Go: Sustain robust economic growth
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed hope that the country’s robust economic growth will continue after the Philippine Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 7.6 percent in the third quarter of this year.
“We hope that we will sustain this remarkably fast acceleration of our economy. This economic performance is not an overnight miracle. I hope we will continue to sustain the many gains achieved by the Duterte administration and current Marcos administration as we march towards full and inclusive recovery soon,” said Go in an online interview on Sunday.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health reiterated the need to further improve vaccination efforts against Covid-19 to fully open up more sectors of the economy.
The senator cited the National Economic and Development Authority which stated that the high GDP growth rate was brought about in large part by increased mobility of people due to relaxed travel protocols.
“In my case, even if we have already opened the economy, I continue to reiterate the need to further improve our vaccination efforts. That’s why I said that we have to balance all. Our economy is open, but we will also continue with our vaccination rollout to ensure that we are more protected,” said Go.
While the wearing of masks has been made optional, Go continues to encourage Filipinos to do so if it is not an inconvenience.
He also stressed the importance of the government making it a top priority to ensure that the country’s economic growth would benefit ordinary Filipinos and that nobody would go hungry or be left behind on the road to full recovery.
Meanwhile, the senator has proposed looking into the possibility of amending tax laws in the country to relieve the burden on struggling Filipinos.
Go declared his willingness to support policies that would deal with the rising prices of commodities.
“I am willing to help, willing to work. Let’s study if there’s a need to amend the law … And continue with the subsidy for the drivers amid the rising prices of gasoline,” he said. “They’re the most affected here, the ordinary citizens. Let us ensure that they will be helped. We, in the government, are here to protect and help them.”