Villanueva takes oath as reelected senator in Bulacan

Senator-elect Joel Villanueva on Monday took his oath of office in front of the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.

Accompanied by his family and local officials, Villanueva was sworn in by his childhood friend, Barangay Captain Robin del Rosario.

The re-elected senator explained that taking his oath before Del Rosario is meant to recognize the power of ordinary Filipinos to bring about change for the nation.

The lawmaker also highlighted the historical significance of Barasoain Church in his speech after his oath-taking.

“Nakatala sa ating kasaysayan kung paanong nakamit ang kasarinlan ng buong bansa dahil sa pakikibaka ng mga bayaning Bulakenyo at sa mahahalagang yugto ng kasaysayang naganap dito mismo sa loob ng Simbahan ng Barasoain. Kaya ang pagiging Bulakenyo ay mabigat na 'pressure' o hamon sa pagganap natin sa ating mandato bilang Senador ng Republika ng Pilipinas,” Villanueva said.

(How our nation’s independence was won through the struggles of Bulakenyo heroes is written in our history, and pivotal chapters in our history happened here inside Barasoain Church. This is why being a Bulakenyo puts heavy pressure and challenge in delivering our mandate as Senator of the Republic of the Philippines.)

Villanueva then stated that the country must fight the modern battles such as poverty, joblessness, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, corruption and fake news.

In getting a fresh term in the upper house, the lawmaker vowed to seek the passage of laws that will provide Filipinos opportunities for work, livelihood, wages, and business.

His proposals for the 19th Congress will include expanding unemployment insurance, establishment of the National Employment Plan, institutionalization of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program (TUPAD) program, wage subsidy for MSMEs, “living wage” as basis for wage determination, passage of the Security of Tenure Act or ending “endo,” and expanding scholarship programs, among others. — BM, GMA News