House to honor 'Idol' Jessica

MANILA, Philippines - Win or lose, the House of Representatives will honor Jessica Sanchez, the first Filipino-American contestant to make it to the final two of the hit US talent competition “American Idol,” Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said yesterday.

“We don’t have to wait for her to be crowned ‘American Idol’ for us to honor her,” Belmonte said in a telephone interview. “We will honor her for bringing pride to our nation.”

The Speaker said from the time the 16-year-old Sanchez was accepted as a contestant and reached the finals, she made Filipinos all over the world proud of their heritage.

“She strengthened our sense of patriotism, unity and love for our country,” Belmonte said, adding Sanchez’s achievements reminded foreigners of the many artistic talents of Filipinos.

Belmonte said he was praying and rooting for her to win.

He said the House committee on rules would work out the details on how to honor Sanchez, who is competing next week against Philip Philips.

Sanchez’s mother hails from Samal, Bataan.

Ang Kasangga party-list Rep. Teodorico Haresco appealed to Filipinos in the US to ensure her victory as he thanked the three “Idol” judges – Jennifer Lopez, Steve Tyler, and Randy Jackson – for saving Sanchez at one crucial stage of the contest.

“We also urge our countrymen who have relatives in the US to press them to vote for our beloved Jessica,” Haresco said.

He said the kinship of Filipinos all over the world was revived because of “one beautiful voice.”

Haresco said he would push for the House to invite Sanchez to visit the Philippines and inspire the people.