Category: News

Independent senatorial candidate, former Senator and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II finds himself enjoying a surge of momentum as the polls near, as he ranks 10th in the recently released RP Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) Senatorial survey.

The survey was conducted from April 17 to 21, with 10,000 respondents interviewed face-to-face across the country. For national percentages, the sampling error margin is +/- 1%. Gringo garnered a 43.2% voter preference, which places him squarely within the “Magic 12” at number 10.

Mark Villar (72.6 percent) sits in 1st place, followed by Antique Rep. Loren Legarda (67.1 percent), Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero (61.5 percent), broadcaster Raffy Tulfo (60.3 percent), former House Speaker Alan Cayetano (53.8 percent) and Sen. Win Gatchalian (52.4 percent). Rounding out the 7th to 12th places are Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri (51.7 percent), former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay (44.8 percent), film actor Robin Padilla (43.6 percent), Gringo (43.2 percent), Sen. Joel Villanueva (37.5 percent), and former Senator JV Ejercito (34.8 percent).

‘Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga kababayan na nagtitiwala sa ating kakayahan at sa ating mga adhikain. Hindi ito bunga lamang ng ating puspusang pangangampanya, kundi patunay na rin na ang ating mga minamahal na kababayan ay handang handa na tumugon sa ating hamon na Magtulungan para sa Bayan. Saludo po ako sa inyo!’ [We wish to thank our countrymen who continue to trust in our abilities and advocacies. This is not merely the fruit of our tireless campaign efforts, but rather it is an affirmation that our countrymen are ready to respond to our challenge to help one another for the betterment of our country.]

Seeking a fifth term in the Senate after his stint as DICT Secretary, Gringo champions the need for legislation that would ensure our kababayans’ KKK: Kalusugan, Kabuhayan at Kaligayahan.

To address Kalusugan, he plans to expand the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, a law he authored during his previous term which instituted school feeding programs in public schools across the country.

For Kabuhayan, he seeks to improve our workforce’s ICT capabilities by expanding their ICT trainings to ensure their competitiveness in the global economy and by increasing internet speed in the country and providing public schools with free wifi, laptops and tablets for online learning–which he previously instituted in DICT during his term.

To safeguard our Kaligayahan, Sec. Honasan shall endeavor to make the passage of legislation aimed at peace and order a priority, such as the National CCTV Roll-Out equipped with cameras with facial recognition and the adoption of a Self-reliant Defense Posture.

Gringo, the first independent candidate in Philippine history to win a seat in the Senate, is running for Senator as an independent candidate adopted by PDP-Laban, BBM-Sara Uniteam and the Lacson-Sotto tandem.

(SAN JUAN CITY, Philippines) – Honasan-Zamora Alliance in San Juan founded on “Magtulungan para sa Mamamayan”. Mayor Francis Zamora emphatically endorsed the Senatorial bid of Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II and attested that Honasan made good on his promises to San Juan City. He said:

“Mga minamahal kong Sanjuañeno, nasa harap po natin ang tao na siyang dahilan kung bakit ang lahat ng pampublikong magaaral ay may tablets. Kung naalala po ninyo nung 2019 sa ating proclamation rally dito po sa plaza, yan po ang pinangako ng ating mahal na Senador, na totoo naman tinupad para sa ating mga kabataan. Kaya ako po bilang inyong mayor hinihingi ko po ang inyong supporta, ibalik natin sa senado, Senador Gringo Honasan!”

Honasan attended the proclamation rally of Mayor Francis Zamora and Team Makabagong San Juan in Filoil Flying V Arena, San Juan City last March 25, 2022.

San Juan has always been close to Honasan’s heart, which became most apparent during his time as Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

During Honasan’s tenure as ICT chief, San Juan was chosen to be one of the first LGUs to receive tablets, laptops, and units of pocket Wi-Fi from the DICT under its Digital Teachers and Learners Program. San Juan was also selected for the pilot implementation of its Vaccine Administration System and the DICT also partnered with the San Juan LGU for the vaccination program for Information Technology and Business Process Management industry workers.

Addressing the crowd in San Juan, Honasan said: “Tatlong taon na ang nakalipas. Pangako ko noon sa inyo, kay Mayor Francis at kay Congressman Ronny. Kapag hinirang tayo na Secretary ng DICT, uunahin natin ang San Juan sa free wifi, tablet, pocket wifi, at lahat ho ng maaring iambag ng DICT para sa ikauunlad ng San Juan.”

Honasan also thanked San Juan, saluted all their efforts especially that of the frontliners and urged everyone to help one another. “Magtulungan po tayo.”

Gringo is currently running as Senator as an independent candidate, adopted by PDP-Laban, BBM-Sara Uniteam and the Lacson-Sotto tandem.

In addition to his stint as DICT Secretary, he is also a decorated soldier and four-term Senator.

