Antique Rep. Loren Legarda on Thursday said she is running for senator in the 2022 elections to push for more environmental laws and “to save lives literally.”
During a media briefing through Zoom organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Legarda, 62, said she could still work, serve the Senate for another three terms, and pass more bills even until she is 80 years old.
“Promise, I will ask you to campaign. Why is Loren Legarda asking you to campaign? Yes, a campaign for nature. We must nurture nature. That is our life to survive and thrive in the new normal, in the better new normal,” she said.
When asked if she would run for senator, Legarda categorically said “yes.”
“In my three terms at the Senate, I have done so much for the environment, education, health and jobs. I am so excited to do more amid the (COVID-19) pandemic,” said the lawmaker, who served 18 total years in the Senate.
“The pandemic recovery would be so long,” the former broadcast journalist added.
Legarda has revived a partnership with the DENR to pursue “Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines” to heighten public awareness of the importance of conserving the country’s rich biodiversity.
The documentary series, which is produced by DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, aims to gain support from the government and non-government partners to enhance the conservation of protected areas in the Philippines.
The program is conceptualized and hosted by Legarda.
“DENR can never do it alone. We at the Senate and Congress cannot do it alone. We need multi-stakeholders’ accountability and responsibility,” Legarda said during the news conference.
“What happens if we cough and cough because of poor air quality? What happens if the water in the rivers, lakes and oceans are murky? We must save lives literally,” she added.
