Marcos draws early support from senators, congressmen

MANILA, Philippines — Senators vowed yesterday to work with President Marcos in ensuring more job opportunities, technical and vocational training, and fair wages for the country’s citizens.

Taking cue from Marcos’ inaugural speech after being sworn in as the 17th president of the republic, Sen. Joel Villanueva expressed support for the priorities of the new administration.

“President Marcos mentioned the importance of job opportunities, tech-voc training, and fair wages... as these are our advocacies, we thank the new President for recognizing them,” Villanueva said.

“We will coordinate with the economic managers of the new administration, especially with Migrant Workers Secretary Susan ‘Toots’ Ople and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, so we can work on programs for the welfare and development of our workers,” he added.

Villanueva said some of these programs include the institutionalization of the National Employment Strategy and the TUPAD Emergency Employment program, which will continue the programs initiated by the Duterte administration.

“These programs are very appropriate for addressing the effects of the current crises on our workers, particularly those from the transportation and agriculture sectors,” he added.

Sen. Sonny Angara also expressed confidence that Marcos “will lead the country to new heights,” citing his choice of a “strong economic team that will build on the gains of the Duterte administration and steer the economy towards recovery.”

“With the votes of over 31 million Filipinos behind him, President Bongbong can be assured of the support of a strong majority of the country for his policies and programs, many of which have already been laid out in the past weeks,” Angara said.

He said that by taking on the agriculture portfolio, Marcos is demonstrating his commitment in addressing the problems of the sector, increasing the yield of farmers and fisherfolk, and achieving food security.

“We look forward to working with President Marcos and his administration, as well as with his equally competent Vice President Sara Duterte. Together with the entire nation, we pray for the success of the Marcos administration,” Angara said.

Support from the House

At the House of Representatives, Marcos’ allies commended him for his well prepared inaugural address, which set the tone for his brand of governance until 2028.

“He made history by being the first majority President in modern times. I am sure he has his eyes on other extraordinary feats by having a legacy Filipinos will be proud of for many years and by being a great President,” said incoming Speaker Martin Romualdez, a first cousin of Marcos.

“President Marcos will play a pivotal role in uniting the nation which is key to moving the country to greater heights,” he added.

Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero said it is time to rally behind the new President. “If we want to help our country and ourselves recover from the post-pandemic economic problems, we must back up our new leader. His success is everyone’s success,” Romero said.

Fellow Deputy Speakers Arnolfo Teves and Bernadette Herrera, the former president’s son Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, and neophyte congressman Salvador Pleyto of Bulacan’s sixth district also welcomed the new Chief Executive. – Delon Porcalla