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Today, June 15, is the birthday of my friend, the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. She would have been 77 years old and I imagine still as feisty and loving as I remember her. In my mind, Miriam occupies a place in the pantheon of great men and women this nation has ever produced and certainly one of the few politicians I admire and respect.

Accelerating inflation is a major concern for many nations, including the Philippines. But it should not sidetrack our policymakers from pursuing a high-growth economy given the momentum achieved by the Philippines in previous quarters.

I spent all my years as a public servant in the legislature. From 1992 to 2001, I represented Las Piñas in the House of Representatives where I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a Speaker by my peers. Then from 2001 to 2013, I served as Senator in the upper chamber where I became Senate President Pro Tempore and eventually Senate President. From the Batasang Pambansa to the august halls of the Philippine Senate, I have learned a lot about legislation, Philippine politics and everything in between.