Erin Tanada---The Soft-Spoken Nationalist

One of the things I find very encouraging is this---familiar names that once shaped the nationalist history of this country are again, taking part in its re-birth. And I am talking about the likes of the Rasuls, the Oples, the Dioknos and of course, the Tanadas.

Amina Rasul, daughter of former senator Santanina Rasul continues on her advocacy to strengthen the role of Muslim women in Moro society. She is one of the most active promoters of peace and development in Mindanao. She now heads the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) whose primary goal is to strengthen the involvement of ulamas in the promotion of peace in Filipino Muslim community.

Another is, of course, Susan "Toots" Ople, daughter of Ka Blas Ople. Her advocacy is fighting for the welfare and rights of local workers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). She continues the legacy of her father.

Maria Serena Diokno, daughter of nationalist senator Jose Diokno, teaches still at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. You know, the very first job that I took when I was still in college is being a researcher over at the Jose Diokno Foundation. Nice one.

Of course, who will forget Cong. Erin Tanada? Erin is the grandson of the late Senator Lorenzo " Ka Tanny" Tanada.

Like his forebears, Erin continues to work to uplift the quality of life of his fellow Filipinos. He serves as Congressman of Quezon province. He is now on his second term.

The question really is---when will Erin make the leap to the big leagues? I mean, the Senate needs someone like him and had I known that he is running, I would have included him in my Magic 12.

Anyway, let's support Erin Tanada's advocacies and pray that God gives him the strength and bless him always so that he will always serve the People.