This is the print edition of Republika News magazine. To get a copy, contact Joey Dela Cruz at 0917-149-9513.

He may be turning 83 but Bulacan 6th District Rep. Salvador “Ador” Pleyto proves he can still do more and age is simply just a number. 

The incumbent lawmaker is among the most senior members of the House of Representatives but his old age doesn’t make him any less effective. One year into his tenure, the neophyte  congressman’s bill enacted into law was Republic Act (RA) No.11966 or “An Act Providing for the Public-Private Partnership of the Philippines.” 

Also known as the PPP Code, the law seeks to bolster infrastructure development in the country. 

According to Pleyto, the law will be instrumental in the government’s commitment to implement at least 185 infrastructure projects with an estimated cost of P9.14 trillion where 45 of which would be funded through the PPP. 

The former Public Works and Highways Under Secretary has also been an active participant in many committee hearings. As a farming advocate, he made manifestations about the impact of smuggling basic food items on the economic stability of the country. 

Because of this, he supports the implementation of a thorough investigation to uncover the network and methods used in smuggling operations through the cooperation of various government agencies, law enforcement and Custom officials to ensure a comprehensive approach. 

In 2024, Pleyto expressed concern over the rising number of Chinese students enrolling in educational institutions in Cagayan province. 

While not being against Chinese students coming into the country to study, tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the ongoing legislative investigations into the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals or groups into POGO practice, he said, makes it understandable for Filipinos to be concerned about their increased presence in the country. 

As a former DPWH Usec, Pleyto had filed measures seeking to ease roadside concerns. Among them were getting rid of criss-crossing electric cables or so-called “spaghetti wires” on major thoroughfares nationwide where public utility providers will be responsible for tidying up the visually unappealing wires. 

At 82, there’s still much to do for the country for Pleyto.