Outgoing Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed hope that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will succeed in the final half of his term, saying the country’s future depends on it.
“We will rise together or we will fall together. Iisang bangka lang tayo, iisang sasakyan, iisang eroplano lang tayo,” Pimentel said at a recent Kapihan sa Senado forum. “Kaya ang panalangin ko ay mag-succeed ang last three years ng Marcos administration.”
He emphasized that national unity is critical. “We cannot afford to be divided. We need to succeed together… Kahit private citizen ka, makakatulong ka pa rin sa pag-asenso ng bansa.”
Pimentel also raised concerns over the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, warning it endangers Filipino workers in the Middle East and could spike oil prices. “Ang dami nating deployment ng OFWs doon. Maraming mga Filipinos nandoon. We do not like war. We should never encourage war.”
The former Senate President urged the government to adopt a foreign policy centered on peace. “We are now seeing the consequences of war. Ang daming abala at destruction at loss of lives. We should adopt policies that will minimize the possibility of war,” he said.IMT
