House leader Romualdez lists biggest challenge to Marcos Jr.’s stewardship

ALEADER of the House of Representatives on Wednesday said the biggest challenge facing the administration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. would be the reduction of poverty through the attainment of inclusive growth.

House Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez, in a news statement, admitted that achieving such a goal may be a “tall order,” given that inflation is rising, the budget deficit is widening and the global economic outlook is bleak.

“But the election of dynamic and compassionate leaders at the highest levels of government gives us all hope of a brighter future,” Romualdez added.

“For the first time since 1986, we have elected a majority President in the person of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. The overwhelming mandate that he received from the Filipino voters will surely help him steer the nation in the direction that we all desire—one that is anchored on his message of unity and his vision of Filipino nationhood,” he added.

Earlier, Romualdez said the incoming 19th Congress and the Marcos administration would immediately work on post-pandemic measures to help the country out of the Covid-19 pandemic and sustain its economic recovery.

Romualdez said Filipinos could look forward to a better life under the leadership of Marcos Jr. and incoming Vice President Sara Duterte.

“My kasimanwas [countrymen], a brighter future awaits all of us. Our new President and Vice President share with us our dream of a better generation for our children. Not only here in Tacloban and Eastern Visayas, but in all parts of the country,” Romualdez said in his inaugural address witnessed by Duterte.

The House leader said the nation also elected “a young Vice President, Sara Duterte, who is known for her strong conviction and compassionate leadership.”

For the first time in more than three decades, the country would have a President and Vice President working as a team, Romualdez, one of the campaign managers of Duterte, said.

“Their relationship is one of mutual respect and one guided by the duty to serve the Filipino. This energetic tandem, I am sure, will work hand-in-hand to help improve the living condition of our people,” he said.

He emphasized that the May 9 elections were a “triumph of democracy, the power of one’s vote and the voice of the majority.”

Romualdez made the remarks after his ceremonial oath taking at the Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation Gymnasium in Calanipawan Road here as representative of Leyte’s first district.