“BBM will need the full support of the 19th Congress to pass measures that will fuel economic recovery thrusts”
The incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. is all set to lead and unite the nation to rise from the economic devastation of two-and-a-half years of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and falloff.
President-elect BBM has put together a Cabinet, including top economic managers, that will focus on economic recovery and rebuilding.
But, to steer the economy out of sheer quandary which was recently exacerbated by constant oil price hikes, government efforts will not depend only on BBM’s executive initiatives.
The BBM administration will need the full support of the 19th Congress, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, to pass measures that will fuel BBM’s economic recovery thrusts.
In the first place, it is the job of Congress to legislate with the ultimate goal of uplifting the quality of life of the people, as well as to serve as check-and-balance to the executive powers.
The 1987 Constitution vested Congress with “power of the purse” to pass the proposed annual national budget or the costs of running the government. Conversely, running the government means working to improve the plight of the Filipino.
Through legislation, the Senate and the House of Representatives now face the daunting task of stirring trade and commerce, and enabling the country’s industries to attract investors to generate the needed tax revenues.
Congress also bestows the necessary emergency powers or authority to the President to dispense with government funds to facilitate public health emergency response and social amelioration programs, like the Bayanihan to Heal Act. Any such undertaking should be more efficient and free of irregularities.
It is a welcome development that the BBM leadership has gained the full support of both the emerging leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Sen. Migz Zubiri and House Majority Leader Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, are expected to be elected as Senate President and House Speaker, respectively.
We count on the Senate President and the House Speaker to work closely with President BBM to address not only economic recovery but also the ailing public health infrastructure.
They must also tackle the issues of internal and external threats to national security such as, communist terrorism and the Chinese incursions into the West Philippine Sea.
They must also tackle the worsening plight of the local farmers and fisherfolk who have long been adversely affected not only by the flood of imported goods but also by natural calamities caused by erratic climate change.
The incoming President BBM leadership, the 19th Congress, and all the way down to our LGU and barangay officials have all the work clearly cut out for us.
Unlike two-and-a-half years ago when we reacted late and panicked, shutting down the economy and all means of transportation, this time around we must be ready for any eventuality.
We will be well-prepared this time.