Medal of Valor awardee and senatorial candidate Col. Ariel Querubin highlighted the importance of having a courageous lawmaker who can stand up to anyone and relentlessly advocate for the welfare of the people.
"Kulang tayo ngayon ng matapang na mambabatas na kaya talagang habulin lahat kahit sino at walang takot na isulong ang kapakanan ng taumbayan," Querubin said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Tuesday.
He further mentioned that if elected, the public will have a true hero in the Senate—someone with political will who will fight for the rights and welfare of all.
Addressing China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea
Querubin noted that the Marines, a force he served with, have historically guarded the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
He pointed out that the defense and security forces in the WPS may have been overlooked as the country concentrated on modernizing its ground forces.
Furthermore, he expressed the belief that the Philippines should not rely indefinitely on any superpower.
With the nation's strategically valuable location being sought after by global powers, he believes that standing on its own would enable the country to negotiate better terms.
"Ang pananaw ko, we can never be forever dependent on any superpower. Kasi ang location ng ating bansa strategically pinag-aagawan ng superpowers, but if we can only stand on our own, we can get more concessions from them," said Querubin.
In his view, the necessity of the U.S. Typhon missiles stationed at the EDCA sites are required at present, with no other recourse available.
On lowering prices of basic commodities
Querubin highlighted that his platform, BETCO, includes the "Busog na Tyan" initiative, which focuses on advocating for food security in the country.
He noted that if he wins a Senate seat, he plans to advocate for the use of idle military reservations to be repurposed for agricultural purposes.
"Taniman natin ng agricultural products, magtayo tayo ng piggery, poultry, even gawin nating raising land. Kasi ang problema natin ngayon kaya nagtataasan ito, even ang bigas na ‘yan, ‘yung kakulangan ng supply," Querubin explained.
"Yun ang balak natin at gagawin natin magtatayo ng mga community support center sa mga kampo kung saan hikayatin ng ating mga kasundaluhnan na ‘yung mga kababayan natin magtanim ng whatever na gusto nilang itanim diyan," he added.
Moreover, he emphasized that when it comes to rice, government agencies should prioritize purchasing from local farmers.
To significantly lower the price of rice, Querubin noted that authorities should target hoarders and smugglers, as they are the ones driving the price increase.
"Para seryoso tayong mapababa ang presyo ng bigas, habulin natin itong mga taong ito na nagpapahirap sa taumbayan," he added.
On the debate surrounding the ROTC
The retired Philippine Marine Corps officer believes that "when push comes to shove," the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) can be relied upon.
He urged for the reinstatement of the ROTC, stating that the country needs a strong reserve force.
"Ibalik natin ang ROTC, kung ayaw nila na puro military ‘yan, palitan natin ang program of instruction. Gawin nating mayroon ding disaster response, disaster relief operations na hindi lang puro military," he added.
Ultimately, Querubin stated that the key value of the ROTC lies in the training it provides for discipline and leadership, which can greatly benefit the people.
"Bakit Ikaw?"
Querubin stated that he will advocate for his platform, BETCO, once elected, which includes the following:
- B-usog na tyan (food security)
- E-dukasyon na dekalidad (quality education)
- T-rabaho at sapat na kita (job security)
- Co-rruption ay lalabanan (fight against corruption)
He vows to push for a law that grants scholarships to all firstborns in families, recognizing that they are often the ones their siblings or parents turn to in times of need.
Furthermore, he is also willing to push for an initiative to create more jobs, stating that financial aid is only a temporary solution.
To fight corruption in the government, he is advocating for automation and increased transparency.
Querubin is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Matapat Class of 1979 and is currently running under the Nacionalista Party.