(BACOLOD CITY, Philippines) – Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II was warmly greeted by brethren from the Philippine Guardian Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI),  as he touched down in Negros Occidental on March 20, 2022.

PGBI is celebrating its 22^nd founding anniversary and Gringo travelled to the province to attend the celebrations. Gringo is currently the PGBI national president.

Addressing a crowd of Guardians at the Victorias City Capitol, he said: “magtulungan o mag-bulig kita” [let us all help one another]. He thanked the frontliners in hospitals, health centers and homes who have made tireless sacrifices during the pandemic.

Gringo also visited the headquarters of the PGBI to support the construction of their new office.

In Bago City, he addressed a crowd which included barangay health workers, saluting their efforts amid the pandemic. Also in attendance were Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Fourth District Congresswoman Juliet Ferrer, Fifth District Congresswoman Marilou Arroyo, former House Deputy Speaker Mercedes Alvarez, and mayors, board members, and councilors of Negros Occidental.

Gringo is currently running as Senator as an independent candidate, adopted by PDP-Laban, BBM-Sara Uniteam and the Lacson-Sotto tandem.

In addition to his long military career, he is a four-term Senator and former DICT Secretary.

(CEBU, Philippines) – Senatorial candidate Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II continued the Visayan leg of his campaign in Cebu last March 18, 2022.

At the top of his agenda was a courtesy visit to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia at the Capitol. He wanted to see how the governor and the province were doing in the aftermath of super typhoon “Odette.” Cebu was one of the hardest-hit areas when the typhoon devastated the region in December last year.

The two discussed the provincial government’s relief and recovery efforts in the calamity’s wake. They also discussed its efforts to address the health crisis.

– Cebu Guardians –

Next stop was a visit to the Guardians in Liloan City, where a huge crowd waited to see him.

“Damang dama ko ang init ng inyong pagtanggap na mas mainit pa sa sikat ng araw kanina. Ako ay nagagalak makita ang marubdob niyong pagmamahal sa ating Kapatiran na mas lalo pang nag-aalab habang palapit nang palapit ang ika-22 na anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng PGBI,” he said.

The Philippine Guardian Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) is celebrating its 22^nd founding anniversary this year.

– Cebu local officials –

Gringo then met with former Cebu City mayor Tommy Osmeña and Councilor Margot Osmeña. He also met with other local officials, including Mayor Joyjoy Alegado, Vice-Mayor Nene Alegado of Consolacion, Cebu, and Councilor Franklyn Ong and barangay officials of Cebu City, as he toured the province of Cebu.

Gringo is currently running as Senator as an independent candidate, adopted by PDP-Laban, BBM-Sara Uniteam and the Lacson-Sotto tandem.

In addition to his long military career, Gringo is a four-term senator and former DICT Secretary.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Senatorial candidate Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II attended a Dialogue for Good Governance between Christian Muslim Against Crime and Corruption Incorporated and the BBM-Sara Uniteam with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday, 05 February, 2022.

Senatorial bets Robin Padilla, Herbert Bautista and Gilbert Teodoro attended Saturday’s dialogue as part of the Uniteam contingent. Also in attendance were Congresswoman Shernee Tan-Tambut of Kusug Tausug Party List and Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon.

– Call for unity and cooperation –

Acknowledging the multitude of concerns and issues faced by our countrymen, especially our Muslim brethren, the four-term Senator encouraged the audience to vote for leaders who are willing to put aside their differences to cooperate with each other to solve the ills that we face as a nation:

“Hindi ito kaya ng iisang mayor, iisang governor, o iisang presidente. Kaya ang kailangan, Magkaisa at, Magtulungan tayo!” [These (problems) cannot be solved by a mayor, a governor, or a president alone. That is why we need to unite and help one another!]

– Choose our future leaders wisely –

The former DICT Secretary urged the audience to be mindful of the choices they make in the 2022 Elections. Even candidly speaking about his own Senatorial candidacy:

“Kung puno na po ang listahan ninyo (para sa Senador) sa eleksyon, huwag na po ninyo isama ang pangalan ko. Sila (the other Senatorial candidates in attendance) na lang po ang iboto ninyo, ayos lang po sa akin yan.”[If you find yourself struggling with trimming your list of candidates for the Senate, then you may choose not to vote for me. You can vote for them instead, that is fine with me]

This proposal was met with the crowd’s vehement disapproval, as the room immediately erupted in cheers and applause in support of the country’s most popular former rebel.

– Think of our children –

In closing, Gringo implored the audience to never lose sight of who we are making these critical decisions for, reminding everyone that we are doing this for our most precious and renewable resource, the next generation of Filipinos and leaders, our children and grandchildren.

Gringo Honasan is currently running as for Senator in the 2022 Elections as an Independent candidate, adopted by the BBM-Sara Uniteam, PDP-Laban, and by the Ping Lascon-Tito Sotto tandem as part of their respective senatorial slates.

