Unlike some, ‘I can work full-time’

Ariston Cortes III
Liberal Party

What legislation do you want to introduce immediately and why?

Dili dayon ko ka-introduce og legislation. Wala pa ko’y legislative agenda. Gusto ko moadto usa ko sa mga tawo, maminaw nila. (I cannot introduce legislation right away.

I don’t have a legislative agenda yet. I want to go and listen to the people first.)

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After hearing the will of the people, we can then fast-track legislation.

During the campaign, I validated the will of the people, through their leaders, that Mandaue should be a lone district.

Also, I want to focus on health, education and environmental protection and preservation. I want the protection and preservation of the environment to become part of the curriculum, in from first to fifth grade in the elementary schools.

Pagkatawo nato wala’y nagtudlo nato unsaon pag preserbar ug pagprotejer sa (No one has taught us how to preserve and protect the) environment.

Do you favor or oppose moves to amend the 1987 Constitution? If yes, which provisions do you think should be amended? If not, why not?

If the people will oppose, I will oppose. It is their will, not mine. It’s not my stand (that matters); it’s the people’s stand on the issue.

will you apportion your pork barrel?

I will focus on health, education and environment.

Health: that is what the people need. So we will allocate funds for hospitals; funds for public high schools and free colleges; and for the environment, introduce a continuing education program on preserving the nvironment.

How prepared are you for the challenges of working in Congress? What traits or habits do you think will help you?

Yes, I am a very experienced consultant. I know how the system works. I’m an action man.

In terms of training and experience, wala sila (my opponents cannot compare). Neither of them has become a barangay captain, who is like a little mayor; vice mayor, as presiding officer of the barangay council; and judge, as the head of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, all at once.

Who are your most trusted advisers?

My most trusted adviser is the Holy Spirit. Faith is the power to see what you do not see.

I also pray to St. Augustine for discernment. Experience is wisdom.

If I am to listen to three people, they will be Engr. Zoilo Cortes (his uncle), former judge Lorenzo Paradiang and certified public accountant Ben Najarro.

What is your edge over the other candidates ?

I am a full-time public servant. This is a full-time job, so why give this job to a part-timer?

A lawyer would have to go to his clients, even if they are out of town. So he would leave his legislative functions.

As for a businessman, mahimo ba magsira usa ka og negosyo, og di ka usa magpasweldo sa imo tawo (Can you afford to close shop and stop giving your people salaries)?

I am the best candidate. I’m the better choice.