Why Alma Moreno is running for senator

Alma Moreno (Contributed photo)It’s full steam ahead for Alma Moreno, who has confirmed her senatorial bid  during her recent birthday celebration at Manila Pavilion Hotel along U.N. Avenue, Manila. The Parañaque city councilor said she is ready to take on the challenge of a higher government post.

"Actually, noon pa ang dami nagsasabi na tumakbo ako for a higher office, senator nga, but then may kaba pa ako. Pinagdasal ko sa Diyos ito. I said, please give me a sign. And after Holy Week nga, I got what I prayed for.  I woke up one day na wala na ang kaba ko. And I really felt that I am ready for it. Talagang pinaghandaan ko ito," Alma explained.

To doubting Thomases who question her ability to govern, Alma has this to say "Kaya ko. Hindi ako papasok kahit saan kung hindi ko kaya."

Preparations

Unknown to many, Alma has been studying AB Political Science Major in Local Government Administration at the Makati University, from where she will be graduating on June 30. Alma also took a Leadership and Management Development Program at the Ateneo de Manila University. She went to Thailand to attend a seminar on public service with fellow councilors.

"Ang pag-aaral, wala sa edad," she said, adding that she is a good student. 
 
But of course, she learned more about governance and public service OJT (on-the-job)  style. Before she got elected into public office, Alma  has been exposed to people from all walks in life and to public service when  former husband, Joey Marquez, became mayor of Parañaque City. She learned even more about public service when she became councilor and officer of the 17,000 strong Philippine Councilors League (PCL).

Alma was national secretary general and the executive vice president of PCL before her election as its  national president .

"Kaya nalibot ko ang halos kasuluksulukan ng Mindanao. Pati na Luzon at Visayas. "

As PCL president, Alma  purchased  additional vehicles for the use of councilors on official business in Metro Manila. The three-storey PCL Hostel in Las Piñas has been renovated to house councilors and other politicians from the provinces who can't afford to stay in big hotels in Manila.

The PCL successfully lobbied for the Civil Service Eligibility Law for local legislators, or RA 10156, which  Pres. Noynoy Aquino approved on Dec. 20, 2011. 

Family support

Alma’s  husband, Marawi Mayor Fred Salic, is supporting her political plans.  So, too, are her seven children,  Mark Anthony Fernndez, 33: Vandolph Quizon, 28: Charles Yeoj Marquez, 21: Teresita Seen "Winwyn" Marquez, 20; Vittorio Joey Marquez, 15; Maria Maal Venesa Marquez, 11 and Alfah Salic, three. 

Alma is a member of the Lakas-CMD headed by Sen. Bong Revilla.