Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday said his New Year’s resolution is to make sure that every Filipino will have a better life in 2022 and be “free from all the hardships that we experienced this past two years.”
“I am hoping for a better life for each and every one of us. Free from the economic burden, free to pursue our hopes and aspirations, free from the debilitating effects of the pandemic, and most of all free to choose our leaders who will usher us to the next chapter of our country’s history,” Marcos said in his message.
The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer said that while the country is still reeling from the damages brought by Typhoon Odette “and barely scratching the surface of our potential after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic”, it is imperative that we think beyond these griefs and focus our minds and energy as we look forward to a better New Year.”
He said he had laid out his plan for the country as he seeks the highest office next year, but these plans would only be possible if he is given the mandate by the people he wishes to serve.
“The New Year will usher us into a new beginning. A new dream, a new hope. But in the end, all of these can only come true if we stand as one. One nation, one people. In the end, our dreams of rebuilding our country will only come true if we have the same aspirations and the same beliefs,” Marcos said.
Marcos meanwhile hails the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed yesterday Republic Act 11641, also known as An Act Creating the Department of Migrant Workers.
Marcos congratulated both Houses of Congress for helping Duterte fulfill his promise to take care of the Filipinos abroad and their families back home.
He said “after four decades of overseas employment, our modern-day heroes will now have their own home in the bureaucracy.”
Marcos also urged the government to ensure that a fully functioning DMW would be ready early next year for the expected increase in deployment of migrant workers abroad amid the tapering threat of COVID-19.
The Department of Migrant Workers Act calls for creating a new government body that will protect the rights of OFWs worldwide. It is among Duterte’s priority bills that he certified urgent.
The new law will turn the existing Philippine Overseas Employment Administration into the Department of Migrant Workers. Its task will now be to oversee all policies aimed at protecting the welfare of OFWs.