APRIL 28 was unfortunate for new Anakpawis party-list Representative Joel Maglungsod when he was not right away allowed to enter the gate of the House of Representatives.

Maglungsod, more known as “Ka Jomag” to his peers, recounted that on that day, he opted to take a jeepney as he missed the shuttle/bus service provided by the House for employees.

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Upon arriving at Batasan, he momentarily went to greet and chat with farmers who were camped outside the gates pushing for the passage of the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (Garb). His temporary satellite office is also located in the same spot, since an office in the Batasan complex is yet to be provided.

As Maglungsod did not want to be late for the plenary session, he proceeded to enter the gate, which was for employees only.

However, the security guard on duty refused him entry and directed him to the gate for visitors.

Maglungsod then pulled out his pin which congressmen are required to wear as their ID from his pocket and said “I'm a new congressman here,” with a smile.

The guard then apologized to the lawmaker and he was made to enter.

Camped farmers who witnessed the exchange shared a laugh over the situation and shouted, “Congressman namin 'yan (That's our congressman!).

According to Maglungsod, he does not have ill feelings towards what transpired as he is new and “it is understandable.” He also admitted that it was his fault because he did not wear his pin.

On his reason for riding a jeepney to work from his residence in the Anonas area, he said cab rides were becoming too expensive, given his limited budget.

“Ang Anakpawis party-list ay naghahanap pa ng mobility na medyo maayos-ayos at mabilis. Nasa proseso pa tayo 'nyan,” he added.

The 52-year-old Maglungsod is a native of Davao. He was the secretary general of Kilusang Mayo Uno in 2003 and vice president for political affairs of the group in 2007. He is the third nominee of Anakpawis after the late Crispin Beltran, the first nominee, and Representative Rafael Mariano, the second nominee.

Before he was elected to the House due to Supreme Court ruling granting 32 more seats for party-list representatives, he was Anakpawis' spokesperson.

Aside from the Garb, Maglungsod is pushing for the passage of House Bill 1722 which increases pay for workers, the review of the Oil Deregulation Law and continuing discussions on the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira).

He is also filing a resolution for the financial aid of displaced workers locally and abroad. The financial aid would entail a P10,000 monthly subsidy for each displaced worker for a six-month period while they are looking for employment. (Justine Paredes/Sunnex)