Harbinger of Change

AS AN EXPERIENCED PUBLIC SERVANT, REPRESENTATIVE BRIAN RAYMUND YAMSUAN HAS GIVEN SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COUNTRY THROUGH KEY POSITIONS IN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT. NOW, HE WANTS TO USE HIS EXPERTISE TO HELP THE COMMUNITY THAT HAS EMBRACED HIM AS THEIR LEADER.

Iwant to be remembered as the man who changed the face of Parañaque politics.” This, in a nutshell, is what Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan wants to achieve in the next ten years. “I want to be that person who changed politics, who changed the system in the district. I want to be known as that scrawny, poor little guy who worked his way up in life in order to reach his goals. I want to be the man who changed the 2nd District of Parañaque.”

FROM KINGMAKER TO KING

Among other things, Yamsuan has been known as a “kingmaker.” With his expertise in the field of politics and influence in various circles of society, he has played a major role in the success of a number of public servants. Through all these, he preferred to stay in the background. However, when the opportunity to be in the forefront of national legislation presented itself to Yamsuan, he readily grabbed the chance. “I saw the potential in being able to help others,” he says.

“Practically, it's like a calling,” the solon describes the transition from kingmaker to “king.” “The opportunity knocked. And I saw that I can do more as a member of Congress because of my experience in governance. My experience in public service, the positions that I previously occupied, the institutional memory that I have accumulated because of my work have given me the knowledge to do more. So when the opportunity to be the Bicol Saro Partylist representative knocked on my door, I took that opportunity to help more people.”

“Now that I can clearly see what needs to be done and I know exactly how to do it, I am better able to help. And in fact, I am now reaping the fruits of all the things that I have done in the past. I do not have a hard time extending help because of my long and strong relationships with other public servants, especially in Camarines Sur where Bicol Saro is based. I have been able to give assistance and implement projects to help, especially Bicolanos, meet their various needs, precisely because we have access to funds and we have the support of other local officials.”

Although now a “king” in his own right, Yamsuan continues to be guided by a personal trait that he has had since he was a child: being helpful to others. “That's my personal trait,” he says. “Ever since I was a kid, whether I had enough or not, I'm not content that I'm not sharing it with my friends and other people around me. That’s my nature; being helpful. And now that I am a congressman, I am able to translate this trait into tangible help for others. Naipakita natin ito dun sa pagbibigay natin ng mas maraming tulong sa mga kababayan natin, lalong lalong doon sa mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan. (We were able to show this by extending even more help for our countrymen, especially those from the marginalized sectors of society.)

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE

Although considered a relative newcomer to electoral politics, Yamsuan is actually a repository of information on good governance. As a public servant who has had stints in the executive and legislative branches of government, Yamsuan brings with him a wealth of experience in public service.

As Bicol Saro Partylist representative in the 19th Congress, Yamsuan has been an active participant in various aspects of Congressional work. He has authored about 100 bills and co-authored almost 150 others; a testament to his work ethic. As chairperson of the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources; vice-chairperson of the Committee on Bicol Affairs and Economic Development and the Committee on Games and Amusements; as well as member of ten other committees, he has significantly contributed to crafting pieces of legislation that have changed the lives of many Filipinos. After all, his overarching goal as a congressman has been to “make life safe, secure, and comfortable for every Filipino family.”

In recognition of his performance as a legislator, RP-Mission and Development Foundation (RPMD) named Yamsuan as an Outstanding Public Servant for 2023. He was also presented the RPMD Laurel Trophy in recognition of his “dedication and achievements in governance and societal betterment” as well as “his commitment to public service and the welfare of Philippine society, demonstrating his role as a guardian of his constituents’ welfare and an advocate for better and progressive governance.”

Not one to rest on his laurels, Yamsuan again topped the list of best-performing partylist representatives earlier this year. As with the earlier recognition, this citation was based on clear criteria, namely legislative effectiveness; constituency service; transparency and accountability; contributions to the discourse on national issues; innovativeness and initiative; and adaptability and crisis management.

Legislative effectiveness pertains to the quantity and quality of legislative measures pushed (with particular attention to the relevance of such to constituents), as well as active participation in committee work and legislative debate. Constituency service refers to accessibility to constituents, and the quality of services provided. Transparency and accountability relate to openness of the decision-making process and management of ethical concerns, among others.

Meanwhile, contributions to the discourse on national issues is tied to involvement in major policy discussions and the impact of such to national legislation. Innovativeness, initiative, adaptability and crisis management refer to the ability to introduce innovative solutions and proactive pieces of legislation, as well as to adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances.

