The year 2016 is coming to an end and we cannot help but look back at what we have accomplished this year. After the busy and polarizing political campaign, we hit the ground running.
This year has been about “change,” ushered in by the Duterte administration. The 2017 National Budget, dubbed as the “Budget for Change” was approved on time. We expect the performance of all our Cabinet Secretaries, constrained by the previous administrations’ July-December 2016 prepared budget, to improve significantly.
In the House, we have investigated on the drug proliferation in the New Bilibid Prison, which led to filing of cases among those involved. However, the war on drugs does not stop there. The President and the PNP should remain steadfast in its fight against the drug menace. At the same time, we wish for more rehabilitation facilities to be established as soon as possible to improve the lives of those who have surrendered.
We should also face reality that the illegal drugs trade flourished because it was a lucrative income source for so-called unemployables. One possible viable alternative is for former drug dependents be employed as Small Town Lottery collectors, through the help of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The expansion of the STL throughout the country would generate jobs and revenue for the government.
We celebrated the adoption of the “no window hour” policy and the extension of the number coding scheme until 8 p.m. because it eased the traffic congestion. The holidays could have been tougher if this new traffic policy was not implemented. We thank the Department of Transportation and the Metro Manila Development Authority for their pursuance of this new traffic regulation. While there is no silver bullet in resolving traffic, the administration should start with long term traffic solutions such as an efficient train system complimented by rapid bus transport.
Next year, we expect the approval of the Tax Amnesty Bill, which I have also authored. After the session break, the Death Penalty Bill will be debated upon on the floor and whatever the result will be, we expect that justice be upheld at all times.
I have a couple more resolutions to file in the first month of 2017 in pursuance of my goal of improving the lives of my fellow Filipinos. I just hope that the administration would also continue to resolve equally important concerns of the citizens. While the fight against drugs may be considered a success, the President should also focus on the fight against poverty. We still see many Filipinos who do not have houses, jobs, food, access to potable water, and access to education. These are concerns that cannot wait. We hope to see a government fully committed to alleviating poverty and improving the lives of our countrymen.
And that was the year 2016 for us. Let us all enjoy the holidays and welcome 2017 with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a happy heart. Happy holidays!