LAGUNA, Philippines – Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II paid a visit to the province of Laguna, where he met with long-time friends Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto II and met with key local officials Governor Ramil Hernandez and Vice Governor Katherine Agapay.

– Macho Bloc –

Gringo was a member of the “macho bloc” in the Senate along with Lacson and Sotto. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of peace and order.

Gringo spent 21 years in the Senate, having first been elected in 1995.

– Laguna close to his heart –

Gringo expressed fondness for Laguna, saying that his wife and her parents are originally from Pagsanjan.

As the place where his wife was born and baptized, he says that Laguna is very close to his heart.

– Importance of unity –

Calling for peaceful and fair elections, Gringo urged voters to assess the individual competence and experience of all candidates. He stressed the need to work together regardless of who wins the 2022 Elections.

He ended his speech with a call for unity:

“Kaya ang hiling ko lang sa inyo at panalangin naming lahat ay isulong natin pumili tayong mabuti, pero ang pinakamahalaga ay yung pagtutulungan. Yan ang tanging huling dahilan. kung humaharap ako sa inyo. Sumasaludo ako sa inyo, kayo ang nasa frontline, bawat pamilya, bawat tahanan, yung mga nasa health center, nasa hospital. Kaya magtulungan po tayo. Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay tayong lahat!” [I ask and pray that we choose wisely, but importantly help one another. That’s the reason why I stand before you. I salute you, those in the frontline, each family, each home, those in the health center, and hospital. So let’s help one another. Thank you. May we all proper.]

In addition to his years of service in the military and in the Senate, Gringo was also the Secretary of the DICT from 2019 to 2021.

MANILA, Philippines – Senatorial candidate Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II addressed thousands of supporters in the UniTeam grand rally held in Mandaluyong City.

– Native “Mandaleño –

Dubbed as a native “Mandaleño” or a son of Mandaluyong, Gringo finished high school at the Don Bosco Technical College.

– Call for unity –

Gringo spoke of his experience as a soldier for 17 years, a Senator for 21 years, and DICT Secretary for two and a half years. If re-elected, he says, he will continue his previous platforms and programs which includes: 1) an expansion of RA No. 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act; and 2) the refiling of Senate Bill No. 23, which provides for the purchasing of crops from farmers for feeding programs in public schools and Senate Bill No. 67, which authorizes the wiretapping of drug lords. Gringo also plans to advocate for the passage of a Comprehensive 30-year National Development Program, a law mandating the installation of CCTVs with facial recognition across the country, and laws that would drive the acceleration of the country’s digital transformation.

Urging people to unite, he emphasized the need for everyone to help one another:

“Ang tanging solusyon sa napakaraming problemang kinakaharap natin ay ang pagtutulungan. Hindi ito kakayanin ng isang pangulo, isang pangalawang pangulo, isang senador, isang gobernador, isang mayor…Kailangan po talaga, magtulungan tayo.” [The only solution to the many problems we’re facing is to help one another. This cannot be solved by one president, one vice president, once senator, one governor and one mayor. We all need to help one another.]

– Access to truthful information –

He also spoke of access to truthful information that will help voters make responsible choices that will eventually impact their lives, their families, their communities, and the nation.

He says that we are doing this for our most precious and strategic resource, the next generation of Filipinos and leaders, our children and grandchildren.

In addition to his long military career, Gringo is a four-term senator and former DICT Secretary.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte endorses the Senate bid of Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II. In a video message, Duterte lauds Gringo’s love for the Philippines:

“Kaibigan kong si Gringo Honasan. Matagal ko na siya itong kaibigan. Sundalo ito, naging Senador. Botohin ninyo si Gringo Honasan. Walang iniisip ‘yan kung ‘di bayan. Yan lang ang nasa utak nya, yung love of country.” [Gringo is a long-time friend. He’s a soldier who became a Senator. Vote for Gringo Honasan. He only thinks about the country. That’s the only thing in his mind, the love of country.]

“I appreciate [his] patriotism, because even as a soldier and even as a Senator [his] paradigm never shifted to anything except the love for his country,” he says.

Urging people to vote for Gringo, he adds “if you love your country, you must love Gringo Honasan.”

– Duterte cabinet member –

Gringo was one of Duterte’s cabinet members appointed in July 2019. He was the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology until October 2021 when he filed his certificate of candidacy for Senator in the 2022 elections.

In addition to his long military career, Gringo was a four-term Senator.

– Trust of the people –

In response to the message, Gringo expresses his gratitude to President Duterte and asks the Filipino people for their continued trust and support:

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagtitiwala. Nawa’y pagkatiwalaan po ninyo akong muli na magsilbi sa ating Bayan! Magtulungan tayo!”

The video is available using this link:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=484149583311362&ref=sharing&_rdc=1&_rdr