JUNE 17, 2016

NR # 4234B

Former CFSI members seal congressional bids

Three active members of the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CFSI) were
declared as duly elected representatives of their respective congressional districts.
Pagadian City Vice-Mayor Divina Grace Yu won as representative of the 1st district
of Zamboanga del Sur, replacing her husband Victor Yu, who was on his last term.
In an interview, Yu said her utmost priority is to focus on local legislation especially
those concerning funds for schools annexes.
Our priority is to enact a law that would grant independence when it comes to
funding. All funding requirements should emanate from the national government, Yu
said.
Yu said Mindanao has always been the least priority when it comes to budgetary
matters while the fact is it has always been called the Land of Promise.
It seems that Mindanao is not being noticed at all. So hopefully, now that the new
President is from Mindanao and the incoming Speaker comes from Mindanao also, we
hope that the local areas in Mindanao will get the much needed attention they deserve.
Yu also emphasized that she will propose amendments to laws enacted since the
1960s and 1970s, which she believes are no longer applicable in present times.
Yu admitted that she did not support Duterte in the last May 9 elections, but
disclosed she is happy because among those who have become Presidents, only Duterte
has the courage to fight corruption and wage war against drug lords which is the toughest
battle to face.
Now that he is very vocal about this crusade and very determined to win, I am
throwing my support for the good of the country, Yu stressed.
Another newcomer is Rep. Micaela Violago (2nd District, Nueva Ecija) who ran in
place of her husband Joseph Gilbert Violago whose term already expired.
The lady lawmaker, a nurse by profession and an accomplished businesswoman and
civic leader, vowed to include senior citizens in the 4Ps program of the government.
We all know that they are given 20% discount when they buy medicines but the
problem is where to get the money to buy medicines. This is one sector that I will
concentrate on, Violago said.

Violago said she would also focus on creating jobs for women in their province.
She said that life in their province is very hard considering it is a barrio. The only source
of their livelihood is palay.
Palay is not all year round. There is harvest season, then low season. So I think in
between, we need to give livelihood to people especially the housewives. Then I will also
continue the scholarship program which was started by my husband. Hopefully, the new
government will continue this program, Violago said.
Violago underscored that it is every parents dream to see their children graduate in
school so that when they already have a job they can help their parents in return. She will
also continue the medical assistance program of her husband.
The lady lawmaker stressed that it is important to support the new President so that
his programs will be successfully implemented.
As my personal opinion, I am for fighting corruption and drugs. The people just
need discipline so that the development and growth of our country would be achievable,
Violago stressed.
Meanwhile, Rep. Gloria Labadlabad of the second district of Zamboanga del Norte
wants to increase the benefits being received by senior citizens and provide more
assistance for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
I want this to be my landmark legislation as a congresswoman. If I need to lobby
for this, I will do it. Likewise, PWDs should also be provided assistance, not only
financial assistance but also those that they need most, like facilities that could make their
lives easier because of their day to day struggles, Labadlabad said.
Labadlabad, who replaced her husband Rep. Rosendo Labadlabad, said she would
support the new Presidents programs like fighting drug lords and corruption issues in the
government.
I am with him in terms of implementing these programs. Definitely, I will support
him 100 percent, Labadlabad said. (30) lvc