Yamsuan’s performance as a legislator in particular and public servant in general comes as no surprise, what with his background in executive and legislative work. Before he joined the legislature as a partylist representative, he had served the Lower House as Deputy Secretary General under the Office of the Speaker during the 18th Congress. As such, he performed political, administrative, and oversight functions, aside from assisting then-Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano in his dealings with lawmakers and other government officials. His previous experience as a political and media relations officer under the office of Senator Edgardo Angara and as chief of staff of Senator Tessie Aquino Oreta proved instrumental in his outstanding performance as one of the leaders of the 18th Congress.

Meanwhile, Yamsuan’s experience in the executive branch includes stints as director for media affairs under the Office of the Press Secretary, assistant secretary at the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and consultant under the Office of the Executive Secretary.

OUTSTANDING LEGISLATIVE PERFORMANCE

Proof of Yamsuan’s outstanding legislative performance is the enactment into law of a number of measures he authored in the 19th Congress. These laws cover such diverse fields as trade and economy; labor and employment; banks and finances; environment and natural resources; and senior citizens’ and veterans’ welfare.

He was a principal author of RA 11985 or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, which establishes a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation of programs and interventions for the development and management, utilization, modernization, and commercialization of the Philippine salt industry. The law will pave the way for thousands of new jobs, particularly in the countryside and coastal communities. In the long run, it will help the country achieve its goal of being salt self-sufficient and become a net exporter of salt.

The first-term lawmaker was also a principal author of RA 11995, or the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act. This law institutionalizes internationally-accepted environmental-economic accounting that measures and monitors the dynamic interaction and intersections of the environment, economy, and society. It will support the government’s economic, environmental, and health policy development and decision-making as well as provide tools and measures that could contribute to the protection, conservation, and restoration of the country’s ecosystems.

Meanwhile, an enhanced competitive advantage in the global market and heightened pride in locally-made products are the two main benefits that RA 11981 or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act is expected to bring. The law mandates the formulation, funding, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a comprehensive multi-year Tatak Pinoy Strategy (TPS) and establishing a Tatak Pinoy Council. The TPS is tasked to outline plans and courses of action at the local and national levels in order to systematically expand and diversify the productive capabilities of domestic enterprises and to produce and offer more and more diverse and sophisticated products and services that could help them compete in the global market.

Yamsuan also co-authored RA 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act. This law protects the public from cybercrimes that are financial in nature, such as those involving money mules, social engineering scams, and economic sabotage. It defines financial cybercrimes and imposes harsher penalties for illegal acts as spelled out under the Revised Penal Code, such as online selling and investment scams, phishing and other fraudulent schemes. It authorizes the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to investigate cases of financial fraud; apply for cybercrime warrants and orders; and request the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police in investigating cases.

The prolific lawmaker was also a major actor in the enactment of two major laws dealing with marginalized sectors of society, namely RA 11982 and RA 11958. The former, also known as the Expanded Centenarians Act, expands the coverage of the Centenarians Act of 2016 to octogenarians and nonagenarians by giving PhP10,000 cash gifts to seniors who reach the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. Said incentive is to be given to qualified recipients, whether residing in the country or abroad. The law mandates the extensive registration of senior citizens through the Elderly Data Management System in order to ensure the swift and smooth delivery of the financial incentive to qualified recipients.

Meanwhile, RA 11958 or the Act Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans upgrades the benefits of veterans with disabilities in order to make such attuned to present realities. The law increased the pension almost five-fold: from the old rates ranging from PhP 1000 to PhP 1500 per month, it now ranges from PhP 4,500 tp PhP 6,900 per month, and could go as high as more than P10,000 per month, depending on the beneficiary’s disability. Any veteran reaching the age of 70 is deemed disabled under the law, and will receive a monthly pension of Php 1700.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the Tatak Pinoy Act and the Expanded Centenarians Act as key measures “which not only honor two key sectors of society, but mandate measures that protect their rights and promote their development.” He also added that each of these laws “encapsulates the merits that the Bagong Pilipinas uphold toward building a strong nation.”

YEARNING FOR CHANGE AS IMPETUS FOR SERVICE

For Yamsuan, building a strong nation starts with building strong communities where the people are given the chance to improve their lives and strengthening various sectors. This is evident in the aforementioned pieces of legislation as well as other bills he continues to help shape. These include bills that seek to expand opportunities in the fisheries and farming sectors, as well as to further capacitate police officers in order for them to better serve the people.

