasakit, sagot kayo ng PhilHealth!”, emphasized the state health insurer’s President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. during today’s event. PhilHealth President Ledesma said that the agency has focused on identifying and expanding coverage for the top 10 most burdensome diseases in the Philippines, such as pneumonia, severe dengue, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and various cancers. To date, 60% of these conditions are now covered by the expanded healthcare financial benefits. As a result, higher case rates for pneumonia, asthma, stroke, neonatal sepsis, and hemodialysis are already benefiting members. By 2025, PhilHealth will also roll out enhanced coverage for lung, liver, ovary and prostate cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. The increased financial support for catastrophic illnesses is a critical element of PhilHealth’s Universal Health Care (UHC) mandate. This move aims to protect families from falling into poverty due to medical expenses. PhilHealth also takes pride in being the first in the Asia-Pacific region to offer an outpatient therapeutic care package for Severe Acute Malnutrition. Launched on October 1, this benefit package is geared toward alleviating malnutrition among children, thereby reducing the financial strain on families facing this challenge. Further enhancing its patient-centered approach, PhilHealth announced the lifting of the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) rule, ensuring that members requiring extended care are not forced to shoulder additional expenses. The benefits for hemodialysis will again increase by 59%, providing nearly Php 1 million in coverage annually for affected members. In addition to these expanded benefits, PhilHealth is embracing digital technology to improve service delivery. Partnerships with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Health (DOH), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) aim to streamline services, ensuring that even Filipinos in remote areas can easily access PhilHealth’s services and benefits. “Konsulta,” PhilHealth’s primary care benefit package, will also be enhanced, offering free consultations, diagnostic tests, and essential medicines as will be prescribed by their Konsulta providers to promote the well-being of Filipinos before they even get sick. PhilHealth calls upon healthcare providers, local government units, and media partners to work together to ensure that every Filipino feels secure in seeking medical help. As PhilHealth expands its coverage to better serve the needs of our citizens, President Ledesma appeals to hospitals and healthcare providers to support PhilHealth’s efforts in reducing out-of-pocket expenses of patients. “Our goal is for every Filipino to genuinely experience and appreciate the benefits program. Together, the nation can build a healthier, more resilient Philippines”, Ledesma concluded.
Sen. Robin Throws Full Support Behind ‘Newbie’ Senate Bids
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla is throwing his full support behind the bids of new candidates running for senator in 2025. On Monday, Padilla accompanied former Interior Undersecretary Jesus “Jayvee” Hinlo Jr. to the Commission on Elections, where Hinlo filed his certificate of candidacy (COC). “What are my legislative programs when elected senator? First will be our fight against corruption. Second will be our fight against poverty. Third, reform in our education system,” said Hinlo, a trial lawyer based in Bacolod City and deputy secretary general for Visayas of PDP-Laban. Hinlo called for amending the Data Privacy Act and Bank Secrecy Law to make it easier to investigate corruption cases. Also, he called for “Philippine Patriotism and Ethics Studies” from Grade 1 to college, to ensure Filipinos’ love for country. During the Duterte administration, Hinlo served as Undersecretary for Public Safety of the Department of Interior and Local Government. He also served as a member of the Land Bank of the Philippines board; and as Commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission. Hinlo is the fifth senatorial candidate so far for PDP-Laban. Last week, Padilla accompanied four other senatorial bets of the party including Phillip Salvador, Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Bato dela Rosa, and singer Jimmy Bondoc. Padilla likewise accompanied on Monday Greco Belgica, who will run under the Bisaya Gyud party list.
Bong Go offers additional support to victims recovering from fire in Malabon City
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing the housing situation for Filipinos impacted by natural and man-made disasters during the turnover of emergency housing assistance in Malabon City on Thursday, October 3. Go is advocating for the passage of Senate Bill No. 192, which aims to establish the Rental Housing Subsidy Program as a means of institutionalizing housing and social protection initiatives. This proposed measure intends to provide disaster victims with improved and affordable access to the formal housing market by offering rental subsidies. “Huwag kayong mag-alala, ang importante buhay tayo at walang nasaktan. Iyan ang importante. Ang gamit mabibili natin ‘yan, ang pera kikitain natin ‘yan. Pero ang pera na ating kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Ang importante buhay tayo. Kaya pag-ingatan natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” Go said. Held at the City Hall, the senator’s Malasakit Team provided snacks, shirts, masks, vitamins, and basketballs, and volleyballs to the fire victims. There was also a select recipient of a mobile phone. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA), through the support of Go, provided emergency housing assistance to buy nails, roof sheets and other materials to the 15 affected families to rebuild their homes. Go emphasized one of the programs of NHA in that it delivers support for building materials via its Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP). This support is key to helping families quickly rebuild and recover from the destruction of their homes. Go continues to push for sufficient funding for the program, ensuring that victims can reconstruct their homes and restore normalcy as swiftly as possible. “Yung matatanggap ninyo ngayon, ibili ninyo ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero o ano pa man na makakatulong sa pagbangon ninyo,” he said in a message. Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also urged residents to focus on their health and utilize the services offered by the Malasakit Center at Ospital ng Malabon and San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital in the city. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program provides a one-stop shop where concerned agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, are brought under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are within the reach of indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 166 operational centers have helped more than 15 million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH.
