Sponsorship Speech re: Senator Tessie Aquino Oreta (SRN 406)

These past months saw former senators leave the stage of life and politics. Last month, it was a respectable leader and good friend Senator Sonny Alvarez. Now, another dear friend, a strong woman-legislator Senator Maria Teresa "Tessie" Aquino-Oreta.

My family and I are so saddened by her demise. She was very close to me and Secretary Gregorio Honasan. I will remember her as a very passionate and strong woman-legislator whose advocacies focused on empowering women and children, through landmark legislations like Solo Parent Act and Early Childhood Care and Development Act, just to name a few.

Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta's penned legislations had likewise aimed at improving the country's educational system, as she believes that "Education is the key to the improvement of the quality of life of Filipinos." The Philippine Science High School System Act and Governance of Basic Education Act are some of her bills that were enacted into law.

Not only that she supported education, Sen. Tessie also sought to improve the employment status, working conditions, and welfare benefits of public school teachers. As what she had often said, "I want to take care of the teacher so that the teacher in turn will take care of our children, so in turn our children will take care of the future of the country."

One's legacy upon death is not dependent on the eloquence of those who deliver eulogies, for it would be dangerous to rely on orators to make a verdict on how a life was lived.

One's life is the best speech about one's self.

Truly, Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta had demonstrated to us that a life as a public servant is a life well-lived.

Tessie, you are a great friend, mother, grandmother and a dedicated public servant. You will be missed. Rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.