Independent senatorial candidate Atty. Angelo de Alban is pushing for the provision of benefits for children with special needs and persons with disabilities (PWDs), along with the establishment of additional courts nationwide, if elected.
"Ako ay sa children with special needs and persons with disabilities, iyan ang ating adbokasiya. At laban natin sa korapsyon sa pamamagitan ng husgado iyan ang kailangan nating tutukan," de Alban said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Tuesday.
He noted that the improvements he envisions for the country can be accomplished only if he is in the Senate, highlighting the need for laws that provide free therapy and developmental assessments for children with special needs, as well as livelihood programs for their families.
De Alban explained that therapy and developmental assessments are not only challenging but also costly, which is why the government must assist, particularly those in the most disadvantaged communities.
"Pangalawa, kailangan natin ng batas para mai-angat ang pondo ng husgado sapagkat ang husgado lamang ang constitutional, legal, and feasible solution sa laban natin sa korapsyon," he added.
He stated that with additional courts, more judges would expedite case proceedings, preventing witnesses from dying and ensuring swift justice. This would allow the immediate imprisonment of the corrupt and the acquittal of the innocent.
Moreover, the lawyer pointed out that many innocent people are rotting in jail because the pace of justice is too slow. However, he clarified that this is not the fault of the judges, as they are overloaded and understaffed.
Source of funding for benefits for children with special needs
With his advocacy, he mentioned that funding for these initiatives can be sourced by creating laws that draw from both national and local sources, emphasizing that children with special needs and persons with disabilities are also taxpayers.
"Bakit sila kailangang magmakaawa sa mga pulitiko tuwing eleksyon para lang magkaroon ng free therapy and free developmental assessment?" said de Alban.
"Ang taong nagbabayad ng buwis, hindi dapat nagmamakaawa na mapaglingkuran. Karapatan ng bawat tao na mapaglingkuran sila," he added.
Amendment of the Family Code of the Philippines
The senatorial candidate further disclosed his stance on amending the Family Code, pointing out the necessity to adapt to the societal changes taking place.
He noted that while some provisions can still be retained, the Family Code, established in 1987, needs to be updated due to the many years that have passed.
"Ang gusto kong pagbabago diyan ay ang requirement sa pagkasal. Kasi napakadaling magpakasal ngayon, parang kala mo bumibili ng sim card. 18 years old may consent tapos na," said de Alban.
"Dapat itaas natin ‘yan. Siguro gawin nating 24 or 25. Bakit ho? May scientific na basis po ito," he added.
He explained that if someone is immature, like an 18-year-old who has just watched a romantic movie on a cold day, they might easily say, "let's get married."
While marriage may seem simple, they might later argue that divorce should be legalized in the Philippines.
Furthermore, he suggested that in addition to raising the age requirement for marriage, individuals should also undergo financial literacy, sexuality education, and psychological testing to better equip themselves with the necessary knowledge.
On the other hand, despite admitting that he does not agree with same-sex marriage, he stated that members of the LGBTQ+ community should be given protection. This includes granting them the opportunity to represent their partners in transactions.
"Itong mga bagay na ito, dapat ilagay natin sa Family Code. Huwag nating ilagay ito sa SOGIE bill, huwag natin itong ilagay sa separate bill," de Alban explained.
"Kasi I consider members of the LGBTQ+ community as co-equal. Kapareho natin silang tao, dapat equal ang treatment natin sa kanila," he added.
He then reiterated that the LGBTQ+ community is a powerful force in the country and should be treated equally, as they are one of the driving forces behind the nation's progress.
In terms of abusive relationships, he advocates for extending protection to all genders, emphasizing that anyone can be subjected to violence. He stressed the importance of focusing on cases like these.
"May mga relasyon talagang mapanakit kaya dapat ‘yan ay ating tinututukan. Gawin nating all gender ang proteksyon at hindi lang sa kababaihan at kabataan, pati ang mga kalalakihan na rumerespeto sa dangal ng kasal," he explained.
Steps to achieve peace in the country
De Alban emphasized that the Philippines is not divided into two opposing families. He noted that, like the global stage, where the world is not just split between the U.S. and China, there are numerous countries the Philippines can align with, reflecting the same diversity in its political landscape.
"Pumili tayo ng tumatakbo na para sa kapakanan, sa interest ng ating kinabibilangang komunidad," he noted.
He once again emphasized the need to increase funding to establish more courts and hire additional judges to combat corruption, stating that if peace is desired, it cannot exist without justice.
"Ang hustisya natin ay maibibigay lamang ng husgado sapagkat ang husgado ang only constitutional, legal, and feasible way to defeat corruption and to ensure na mabigyan ng hustisya ang lahat ng tao," de Alban added.
De Alban has served for 17 years as a litigation lawyer and 16 years as a law professor at the University of Santo Tomas.
With his legal background and knowledge, the candidate is confident that he can motivate future leaders, asserting that he has no ties to corruption and has the solutions to combat it.