Of particular interest is House Bill 10630, which seeks to create local centers for inclusive employment for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs). “In other countries, senior citizens and PWDs are given a chance to work if they can. We want to emulate that,” he stresses. “We want to be inclusive, for everyone to participate. Everyone has a right to participate because they are part of our society. We want to give everyone a chance to help shape a new Philippines, so we need to change the mindset of everybody.”

Yamsuan stresses that changing the people’s mindset will help our country improve and help our country go to the next level. “So, that’s what we need to do; to go to the next level to create the change, the improvements that we need for our country to be better,” he asserts. Another thing that Yamsuan wants to change is the people’s perception of congressmen. “People say that we’re not doing enough for everybody,” he states. “We’re doing the best we can to serve the people, and the challenge for us public servants is to make the people realize that we are doing our best to give them all that they need.”

Even as the Far Eastern University alumnus laments how the efforts that he and his fellow lawmakers do to help ensure a brighter future for all Filipinos never seem enough, he is bent on helping change the people’s perception of congressmen and the things they do. For instance, Yamsuan points to the arduous process of legislation and how people do not seem to understand it. “We are able to enact a good number of laws, but sometimes, not everyone notices. Because to them, it’s our job,” he says. He mentions some important parts of the process, such as drafting the bill, ensuring that it is understood and approved first by the pertinent committee, then the whole of the House of Representatives, and finally, by the Senate.

“It’s a big challenge for us, because there are always some quarters that feel left out or are not content with what we do,” Yamsuan continues. “That’s why we’re trying to change the dynamics. For them to appreciate the things that we do. We’re trying to bring Congress closer to the people. That’s why Speaker Martin Romualdez is actively pushing the Bagong Pilipinas Program of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. We’re bringing the program down to all areas of the country so that the people can see that Congress is doing a lot of things to help them in all the things that they need.”

GIVING BACK TO HIS COMMUNITY

For most of his career as a public servant, Yamsuan has resided at Barangay BF Homes in Paranaque’s 2nd District. As a member of the community for over two decades, he knows the potential of the district for development. He is also aware of the shortcomings of some leaders that have beset the community. “Hindi tayo pwedeng magbulag-bulagan sa maraming pagkukulang na nangyayari sa ating distrito (We cannot turn a blind eye to the many shortcomings here in our district),” he said, explaining his decision to offer himself as district representative.

Yamsuan is running under a platform of HOPE, one centered on Health, Opportunities, Peace, and Education. Through HOPE, he wants to provide his constituents quality and affordable health and medical care; give them better chance to uplift their lives through better job and livelihood opportunities; guarantee peace and security; and assure access to quality education.

Offering himself as their district representative, Yamsuan assures more help for the people of Parañaque. “I know the needs of the people. For instance, they need to get rid of their hunger, that’s why I have an extra rice program and feeding programs,” he says. “I will continue to give aid because, it’s different when people are given a better chance in life. I also want to ensure that my constituents get what they’re supposed to get, that there’s no cut, no kickback, nothing of the sort. So, I’m really personalized about that. I’m the one who asks for funds from the Senators and Cabinet secretaries.”

“I’ve been here for almost the past 25 years. I have seen it grow. I have seen it, not grow,” Yamsuan continues. “That’s why I decided to run because I think I can help more. I am sure that I can do more. I think that I can best represent this district that I have belonged to for so long. I think that we need to be dynamic, we need to change things to be able to create the awareness that people need. And also we need to be dynamic enough to adapt to change. Para at least mabigyan natin ng mas magandang laban yung mga taong nakapaligid sa atin. (So that at least, we could help the people around us have a better fighting chance.)

As the new leader of the city’s 2nd District, Yamsuan aims to lead his constituents to new heights. He sees himself as the leader who will lead them into that future that they intend to have. He pledges to give them a fighting chance in life, to help them create more opportunities to change their lives.

“I think that I have made significant headway in changing the mindset of people here. I’m changing the flavor of governance. I’m changing the flavor of how people should be helped. That’s what I’m giving to our district,” Yamsuan concludes.

I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS A MAN OF THE PEOPLE. I WANT TO BE KNOWN AS THAT SCRAWNY, POOR LITTLE GUY WHO WORKED HIS WAY UP IN LIFE IN ORDER TO REACH HIS GOALS. I WANT TO BE THE MAN WHO CHANGED THE 2ND DISTRICT OF PARANAQUE.