House passes resolution supporting ‘Bagong Pilipinas’

MANILA, Philippines — Officials and members of the House of Representatives overwhelmingly adopted on Monday a resolution expressing their support for President Marcos and his “Bagong Pilipinas” program for the duration of his six-year term.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the expression of unity with the Chief Executive was unanimously agreed upon by leaders of political parties in the House, in an all-majority party caucus over the weekend.

“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’ (New Philippines) and a better life for our people,” the House leader said.

The congressional support is contained in House Resolution 1557 entitled, “Expressing the strong and unqualified support of the House to His Excellency, President Marcos, for his leadership and sincere commitment to steer the country toward a ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’”

Romualdez led House leaders in authorizing the resolution. His co-authors are Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Deputy Speakers Roberto Puno, Camille Villar, Antonio Albano and Kristine Meehan.

Co-authors include Reps. Yedda Romualdez, David Suarez, Jude Acidre, Robert Ace Barbers, Michael John Duavit, Brian Raymund Yamsuan, Johnny Pimentel, Albert Garcia, Tobias Tiangco, Jose Aquino II, Elizaldy Co, LRay Villafuerte, Jesus Eleandro Madrona, Wilfrido Enverga, Jesus Jurdin Romualdo and Angelica Natasha Co.

“Let me urge each one of you to support the adoption of House Resolution No. 1557 expressing the strong and unqualified support of the House to President Marcos for his leadership and sincere commitment to steer the country toward a Bagong Pilipinas through responsive and efficient service for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Gonzales said in his sponsorship speech.

The resolution stated that the program is a “strong testament” to the President’s “commitment to undertake reform to restore public trust and embark on a transformative journey where government services and financial assistance programs are accessible to every Filipino regardless of creed or religion.”

“It is the overarching theme of President Marcos administration’s brand of governance and leadership, characterized by a principled, accountable and dependable government reinforced by unified institutions of society,” the House stated.

The program is also “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,” it stressed.

DPWH support

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said yesterday that it fully supports the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan led over 1,000 DPWH officials and employees in expressing the agency’s full support to the administration program.

The agency also joined the program’s kick-off rally held at the Quirino grandstand on Sunday.

For his part, Bonoan commits to continuously steer the DPWH in fulfilling its mandate as the infrastructure arm of the government.

He said that top priorities of the agency are the construction and maintenance of roads for improved accessibility, building of more flood control structures to strengthen protection of communities susceptible to inundation and opening of more bridges to promote inter-island connectivity.

Bonoan said the DPWH’s “Build Better More” program is on track with thousands of project accomplishments now serving millions across the country.

He said that from July 2022 to November 2023, the DPWH was able to complete the construction, repair, maintenance, upgrading and widening of 7,715 kilometers of roads, 969 bridges, 2,410 flood control projects, 6,439 rain water collector systems, 389 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, 12 kilometers of farm-to-mill roads and 5,116 classrooms.

To ensure faster completion of projects, DPWH has further improved its system by implementing various strategies in all stages of project implementation such as digital applications from planning, design, procurement and contract management; has increased the limits of delegated authority of regional offices and district engineering offices for faster approval of detailed engineering designs, plans, program of works and approved budget for the contract; conducted advance procurement activities for all projects to save time and ensure immediate commencement of projects right after the approval of the General Appropriations Act.

Bayan hits cost

Meanwhile, militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) criticized the government for spending nearly P24 million for the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally on Sunday.

Bayan president Renato Reyes said yesterday that invitations to bid from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) showed a budget of P16.4 million for rental of technical equipment.

In another document, the administration had set aside P7.59 million for the procurement of tokens and collaterals such as aprons, ballers, caps, car stickers, hoodie jackets, tote bags, t-shirts and tumblers.

“That they would spend P24 million for a one-day event, it’s like there’s no crisis,” Reyes said in a statement.

“They say it’s a ‘New Philippines,’ but it’s still the same old habits prevailing. This was an expensive gathering to beautify the administration’s image,” he said.

At a news forum in Quezon City a day before the event, PCO Undersecretary Gerard Baria defended the holding of the activity, stressing the significance of Bagong Pilipinas – which is about good governance – deserves publicity.

“A press release is not enough. It should be drummed up,” the PCO official said. — Jose Rodel Clapano, Ric Sapnu, Emmanuel Tupas