An hour with a lawmaker

How do lawmakers make time to attend to their personal aspirations and commitments despite their already demanding professional obligations particularly in representing their constituents in the formulation of laws?

Perhaps, the visit of Congressman Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon to the 104th Infantry Brigade Headquarters gives a peek at how lawmakers use their time and weave through their hectic schedules.

Congressman Biazon of Muntinlupa City came for a visit in Iligan City to grace a social event. He also took the occasion for exchanges with the locals and the city mayor. In that same day of 16 May, he allotted an hour to visit the brigade headquarters as the Senior Vice Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security, Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare and the Committee on Appropriations.



Accompanied by his wife and his staff, the congressman surveyed the camp with a sense of nostalgia. He revealed having spent his younger years in this area when his father, now Senator Rodolfo Biazon, was earlier posted as a Philippine Marine Officer. He then walked over to the assembled soldiers taking a moment to talk of relevant legislative developments. He was applauded by the troops when he announced the forthcoming salary adjustments to take effect by July of this year. He also informed them of proposed bills to raise combat pay as well as quarter’s allowances of the uniformed services.

He then proceeded to listen to a security situation briefing covering Lanao del Norte; asked questions and took notes which he explained would aid him in his work in Congress. After which, he congratulated the brigade and the troops for restoring the peaceful conditions in the province and in helping build a favorable image of the AFP to the people in the area.

Taking just about an hour with the brigade, the lawmaker was again on his way to his next appointment, but not without seeing Maria Cristina Falls first. Wistfully, he would say it had been awhile since he last saw it. He was pleased to receive news of a group of retired Philippine Marines—who earlier served his father—awaiting his arrival at the entrance to the famous waterfalls.

The visit of Congressman Biazon may be considered short, yet, every moment he spent was worth the while: for him and for those that he honored with his presence.