Instead of making a living out of gossip, politicians should learn to have discipline and respect, like the one practiced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Senator Robin Padilla stressed this at the observance of World Hijab Day at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.
“Kung sana matututo ang ating mga pulitiko sa AFP na marunong sa paggalang at pakikiisa, hindi sana tayo nabubuhay sa tsismis. Ang pulitika natin puro tsismis na rin,” Padilla said in his keynote speech.
“Ang pag-unlad ng bayan natin, mag-uumpisa sa paggalang at disiplina.”
“(Sana rin), makuha ng pulitiko ang disiplina at professionalism. Sapagka’t ang pag-unlad ng bayan natin, mag-uumpisa sa paggalang at disiplina… Kung makuha lang natin ang disiplina na ito, darating ang araw tayong mga Pilipino ‘di lang sa usapin ng hijab kundi lahat na aspeto ng kultura, lengwahe at tradisyon, uunlad tayo,” the legislator added.
The lawmaker likewise voiced hopes that the bill providing for a National Hijab Day in the Philippines on Feb. 1 will finally earn the nod of Congress.
The senator said he was heartened over the announcement of AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. authorizing women in the AFP to wear hijab.
He urged the executive department to increase the AFP’s budget for programs to win the hearts and minds of Filipinos, such as the wearing of the hijab.
“Hiling natin sa ating mga namumuno sa executive at legislative, mas lakihin pa budget ninyo hindi lang sa organization kundi sa sinusulong ninyo na ganitong bagay, winning the hearts and minds of the Filipino people,” Padilla said.
“There is no compulsion in religion.”
“Kaya sana po dumating ang panahon na mawala sa isip ng kapatid nating senador na ang mga Muslim ay ipinipilit nila ‘yan. There is no compulsion in religion,” he concluded.
