"The House leader of the 18th Congress will play a crucial role in making sure the work of the Congress moves our nation forward."
"The House leader of the 18th Congress will play a crucial role in making sure the work of the Congress moves our nation forward."
I have started my term as Governor of Quezon Province. Coming from the legislative, my concern now revolves around the implementation of projects and programs submitted before Congress during the budget deliberations. If we remember, one of the main issues in passing the budget is the poor utilization of the budget. The three major departments—Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Education—have consistent gaps in the obligation and disbursement rates for the past years.
During budget deliberations in Congress, local governments are often assigned fault for the poor and delayed implementation of their programs. However, having seen some of the issues at the local level, it is sad to note that some of these delays could have been prevented and addressed by the national government. The lack of funds cannot always be put in issue because of the low actual utilization of the budget.
The 2019 budget is remarkably different since we will be implementing a cash-based budgeting. As an executive, I am deeply concerned about the coordination with the national government in the implementation of the programs and disbursement of the necessary funds. Regardless of the budgeting scheme, if national agencies are unresponsive to the call of the local governments for timely release of funds, projects and programs will likely be delayed. Hence, I call on the national agencies to revisit its procedures in disbursement and implement means to ensure the expedient release of funds for local programs. It is necessary to bridge the gap and secure the uninterrupted delivery of public services to our constituents.
Congress is also welcoming its new set of legislators who will be making great strides in our economic and political atmosphere with the policies they shall put forward. The House leader of the 18th Congress will play a crucial role in making sure the work of the Congress moves our nation forward.
All the aspirants for Speakership are competent and capable. As a veteran legislator, I have seen the importance of having a Speaker that is capable of uniting the 250 different representatives towards one goal. It is not an easy feat, particularly now, where division in the House seems apparent. Among the named candidates for Speakership, I believe that incoming Rep. Martin Romualdez is capable of delivering and doing so. Having served for full three terms from 2007 to 2016, he has, undoubtedly, the experience and the know-how in legislative matters. His recent pronouncements also show that he is committed to push for the economic agenda of this administration and align future policies towards the country’s growth and development. He is able to bring together individuals of diverse backgrounds and gather them to the table.
Whoever is chosen to lead, I am confident and hopeful that he will maintain the momentum of the 17th Congress, and add to our gains.