Tingog Party-list Representative and House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre aims to champion the voices of rural communities, pushing for a more inclusive national policy-making process and stronger public service delivery across the country.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Friday, Acidre highlighted the pressing needs in rural areas, especially in Eastern Visayas.
“Klaro sa amin ang reyalidad ng mga kanayunan ng ating mga region. Minsan hindi nasa prayoridad ng national government o hindi nakukuha ang akmang atensyon na nanaisin sana natin para sa pangangailangan ng mga naninirahan sa kanayunan,” Rep. Acidre stated.
“Ang adbokasiya ng Tingog: mabigyan ng boses ang mga kanayunan at lalong mas mailapit ang gobyerno sa taong-bayan lalo na sa mga regional countryside,” he added aiming to bring government closer to the people—not just in services, but in policymaking.
Laws based on the needs of the people
He further shared that among the concrete laws Tingog Partylist has helped pass is the "One Town, One Product Act," which supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in localities.
“Malaking bagay po iyon sa pagpapalakas ng mga MSMEs sa mga lokalidad especially sinusubukan nating i-expand ang level ng investment ng national government sa pagpapaganda ng mga lokal na industriya, malaking bagay po iyon,” he stated.
Rep. Acidre emphasized the importance of infrastructure to stimulate economic growth, particularly in agricultural areas where inadequate roads and facilities drive up costs.
Kapag kulang ang mga kalsada, kulang ang imprastraktura kahit pa anong pagpipilit nahihirapan. Like for example sa agriculture malaki sa cost ng agriculture talaga is the lack of infrastructure. Mula po sa patubig hanggang sa post harvest facilities,” said House Assistant Majority Leader.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Samar Island Medical Center and the Samar Institute of Medicine, noting that before Tingog’s efforts, there was no tertiary hospital on the entire island of Samar.
“Tingog is there to reinvent the wheel. Tingog is there to strengthen [ang] reyalidad na meron kami towards a more positive direction,” he declared.
On the other hand, Acidre acknowledged the struggles of provincial bus drivers and commuters navigating Metro Manila’s evolving transport policies.
He proposed better terminal planning and integration with mass transport systems.
In addition, he expressed support for the proposed P200 wage increase for minimum wage earners, recognizing its potential benefit for drivers and conductors.
Strengthening social media accountability
Aside from the aforementioned issues, Acidre also advocates for a balanced approach to the issue of misinformation and online accountability, suggesting requiring identity validation for social media users to ensure accountability.
“One thing na konkreto na nakita natin pasimplehin lang ang validation verification process lalo na yung reporting process for malicious post,” he affirmed.
“Gusto lang natin na protektahan ‘yung iba na gustong gumamit ng social media for their personal use, for working, for connections and for entertainment,” he added.
He suggested that facilitative changes be made, instead of restricting accounts.
Impeachment of VP Duterte: “Justice delayed is justice denied”
When asked about the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, Acidre confirmed that the House of Representatives hopes the trial will commence soon, ideally by July.
“Kung masusunod po ang House, forthwith sana magsisimula. Pero syempre ang Senate ang sole na judge ng ating impeachment court,” he said.
“We always quote ‘Justice delayed is justice denied,” Acidre stressed.
He explained that even if the Vice President resigns, the impeachment process should continue due to its implications, including potential disqualification from holding public office, “our position is even if she resigns, there is a precedent to warrant a continuance of the impeachment complaint.”
#BakitIkaw: Tingog Partylist
When asked the question "Bakit Ikaw?" Acidre responded that since the beginning of the current Congress, Tingog has passed 44 laws and filed over 400 bills.
“More than 2-3 years ng terminong ito, ang Tingog pinagsikapan natin na maipalapit ang gobyerno sa ating mga kababayan,” Acidre said.
“Hindi lang kami ang boses na nagsasalita, kami ang boses na nakikinig at handang magsilbi sa lahat,” he concluded.
Furthermore, with 215 Tingog Centers nationwide providing assistance ranging from medical aid to scholarships and livelihood support, Rep. Acidre reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive service and continues to advocate for a more resilient, empowered, and connected Philippines.
