Explanation of Vote
Commending Hon. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri for Leading the Philippine National Team for Arnis to Resounding Victory in the 30th Southeast Asian Games

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto

Mr. President:

There is one canon in politics that was preached by Teddy Roosevelt: Speak softly but carry a big stick.

In the case of Migz, he wields two sticks. And this is what has probably made him hard to defeat in the ring, political or not.

But his proficiency in arnis does not make him an idealist. He is well prepared, and has an arsenal of weapons at his command. A pragmatist, he will not bring a pair of arnis poles to a gun duel.

An arnis disciple, or a sensei, like Migz, comes to combat prepared.

In the case of the SEA Games, he has scouted the moves of the other teams, and studied their strengths and weaknesses in advance.

Arnis, first and foremost, is a mind sport, which means one must read the opponent long before he steps into the arena. On this, Migz has done his part.

So it comes as no surprise that the Philippine Arnis Team, chaired by the eskrima master from Bukidnon, lorded over their competitors in the current regional games held in our country.

The secret of their success is no magic potion concocted, nor an ancient prayer that gives them supernatural strength.

Rather, it is hard work, training, and ample logistical support that Migz wholeheartedly and selflessly provided them.

He is not a detached patron, but a practitioner of the sport—in fact, a former world champion. He is one of their own. So when he gives his pep talk to his troops, it comes out sincerely from one who has been there, and done that.

Let me close by reiterating my congratulations to our Majority Leader, and extending the same to all the athletes who participated in the successful staging of the games, whether they mounted the podium or not.

I think we should do a follow up resolution which exhorts the executive agency concerned, if not the Office of the President, to make sure that cash and other incentives due our medalists and their coaches be received not later than Christmas Day.

It will indeed make their Christmas merry. It is still a reward smaller than the joy they have immensely given us.

I vote yes, Mr. President, to this resolution commending the Majority Leader, who, despite his fast and furious skill with arnis, has never bamboozled us into passing a measure.