BACOLOD EXECS WITH HOUSE SPEAKER ARROYO. Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya (left) and Mayor Evelio Leonardia with newly-elected House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the session hall of the House of Representatives on Monday. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
BACOLOD CITY -- Top officials in this city described the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte as “simple but serious” in expressing what he wants to happen in the remaining years of his administration.
Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya said the President’s speech was simple, but the intent, in terms of the direction he wants to take with Congress, is clear.
The lawmaker maintained that he “leaves it to the people to rate the President as I used to do.”
Gasataya added that among the concerns mentioned by Duterte that made an impact on him the most is the “zero balance billing” in hospitals under the public health care system.
“It is a comprehensive program of the government, which I believe could help a lot to Filipinos,” he said.
In his speech, the President said one of the most important thrusts of this administration’s medium-term development plan is to cover all Filipinos against financial health risks.
“We are currently institutionalizing the unified implementation of the “No Balance Billing Policy”, through which, the government and our private healthcare providers can work out a system that will provide an order of charging of medical expenses,” he added.
“To this end, I urge the speedy passage of the Universal Health Care Bill authored by former Representative (now Presidential Spokesperson) Harry Roque,” the President said.
Moreover, Gasataya said the Chief Executive’s pronouncement pushing for Charter change would make them busy in the House of Representatives.
For his part, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who attended Duterte’s third SONA at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, said the President gave a serious and business-like presentation.
“He delivered about the drug problem, corruption, law and order, among others,” the mayor said.
Leonardia added that Duterte’s address was comprehensive as the President also credited Congress for acting on issues and matters considered vital to the country’s growth.
The mayor also said that since the President mentioned the Charter change, he believes Duterte is committed to make it a reality.
In his address, Duterte said he is “confident that the Filipino people will stand behind us as we introduce this new fundamental law that will not only strengthen our democratic institutions, but will also create an environment where every Filipino -- regardless of social status, religion, or ideology -- will have an equal opportunity to grow and create a future that he or she can proudly bequeath to the succeeding generations.” (PNA)
