VILLAR IS THE NEW SENATE PRESIDENT
Committed to maintain Senates independence
and to usher his brand of creative leadership

As the 13th Congress opened for its third regular session today, Senator Manny Villar took his oath as the new Senate President of the country.

Villar, President of the Nacionalista Party, was nominated by outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon, in recognition of the gentleman's agreement the two forged at the start of the 13th Congress in July 2004. The nomination was acclaimed by the other senators.

On his acceptance speech during the Senate Presidency turnover ceremony, Villar thanked his colleagues for the trust and confidence in the brand of leadership that he is bringing to the Upper Chamber.

Villar also expressed his commitment to continue the tradition of independence of the Senate as he promises to usher his own version of creativity in government to move the country forward.

The independence of the Senate is not dictated by any political configuration. Rather, it springs from the basic philosophy of separation of powers of co-equal branches of governmentit is a constitutional mandate, cites Villar on his speech.

To inquire whether certain departments or agencies of government are performing under the rule that public office is a public trust is not to be downright critical and intrusive into the affairs of a co-equal branch. Walang personalan, trabaho lang, adds Villar.

Villar further cites, A creative Senate is what this nation needs. Such creativity is manifested by becoming more responsive and more proactive. There is a need for the Senate to reinvent itself by redefining its relevance. We must strive to break new ground by going beyond the confines of what is familiar and traditional.

Villars political career started in 1992, when he was elected Congressman of Las Pias for three consecutive terms. On his third term, he was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was elected as senator in 2001. He has previously held the position of Senate President Pro-tempore and the chairmanship of the Senate Committees on Finance, Public Order, and Committee on Accounts.

He is an active proponent of entrepreneurship and the virtues of hard work and perseverance, earning him the moniker Mr. Sipag at Tiyagathe very ingredients of his success story as a businessman.

At the end, what we all want is to make a difference in the lives of our countrymen. Ang pinakamahalagang magagawa natin para sa bayan ay ang i-angat ang antas ng kabuhayan ng maraming Pilipino. Let the legislative thrust of the Senate be truly reflective of the real concerns and interest of a large majority of Filipinos. Our people deserve no less, says Villar.