SONA WATCH. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson watched the fifth State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his office at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Monday afternoon (July 27, 2020). Lacson backed the President’s call on Congress to pass the Bayanihan to Recover as One (Bayanihan 2) bill. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has backed the call of President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Congress to pass the Bayanihan to Recover as One (Bayanihan 2) bill.
The proposed law, which includes the stimulus package to revive the country’s economy in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis, was among the items discussed by the Chief Executive in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday afternoon.
“The request of the President for the swift passage of Bayanihan 2 is truly pivotal given the health and economic crisis we are facing now. As a local chief executive, I am hoping that such urgent legislation will be accorded priority by both Houses,” Lacson said.
The governor noted the President’s SONA revealed the matters paramount to his administration as reflected by the key legislations he has enjoined Congress to enact.
He also said that he agrees with Duterte’s call for the telecommunication companies to improve their services given that technology and connectivity will be among the controlling and dominant elements under the “new normal”, not to mention its crucial importance in the alternative learning system that includes online learning for students in the coming school year.
“The Philippines is among the lowest when it comes to mobile and fixed-line internet speed. Fast and reliable internet connection should be the norm rather than an expensive option,” he added.
Lacson expressed support as well to the President’s directives to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to retool the overseas Filipino workers and let government financial institutions assist those who were displaced.
“Also, his appeal to lessors to be more considerate and compassionate with their tenants, and his request for the Bangko Sentral to provide regulatory relief to micro, small and medium enterprises. We all need these interventions to prevent the collapse of the economy,” the governor added.
Lacson said every Filipino should heed the father of the Republic’s call for solidarity and to take care of one another since this is the time to bring out the best in everyone. (PNA)
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