Proud Papa
In a recent media interview, I was asked a very common question: What makes you so successful as a businessman? It is one of the questions I am often asked about: you have achieved so much as an entrepreneur, which of your accomplishments are you most proud of. This recurrent question is understandable, after all, I have always seen myself as an entrepreneur despite my 21 years of experience in government. But if someone would ask me what I am most proud of among my accomplishments, not just as a businessman but as a person, I have a ready answer: my children. Cynthia and I have been blessed with a wonderful life and the biggest reason is our children. The title I am most proud of is not Senate President or Speaker of the House but the proud papa of Paolo, Mark and Camille.
That pride as the father of my children was in full display last May 17 when my only daughter, Camille, was proclaimed as a Senator of the Republic after placing 10th in the recent 2025 midterm elections. She garnered 13,651,274 votes after a grueling campaign. I have experienced three nationwide electoral campaigns so I know how difficult it was to travel around the country and explain your message to as many voters as possible. In addition to the logistical nightmare of running a national campaign, you have to deal with all the lies and disinformation thrown at you. It was a difficult fight. Camille had to contend with re-electionist senators, returning senators, and, movie and social media personalities.
That was why I was supremely proud when Camille’s name was announced and Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay raised her hand. There she was, that same little girl who would run toward me while giggling, sit on my lap and rest her tiny head on my shoulders. She is now a mother, a wife, a successful entrepreneur, and now, a senator.
I was particularly moved by her speech which, I knew, she wrote herself. She spoke from the heart. She said: “with all humility, tinatanggap ko ang responsibilidad at karangalan na ito. And I promise that I will work twice as hard, and I will stand twice as firm and serve with all my heart.” I do not doubt this. All her life she has proven that she values hard work and excellence. In whatever she does, she would make sure to do her best so she can achieve more than what she had to.
She continued, “Papa, I remember when I was younger that it was my dream to be like you and to serve and to help as many people that I could. Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams and making my dreams come true.” It is the kind of sentiment that will melt anyone’s heart. It did mine. This is the reason why no title, no matter how prestigious, can ever eclipse that of being a father. I will take that any time of the day.
The hard part, of course, is not the campaign but proving herself in the senate and to the millions of Filipinos who gave her the mandate. It is a heavy burden. I know. The first time I walked inside the session hall of the senate in 2001 was also the first time that it dawned on me how serious my obligation was to the Filipino people. Duty to country is both a source of pride and a burden.
But I have no doubt that Camille is more than prepared to fulfill her part in this political covenant with our people. She only decided to run for the senate when she was convinced that she was prepared to take on the task. So I am absolutely certain that she will bring with her the same hard work, intelligence, perseverance, and compassion she has adhered to all her life.
I am beyond proud of you Camille—not just for winning, but for standing firm in your purpose. May you continue to serve with integrity, humility and courage. You know that we will always be here to support you.
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