“Finally, we see a glimmer of hope after over three decades of dark days.”
On behalf of the leadership and members of the Anti-Crime-and-Terorism Through Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Partylist, I would like to express our appreciation of the trust and confidence the Filipino people bestowed on us via an overwhelming vote to another term at the House of Representatives.
We are indeed humbled by yet another record number of votes (2,034,702 or 5.7 percent of total votes cast), the highest in the partylist race based on partial unofficial results from Monday’s elections.
This is a repeat of the ACT-CIS’ historic feat in the partylist race in the 2019 mid-term elections.
In gratitude, we reaffirm our dedication with renewed optimism to serve the country through anti-crime and anti-terrorism legislative agenda as well as various assistance to the less fortunate.
As ACT-CIS Partylist chairman, I would like to assure our fellow Filipinos that we will double our efforts in fulfilling our mandate with high resolve.
We will propose and support House bills that seek to attain lasting peace and order, which needless to say is a requisite in post-pandemic economic recovery and development.
In a landmark legislation, our Partylist representatives Eric Yap, Jocelyn Tulfo and Nina Taduran co-authored the Republic Act 11479, otherwise known as the Anti-Terror Law, signed by President Duterte on July 3, 2020.
Now Filipinos can sleep better at night knowing that the enemies of the state are not freely roaming around.
The measure replaced the Human Security Act of 2007 which is a “toothless tiger.”
We also pushed for the lowering the minimum age of criminal liability and the restoration of the death penalty, which we believe will address worsening juvenile deliquency and rampant heinous crimes.
The ACT-CIS also sought the enactment of measures to uplift the employment conditions of lowly-paid media workers.
In the area of public service, we provided help to crime victims with legal assistance and seeking assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
As we said, we welcome those who seek justice when no one else would reach out with a helping hand.
We gave medical and financial assistance to indigent patients who could not afford surgery and hospital confinement.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in early 2020, the ACT-CIS provided various assistance to those in need of food, prescription medicines, and medical supplies as oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, facemasks, and face shields.
We also extended financial assistance to the families of COVID-19 victims needing cremation and burial.
We do the same in times of natural calamities such as earthquake, typhoon and flooding.
We are likewise strongly enthusiastic to work with the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. along the lines of social welfare and public service to the poor.
Finally, we see a glimmer of hope after over three decades of dark days.
Once again, we thank the Filipino people for the vote of confidence in Monday’s historic elections.