Aplikante sa 2025 Elections: Norman Marquez | Full Episode

Summary

Norman Cordero Marquez (Normsen), an animal welfare advocate, discusses his candidacy for the Philippine Senate. He highlights the significance of animal welfare, emphasizing that 94% of households are pet owners, making it a major societal issue. Normsen proposes a macroeconomic and intersectoral approach to address animal welfare, emphasizing collaboration between various sectors. He critiques the current Animal Welfare Act and advocates for reforms, including better implementation machinery. Normsen, with a background in economics and animal welfare advocacy, seeks to advance policies for both animal and human welfare, aiming for comprehensive healthcare and stronger support systems for marginalized communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Norman Cordero Marquez, or 'Normsen,' is a candidate for senator focusing on animal welfare and representing the interests of pet owners and marginalized sectors.
• 😀 Animal welfare affects 94% of Filipino households that are pet owners, making it a priority larger than religious denominations, gender, or other sectors.
• 😀 Animals are considered family members by many Filipinos, with companion animals, livestock, and wildlife all playing crucial roles in society.
• 😀 Animal welfare is directly tied to human welfare, as improving animal welfare can also improve health, livelihood, and social well-being.
• 😀 There is a need for more attention to animal welfare as a political priority, as the government has historically neglected this area.
• 😀 Despite 94% of households owning pets, political focus often overlooks their needs, favoring immediate economic concerns like food and livelihood.
• 😀 Norman advocates for a macroeconomic and intersectoral approach to animal welfare, involving collaboration across sectors such as government, business, and civil society.
• 😀 The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 needs reform, with a stronger enforcement mechanism to ensure proper implementation of animal welfare laws.
• 😀 Norman plans to create a comprehensive machinery for implementing animal welfare, with less reliance on government funds and more community involvement.
• 😀 He aims to increase resources and infrastructure for animal healthcare, including mobile veterinary clinics and improved veterinary education programs.
• 😀 Norman’s political experience includes legal assistance and grassroots advocacy, particularly within marginalized sectors, proving his dedication to reform.

Q & A

Who is Norman Cordero Marquez, and what does he advocate for?

Norman Cordero Marquez, also known as 'Normsen,' is an animal welfare advocate who is running for a Senate seat in the Philippines. He advocates for the welfare of pets and animals in general, aiming to represent marginalized sectors in society, including pet owners.

Why does Normsen believe it's time for an animal welfare advocate in the Philippines Senate?

Normsen believes it's time for an animal welfare advocate in the Senate because 94% of households in the Philippines are pet owners, and the welfare of animals directly impacts human welfare. He sees animals as integral to family life, health, livelihood, and the economy, emphasizing that addressing animal welfare is vital for the nation.

What is the macroeconomic approach that Normsen advocates for in terms of animal welfare?

Normsen advocates for a macroeconomic and intersectoral approach to animal welfare, meaning that efforts should balance the needs of all sectors, including agriculture, animal care, and economics, rather than solely relying on government funding. He stresses the importance of a collective effort to address animal welfare issues effectively.

What changes does Normsen propose for the Animal Welfare Act of 1998?

Normsen is not satisfied with the current Animal Welfare Act of 1998. He proposes amendments to improve the enforcement of animal welfare laws, including a more effective machinery for implementation. He stresses the need for consultation and community involvement, rather than relying on the government alone.

How does Normsen view the relationship between animal welfare and human welfare?

Normsen views animal welfare as closely tied to human welfare. He believes that animals, whether pets, livestock, or wildlife, are part of the family and ecosystem, and their well-being affects the economy, health, and livelihood of human communities.

What are some of the key proposals that Normsen wants to implement if elected?

Normsen's proposals include creating pet health care systems, establishing animal disaster coordinating councils, setting up mobile veterinary clinics, and increasing support for veterinary education to improve animal care services. He also aims to create community pet parks and introduce a more efficient system for handling stray animals.

What is Normsen's stance on the current handling of stray animals in the Philippines?

Normsen criticizes the current system for handling stray animals, which he believes is ineffective due to lack of political will. He advocates for local communities, alongside various sectors, to take responsibility for managing stray animals, rather than relying solely on government efforts.

What was Normsen's political journey before running for the Senate?

Normsen previously ran for local office in 2010, although he did not win. His focus shifted toward animal welfare advocacy in 2016, and over the past eight years, he has gained support from OFWs, civil organizations, and pet owners. His efforts have included helping animal welfare groups and influencing local ordinances.

Why does Normsen believe his animal welfare advocacy is gaining traction now?

Normsen believes his advocacy is gaining traction because 94% of Filipino households are now pet owners, many of whom are passionate about the issue. He points out that the power of animal welfare has grown as more people recognize the importance of animals in their lives and communities.

What makes Normsen a suitable candidate for the Senate, according to his own statements?

Normsen believes he is a suitable candidate due to his education, experience in assisting marginalized sectors, and his legal knowledge. He has actively supported animal welfare groups and successfully stopped harmful ordinances. He emphasizes his understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary people and his ability to bring about change in the Senate.