Session hall of the House of Representatives (PNA file photo)
MANILA – The House of Representatives on Monday adopted a resolution expressing its "strong and unqualified" support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his leadership and commitment to steer the country toward a "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines).
During the plenary session, the chamber adopted House Resolution 1557, expressing the House's support for the "Bagong Pilipinas" campaign, which aims to provide a more responsive and efficient service for the benefit of Filipinos.
"The House of Representatives fully supports and adheres to the call of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring the country toward a 'Bagong Pilipinas' and rekindle the hopes of the Filipino people for genuine development and better tomorrow," the resolution read.
In his sponsorship speech, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said Bagong Pilipinas is the overarching theme of the Marcos administration’s brand of governance and leadership that centers on a "principled, accountable, and dependable government" reinforced by unified institutions of society.
"Spearheaded by President Marcos, 'Bagong Pilipinas' is envisioned to foster a unified commitment towards nation-building, the pursuance of excellence and innovation, and the upliftment of the life of every 'Bagong Filipino'," Gonzales said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, author of the resolution, said the expression of a message of unity with the President was unanimously agreed upon by leaders of political parties in the House in an all-majority party caucus on Sunday night.
“So these major political parties that comprise the membership of the House - we are one in solidarity with President BBM in his endeavor to bring about a Bagong Pilipinas and a better life for our people,” Romualdez said.
Gonzales said the program is “a call to unity, a rallying cry for every Filipino to come together, transcending differences and working hand in hand for a brighter and more prosperous life ahead."
Gonzales further noted the presence of government leaders in the kick-off, which reflects a "shared commitment" to the cause of nation-building.
"Each and every Bagong Pilipino's personal commitment to positive change is a vital fortress towards a strong and progressive nation," Gonzales said.
Other authors of the resolution are Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Deputy Speakers Roberto Puno, Camille Villar, Antonio Albano, and Kristine Singson-Meehan, among others.
In his speech during the "Bagong Pilipinas" kickoff rally at the Quirino Grandstand in the City of Manila on Sunday, Marcos vowed that the government would show in deeds that it was deserving of Filipinos' trust.
"It must craft a blueprint for progress, a plan that inspires hope and promises change, because, without one, we will be inflicting the old and outmoded views on our people, denying them the benefits that innovation and that empowerment will bring," he said.
The Philippine Development Plan of 2023 to 2028 enumerates the sectors to which funds should be channeled, and what policies must be implemented so that these can contribute to the overall growth, the President added.
The plan also lists the infrastructure priorities of the government.
"Ang Philippine Development Plan, ‘yan ang isa sa mga batayang dokumento kung saan hinango ang Bagong Pilipinas, our brand of governance. (The Philippine Development Plan is one of the documents from which Bagong Pilipinas, our brand of governance, is derived)," Marcos said.
Marcos also mandated government officials to improve government services and eliminate red tape.
"Services must be fast, projects must be completed on time, deadlines must be met per schedule, distress calls must be responded to without delay. In whatever government office, red tape must be replaced with a red carpet," Marcos said.
‘Disrespectful’
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker David Suarez and other leaders of the House of Representatives disagreed with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s call for Marcos’ resignation
In a speech at the Hakbang ug Maisug Leaders Forum in Davao City on Sunday, the youngest son of former president Rodrigo Duterte accused Marcos of being lazy and lacking compassion.
“’Yung mga nabanggit sa (What was said in) Davao calling for his resignation I think is totally disrespectful of the man given the position that he holds, and … has no basis whatsoever,” Suarez said in a statement.
Suarez noted that in the past two years, the Filipino people have seen the performance of President Marcos, particularly in managing and revitalizing the economy as the country emerged from the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have seen his commitment to the Filipino people, na hindi maaksaya ang tiwala na ipinagkaloob sa kanya nung siya ay manalo bilang Pangulo,” Suarez said.
Rizal 1st District Rep. Michael John Duavit said he respects everyone’s right to express his opinion but he does not share the younger Duterte’s views.
“Everybody’s got a right to an opinion, everybody’s got a right to express it. I’ll just express mine: I disagree, as simple as that,” he said.
Senior Deputy Speaker Gonzales said the reasons the Davaco City mayor raised is not supported by facts.
“Ako naman po, ang masasabi ko lang, (All I can say is) we have to respect the Office of the President. Saka nagtataka po kami bakit pinapa-resign si President BBM, wala po tayong basehan, napaka-sipag (ng Pangulo) (We are wondering why President Marcos is being asked to resign. There is no basis, the President is so hard-working),” he said.
Suarez reiterated that amid such accusations, the House remains unwavering in its support for Marcos. (PNA)
