Senatorial candidate and singer Atty. Jimmy Bondoc views public service as a calling and commits to advocating diplomacy and discipline in the Senate if elected.
In the "Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview" on Wednesday, Bondoc stated that his decision to run in the 2025 midterm elections was a collaborative choice, involving both his family and political allies.
"Lahat naman tayo naghahanap kung saan best tayo makakatulong at sa palagay ko po baka po ito ‘yung panahon na makatulong po ako in this capacity sa legislation," Bondoc explained.
Bondoc vowed that, if elected, his first priority would be to address the national budget, as he is convinced that corruption starts with it.
He then urged the public to choose individuals who will prioritize the welfare of the public when it comes to the budget.
"Ang gusto kong focus-an ngayon ‘yung susunod nating budget para hindi na maulit itong for me – the most corrupt budget in history," he added.
Allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, including Bondoc, previously filed criminal and graft complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman against House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other members of the House of Representatives over alleged insertions in the 2025 national budget.
Bondoc asserted that there are allegedly clear elements of the crime, including the falsification of legislative documents, adding that it is now up to the court to decide whether the individuals involved will be convicted.
"Hindi na po ito opinion dahil may ebidensya na po tayo na 'yung Bicam report na blangko ay biglang nagkalaman, P241-B," said Bondoc.
Bondoc's stance on the West Philippine Sea issue
The lawyer underscored that he witnessed the independent foreign policy during the Duterte administration, stating that the former president did not side with China.
Furthermore, he claimed that Duterte’s actions helped protect the country’s soldiers from harm.
"Pinanindigan natin ang independent foreign policy at pinangalagaan natin ang buhay at kapakanan ng mga sundalo," said Bondoc.
"Ang hindi ako sang-ayon talaga ay ‘yung pagpasok ng US bases or any other military presence in the country, labag po kasi sa konstitusyon ‘yon," he added.
The surge in commodity prices
Meanwhile, Bondoc believes that the country should return to local farming to address the current issue of rising prices, pointing out that the country has become a trading economy.
"Kailangan po talaga bumalik tayo sa sarili nating pagtatanim, agrikultura, ipasok dito, mag-industrialize tayo, ipasok ulit ang mga pabrika dito, ganon lang bababa ang bilihin," he explained.
Bakit ikaw?
"Yung diplomasya at disiplina sa senado, ‘yan lang po ang aking ipaglalaban para po sa ikabubuti ng pang araw-araw na buhay ng mga Pilipino," Bondoc said in response to why Filipinos should vote for him.
Bondoc further described diplomacy as a proper discussion among lawmakers to ensure that conflicts do not add to the numerous problems the country is already facing.
On the other hand, he emphasized that discipline involves lawmakers adhering to the laws themselves.
The aspirant also mentioned that he would prioritize the health sector, as he believes there are many issues that need to be addressed in this area.
Bondoc is running for a Senate seat under the PDP-Laban (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan).
Prior to his candidacy, he served as Vice President for the Corporate Social Responsibility Group of PAGCOR, Assistant Vice President for Entertainment at PAGCOR, and was a member of PAGCOR's Board of Directors.
