FORMER senator Edgardo Angara has called on the Senate to uphold and defend the rights of citizens, amid killings and police involvement in criminal activities.
“We need a stable, predictable, and I hope intelligent Senate who can speak up about injustice and inequity and who can stand up to defend human rights, and I believe that is essential,” Angara said in a lecture at Thomas Aquinas Research Complex Auditorium last Jan. 26.
Angara, who served as Senate president from 1993 to 1995, said members of the chamber should continue to voice their concerns on issues plaguing the country.
“Kawawa naman ang mga Pinoy, kasi we’re known as a nation of domestics and now, a nation of kidnappers and killers,” he said.
Angara also said the Duterte government should be aware of the nation’s history, which could be helpful in managing the country’s foreign affairs.
President Rodrigo Duterte wants to shift foreign policy away from American influence and toward China and Russia.
Angara said “nations fail because they forget their history … so therefore it is important to know the history of your country.”
“History will define who you are and will define your identity and when you are sure of your identity, you are sure kung sino ang magiging allies natin sa foreign affairs,” he added.
Angara also talked about the history of Philippine Senate and its influence in Philippine society and politics.
The lecture held was part of the “KaSAYSAYan Lectures” series of the UST History Society.
Very nice! #VivaHistoria