The trouble with lying and deceiving is that their efficiency depends entirely upon a clear notion of the truth that the liar and deceiver wishes to hide.
— German-American philosopher Hannah Arendt

MAYPAJO, Caloocan City — Our Bicolano Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero has called for a comprehensive review of the Party-List System Act (Republic Act 7491) following the release of a study indicating that over half of the party-list organizations running in the 2025 elections do not represent marginalized sectors.
This is a very late pronouncement from our dear senator. For a long time, the original intent of the law has been undermined and until now, the party-list representatives we see are mere clowns garbed either in expensive barong or designer suits that flaunt the true character of the individuals wearing them.
Senator Escudero is proposing a thorough review that begins with identifying the sectors currently needing representation in Congress. This list, he emphasized, should be exhaustive and exclusive and only after defining these sectors, he suggested, can a suitable election process be determined.
Once again, this is very late.
A report by election watchdog Kontra Day found that 55.13 percent (85 out of 156) of party-list groups vying for House seats in the upcoming midterm elections in May do not represent the poor.

* * *

TALKING about party-list groups—the real ones that truly represent marginalized sectors of society—let us focus on Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas, which is led by its president Jose Antonio 'Ka Pep' Goitia and the group's first nominee.
Goitia has simple ambitions for aiming to become a voice in the House of Representatives—to ensure that the rights and benefits deserved by our country's firefighters and rescuers, especially the volunteers, are legislated and implemented for their welfare and their families' as well.
Everybody knows the important role played by our volunteer firefighters and rescuers in keeping our communities safe during times of need. They do not only respond to devastating fires to save lives and property but are also quick to act on emergency situations when rescue operations must be conducted.
Recognizing this important role they contribute to the public, Goitia is keen on protecting our fire protectors by securing their well-being with the legislation of meaningful laws ang measure that would institutionalize the social security needed by our firefighting and rescue sector.
Nothing less is appropriate as firefighters and rescuers at all times place their lives on the line in order to perform their duties and responsibilities to the public.

* * *

FOR your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email at cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171656792 or 09171592256 during office hours from Monday to Friday. Thank you and mabuhay!