The Wheel

Where morning spills its amber glow,
A child appears along the way,
While others wake to greet the dawn,
His weary hands have led the day.

The wheels he guides sing soft and low,
A tune the quiet streets have known,
Though small in frame and young in years,
He learns to stand and strive alone.

Each step he takes through dust and light,
Adds weight no child should have to bear,
Yet still he walks with steady pace,
As if his dreams are waiting there.

The road may stretch both rough and long,
And leave its marks with every mile,
Yet those who carry hope through storms,
Can teach the world the strength of a child.

For morning does not shine on all,
With equal gifts beneath its sky,
But those who labor, dream, and rise,
Show how the smallest hearts can fly.

// written by Princess Jane Perales
// photo by Prince Joshua Loverez

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | A major shift in the senate unfolded after Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero joined the minority bloc, enabling a quorum and move forward with a leadership overhaul, June 3.

The development came amid internal tentions, the detention of Sen. Jose Pimentel Ejercito Jr. better known as Jinggoy Estrada, and the continued absence of several majority senators.

Meanwhile, Sen. Escudero emphasized that his move was driven by his responsibility in preserving the Senate’s ability to function, rather than in political alliances or personal loyalty.

// report by John Russel Pareja

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | Senate names Gatchalian Pro Tempore, reshuffles committee chairs

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore as the Senate approved a motion to reshuffle all committee chairmanships, resulting in a major leadership realignment within the chamber, June 3.

Gatchalian replaced Sen. Loren Legarda in the second-highest position in the Senate and is set to serve as acting Senate President in the absence of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

Moreover, the Senate approved the vacancy of all committee chairmanships, resulting in a reassigned committee leadership across various sectors.

Sen. JV Ejercito was named chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III for National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, Sen. Ping Lacson for Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and Accounts, Sen. Erwin Tulfo for Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) and Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, Sen. Raffy Tulfo for Public Services, and Sen. Bam Aquino for Basic Education.

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan was designated as chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, Sen. Risa Hontiveros for Health and Demography, Sen. Lito Lapid for Games and Amusement, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero for Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, and Sen. Migz Zubiri for Foreign Relations and Rules.

Furthermore, the leadership changes followed Escudero’s unexpected appearance at the plenary session, which provided the Senate with enough members to establish a quorum.

Meanwhile, the chamber remained one member short of the required number to proceed with the election of a new Senate President.

// report by Marielle Joy Razo