Bong Go continues push for inclusive economic recovery as he visits Caraga, Davao Oriental to aid struggling farmers, fisherfolks, and senior citizens
Just a day after filing his candidacy for the 2025 Senatorial elections, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, also known as “Mr. Malasakit,” continues his commitment to help those in need by personally extending assistance to 1,124 indigent sectors in Caraga, Davao Oriental, composed of farmers, fisherfolks, and senior citizens. Held on Friday, October 4, at the Barangay Poblacion evacuation center, the event was made possible through Go’s partnership with Vice Mayor Melody Anne Benitez and Councilors Jemaika Balante, Belshazzar Sobrecarey, and Orly Benaning. Their collaborative efforts is in support of Senator Go’s mission to bridge the gap between government and the grassroots. Senator Go, long known for his dedication to help ensure that no Filipino is left behind, has always been a strong advocate for various vulnerable sectors of society. Through the efforts of Go, local officials and the national government, each disadvantaged resident received financial assistance. They also received basic goods, like grocery packs, shirts, masks, vitamins, and snacks from Senator Go. There were also select recipients of basketballs, volleyballs, bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and a watch. “The farmers and fisherfolks are the backbone of our nation’s food supply, and our senior citizens are the guardians of our values and history,” Go highlighted. He also stressed that these sectors are crucial to the town’s progress, which is why he has supported numerous legislative measures aimed at improving their welfare and ensuring they have access to essential services. Last February, Republic Act No. 11982, or the Amendments to the Centenarian Act, was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., which Go co-authored and co-sponsored in the Senate. The law now includes cash gifts for Filipinos aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, amounting to P10,000 each, in addition to the existing P100,000 cash gift for centenarians. Likewise, Go previously co-authored RA 11916, an Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens, which amended RA 7432, the first Senior Citizens Act. Go was one of the authors of RA 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which enhanced the financial structure supporting agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. This law is designed to offer improved access to credit for rural communities, particularly benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers. The goal is to elevate their well-being, competitiveness, and productivity. Moreover, Go served as a co-sponsor and co-author in the Senate of RA 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. This legislation condones loans accrued by agrarian reform beneficiaries, encompassing the related interests, penalties, and surcharges. “Sa totoo lang po, ‘wag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Kaya hinding-hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ibinigay ninyo sa akin,” Go assured. His candidacy for the upcoming elections signals his intent to continue being the champion of the poor, and events like this reaffirm his commitment to providing meaningful support where it is needed most. “Ang aking prayoridad ay nananatiling suportahan ang mga mahihirap, lalung-lalo na ang mga hopeless at mga helpless dahil ‘yan ang aking bisyo, ang magserbisyo,” Go said, reassuring the residents that his vision of governance is one that puts every Filipino’s needs at the forefront. He also acknowledged the presence of barangay captains Thelma Tanding of Brgy. Pichon, Emelyn Calig-onan of Brgy. Palma Gil, Virgelio Benaning of Brgy. Lamiawan, and Franklyn P. Cayetano of Brgy. Alvar. “Ang gobyerno po dapat ang lalapit sa tao, hindi ang tao ang maghahanap sa gobyerno,” Go reiterated, promising to bring his brand of public service—grounded in compassion and accessibility—to even more Filipinos in need. Following this event, Go then inspected the site of the ongoing construction of the Super Health Center in the town. He also assisted more indigents in the town, which is still in line with his advocacy to bring the government services closer to Filipinos.
