In a calm and informative interview with MusMedia’s Renz Luna, Mayor Pido Garbin, an aspiring 2nd Seat nominee for Ako Bicol (AKB) Partylist for the 2025 elections, laid down in clear terms why the famous and controversial partylist should remain in congress. For him it all boils down to “presence” and “programs” that have worked for the benefit of millions of Bicolanos. In the 45-minute interview, he answered local and national issues head on, displaying composure, clarity of thought, and unhurried identification of what the AKB has achieved so far – and he did so with effective persuasion.
The AKB legacy
Atty. Garbin laid down the achievements of the Ako Bicol Partylist in its 15 years of existence in congress. He divides these achievements in two categories – the legislative accomplishments and the constituency accomplishments. Under the legislative category, the AKB advocated for a scholarship program, which eventually pushed the partylist to co-sponsor the landmark bill, “The Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education” which espouses that all public universities and colleges will be free to students.
AKB also wanted to help the farmers, so AKB authored the Free Irrigation Act. The National ID System Act was also originally filed by AKB, although former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the one who fronted it eventually in the House of Representatives. The Anti Bullying Act was also authored by AKB. The late Cong. Rodel Batacobe defended the bill at the Plenary. The Anti-Hazing Act was also authored by AKB with Sen. Panfilo Lacson being its counterpart in the Senate.
For constituency works, AKB focused on programs that addressed the needs in education, infrastructure, health, even livelihood programs through TESDA scholarships. AKB even has programs for farmers and fisherfolks, environmental protection, promotion of tourism, and now it is behind the building of the biggest hospital in the entire Bicol region which will serve not only the region but southern luzon as well with its 2,000-bed capacity. Atty. Garbin also added the hospital will even attract global patients as it will be a specialty hospital that invites the best doctors all over the country to have their practice here in Albay. It is expected to be better than St.Lukes, facility-wise as it is envisioned to be a catalyst for medical tourism in the region.
The controversies and the criticisms
When asked what Mayor Garbin thinks of the DEPED laptop controversy and how it has tarnished the names of Cong. Co and AKB, he said that these are all baseless accusations, adding that the individuals implicated in the case now are not in any way associated with AKB or with Cong. Co. He further clarified other issues such as the increasing bashing and criticism of AKB projects and the pouring of negative comments on AKB’s key initiatives via social media platforms. He simply explained these are desperate moves of the opposing side as Ako Bicol remains steadfast in its commitment to its constituents.
(Photo from Cong. Co’s Facebook Page)
In reference to MusMedia’s pilot episode of Kaniguan: The 2025 Senatorial Interviews (with senatorial candidate Luke Espiritu as its first guest), Renz Luna asked Mayor Garbin what he had to say to Atty. Espiritu’s remarks where he likened Cong. Salceda, Co, and Villafuerte as fattened crocodiles in the Bicol region, associating these names to the issue of political dynasties. Mayor Garbin brushed aside the weight given to the heated rant, and instead calmly replied. “Panatilihin na lang natin siya maging espiritu” – implying that the “buaya” comment was uncalled for and should not be given undue attention.
National issues – Garbin speaks with quiet conviction
Renz Luna shifted gears and started asking about national issues, in an effort to know Mayor Garbin’s thoughts on these. Asked what he thinks about VP Sara Duterte’s looming impeachment, he simply said that VP Sara continued to dodge the questions around her spending of the OVP’s confidential funds, thus the impeachment court will give her the right forum to air her side and for the government to present its case.
He was also asked about the West Philippine Sea debacle and he is very clear with his position – China must be held liable for its intrusions in the contested areas. In fact, his firm stand on the issue got him banned in China. He underlines the need for the Philippines to exercise its sovereignty.
The interview is one of the clearest, action-centric conversations we had with a politician. This reflects well on the Ako Bicol Partylist and also highlights the unassuming leadership of Alfredo “Pido” Garbin. Would you vote for him and the AKB this coming May 2025?
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