Senator Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III (left) said he was looking forward to a ‘drug-resistant Philippines’ in 2017. Meanwhile, Senators Gregorio Honasan (right) asked God for ‘political will’ to pursue his New Year’s resolutions. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
Senators took to social media to look back at past “challenges” and look forward to a better, peaceful and united Philippines.
“Just a few more hours and 2016 is history! Thank God! What a tough year for me!” Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito wrote in his Twitter account Saturday night.
“(I) lost 2 good friends. Political side was a challenge too,” Ejercito said but did not elaborate.
The senator had already started serving the 90-day suspension order by the Sandiganbayan against him when the court decided to clear him of charges over an allegedly anomalous arms deal when he was mayor of San Juan City.
In a video posted on Twitter, Senator Gringo Honasan enumerated his New Year’s resolutions, such as to become more patient and understanding.
“Actually itong New Year’s resolution ko paulit-ulit na lang ito e. Unang una sabi sabi ng Mrs. ko, magpapapayat na raw ako, sabi ng mga anak ko patuloy ko silang bibigyan ng napaka precious na panahon para makita ko araw araw na lumalaki yung aking mga minamahal na anak at lalong-lalo na yung 5 naming apo,” Honasan said.
“Syempre mas magiging pasensyoso ako, magiging maunawain at sabi ko nga, hindi natin maibibigay yung wala sa atin. Patuloy kong ibibigay o sisikaping ibigay yung sinasabi natin na pagmamahalan, yung unity, yung kapayapaan sa sarili natin at syempre ang kaunlaran na matagal natin pinangarap.”
Honasan also promised to work and pray harder for the next generation of citizens and leaders. He said he also hoped that God would give him the “political will, serenity, and determination” to fulfill his New Year’s resolutions.
Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, expressed “high hopes for a year of inclusiveness and betterment.”
“Let us work towards uniting the nation with dignity, respect and honor for our family and fellow countrymen,” Poe said in her New Year’s message posted in her Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto, in a text message on New Year’s eve, said he was praying for “peace and prosperity for all Filipinos,” while Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III also texted that he was looking forward to a ‘drug-resistant Philippines’ in 2017.
“May the New Year usher in more strength, courage, resolve and wisdom to achieve a drug-resistant Philippines,” Sotto said. CBB