MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robinhood Padilla lamented the state of politics in the Philippines, saying it was all just gossip.
Padilla said fellow politicians should emulate the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in discipline and respect.
“If only our politicians could learn from the AFP who knows how to respect and cooperate, we wouldn’t be living with rumors. Our politics is just gossip,” he said in Filipino during the observance of World Hijab Day at the AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Thursday.
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Padilla also expressed hope that politicians would learn professionalism from the AFP.
“Because the development of our country will begin with respect and discipline… If we only get this discipline, the day will come when we Filipinos will not only be able to talk about the hijab but all aspects of culture, language, and tradition; we will prosper,” he added.
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In the same event, Padilla urged the Executive and Legislative departments to increase the AFP’s budget to support their programs.
“We ask our executive and legislative leaders to increase your budget not only for the organization but for the things you promote like this, winning the hearts and minds of the Filipino people,” Padilla said.