Bong Go demands action on PhilHealth’s unfulfilled promises: expand benefits, prioritize preventive care
On Wednesday, October 2, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, led another Senate hearing demanding action from PhilHealth on its unfulfilled promises. Go has been pushing for immediate reforms, emphasizing the need to fix outdated policies, expansion of benefits, increase case rates, lower premium contributions, provide free medicines, and also prioritize preventive care packages. The senator also welcomed the announcement of PhilHealth’s Board of Directors to officially scrap the Single Period of Confinement Policy, which had been in effect since 2013. The senator commended the scrapping of the policy saying, “Salamat naman po at finally ini-scrap niyo na, tinanggal niyo na itong single period of confinement policy,” he said. “Sulit po ang ating pangungulit at hindi po ako titigil na kukulitin kayo bilang Chairman po ng Committee on Health.” He also proposed specific areas for expansion of PhilHealth benefits, including dental and optical care, which are currently lacking in PhilHealth’s coverage. Go shared a story about Filipinos in rural areas resorting to makeshift methods for dental care due to the lack of proper services. “’Yung iba, sinulid ginagamit pantanggal ng ngipin sa bundok, sa bukid, sa amin, sa probinsya,” he said. Go further challenged PhilHealth to be proactive in preventing illnesses rather than simply covering expensive treatments after worsen conditions. He noted that many Filipinos are afraid to seek medical care due to the potential cost, even though they are PhilHealth members. “Marami po na mga kababayan nating Pilipino ang takot magpa-check up dahil wala pong pambayad, walang coverage ng PhilHealth,” Go said. Citing studies on visual impairment and oral health in the Philippines, Go also proposed that PhilHealth should expand its benefits to include preventive measures such as regular eye check-ups and dental cleanings. Throughout the hearing, Go was firm in holding PhilHealth accountable for the promises made in previous hearings. He reminded PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma of the commitment to increase case rates by 50% by the end of November and to expand benefits such as dental care by December. “Asahan po ninyo na tututukan po natin ito at hinding-hindi tayo papayag na mapako ang ipinangakong ito ng PhilHealth sa taumbayan. You are under oath when you delivered your promises to the people. And this Committee will hold you to your promise,” Go warned. Go also brought up several policy suggestions aimed at expanding PhilHealth’s coverage and making healthcare more accessible to all Filipinos. One of the key reforms he advocated for was the inclusion of prescription glasses, wheelchairs, crutches, and other assistive devices under PhilHealth’s coverage. He specifically noted that the current policy of requiring hospital admission for PhilHealth coverage is impractical and unrealistic. “Napapansin ko kailangan i-admit muna ng isang araw para i-cover ng PhilHealth. Mas gastos yun kasi magbabayad sila sa kwarto,” he explained, suggesting that outpatient services should also be covered by PhilHealth to reduce costs. Additionally, Go pointed out the inadequacies in PhilHealth’s maternity care packages, where the current PhP8,000 coverage is far from the actual cost of around PhP40,000 for normal delivery. He called for increased benefits for treatments related to the top 10 leading causes of death in the Philippines, particularly heart disease, diabetes, and pneumonia. Go also addressed gaps in healthcare coverage for serious illnesses, specifically advocating for expanded support for cancer patients. He proposed the inclusion of “wholeness treatment” for cancer patients, a comprehensive approach where multiple medical professionals work together to support a patient’s well-being. “Isa pang polisiya na sana pag-aralan niyong mabuti, please lang PhilHealth… Isa lang po ito sa mga maraming sakit. Di naman po ako doktor pero common sense lang po yan. Dami pong sakit na pwede niyong tugunan. Dami pong sakit na pwede niyong tulungan na maisalba ang buhay ng Pilipino,” Go remarked. Another major point discussed during the hearing was the need for a stronger information campaign to raise public awareness about the services PhilHealth offers. Go highlighted that many Filipinos are unaware that they are members of PhilHealth or do not fully understand the benefits available to them. “Yung iba nga po hindi nila alam, miyembro pala sila ng PhilHealth,” Go said, stressing the importance of making sure that all Filipinos are informed about the services offered by the government especially in terms of healthcare. One of the more contentious topics discussed during the hearing was the management of PhilHealth’s funds. Go strongly opposed the transfer of Php89.8B excess funds to the national treasury, insisting that these funds should be used solely for healthcare purposes. “Kaya nga po tinututulan natin ang pag-transfer ng PhilHealth funds sa national treasury dahil ang PhilHealth po ay para sa health,” Go said, reinforcing that PhilHealth’s financial resources must be used directly to benefit the public and should not be held idle while people suffer. He also questioned why PhilHealth was requesting additional subsidies for 2025 despite having substantial reserves. In his closing remarks, Go did not mince words when it came to holding PhilHealth and other government agencies accountable for their promises. “We must all act with an extreme sense of urgency kasi buhay po ang nakataya dito,” Go stated. “Kailangan ng common sense po dito. Dapat may puso ka, may malasakit ka sa kapwa mo Pilipino,” he remarked. Go also made it clear that the Senate hearings on these issues will continue as long as necessary to ensure that the concerns of the Filipino people are addressed. “Tatlong hearing na po about PhilHealth… hindi po tayo titigil. Kung kailangan linggo-linggo,” Go said. Given the absence of PhilHealth President Ledesma for health reasons, Go reminded PhilHealth officials that they are public servants entrusted with the health and well-being of millions of Filipinos. “Please shape up, gamitin niyo po ang pondo ninyo para sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Pera po ng tao yan. Hindi niyo po pera yan,” he concluded.