I respect the decision of Senator Chiz Escudero to resign from the Nationalist People’s Coalition and understand the noble sentiments behind it.

For my part, I am fully determined to pursue my advocacies and programs for the Filipino people that I have outlined.

I feel that our people are approaching a critical juncture in our history.

With millions unemployed, poverty and hunger spreading, natural calamities becoming more ferocious because of climate change, our health, educational and justice institutions on the verge of breakdown, our weakened economy pummeled by the global financial meltdown, even as two insurgencies rage without letup, the 2010 elections are even more crucial in determining our people’s fate.

I can only hope that more self-sacrificing and patriotic individuals will join me in this decisive battle for our people’s ultimate redemption from misery.

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