Magsaysay awardee Senate bet Ballon bats for IP rights

Senatorial candidate and environmental advocate Roberto Ballon took a boat ride to Bugsuk Island in Balabac town, Palawan to express his solidarity with the residents asserting their right to remain in the area.

In 2021, he was conferred the Ramon Magsaysay Award for “his inspiring determination in leading his fellow fisherfolk to revive a dying fishing industry by creating a sustainable marine environment for this generation and generations to come.”

In a Facebook reel posted on Tuesday, Ballon can be seen braving the slight rain while aboard a small boat approaching the shore.

“Andito yung ating mga kababayan na nakikipaglaban... Kaya andito tayo, at nagbabalik muli ang ating kababayan sa Bugsuk,” said Ballon.

A private firm owns hectares of land on the island said to have a long stretch of white sand.

In seeking a Senate seat, Ballon aims to bring his advocacy for the rights of fishermen and the indigenous peoples to the fore.

Meanwhile, senatorial candidates Ernesto Arellano, Roy Cabonegro, Angelo de Alban, Norberto Gonzales, and Norman Marquez attended the Cebu-based candidates forum Klarohay Ta! to discuss their platforms and express their opinions on several topics in the educational sector, including bullying in schools and the use of Alternative Intelligence (AI).

Former Commission on Audit commissioner Heidi Mendoza discussed the state of Philhealth funds in a radio interview, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in dealing with public resources.

Retired soldier Ariel Querubin also made a radio appearance, where he recalled his experiences during the People Power Revolution in 1986 and his participation in a coup d état following the installation of a new government,

Relly Nufable Jose Jr., a seafarer, attended a live broadcast to discuss the plight of overseas Filipino workers and the need for additional assistance programs for them.

Aksyon Demokratiko candidate Wilbert Lee campaigned in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro and shared his plans and platforms with the local residents. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News

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