MANILA, Philippines — House leaders extended their holiday greetings to Filipinos on Thursday with a sense of optimism, with Speaker Lord Allan Velasco saying that “there is light at the end of the tunnel” as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.
In his Christmas message, Velasco called the year 2020 an “unprecedented year”, saying that many Filipinos lost their jobs or loved ones in the fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is getting brighter. We in Congress are doing everything we can to help us all meet that light,” Velasco said in a statement.
“As your House Speaker, I assure our countrymen that we will do all we can to get us all back to our feet and experience the joy we all once had before this pandemic,” he added.
Velasco added that Congress is “working tirelessly to pass laws that would help the nation get through this period of difficulty,” citing the passage of the 2021 national budget and other legislations that seek to boost the economy and the country’s response to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said that this year’s Christmas season “may not be the most joyous of our holiday celebrations, but this may yet turn out as the most memorable.”
“Our situation today has given us time to pause and reflect on what we have achieved so far and what we still need to do to help improve our people’s lives,” Romualdez said in a separate statement.
“What I found special is our ability to stand tall despite the adversities and our innate nature to reach out to those in need in times of crisis. I have seen this indomitable Filipino spirit in the aftermath of Yolanda and I am seeing this again now,” he added.
Romualdez said the Christmas season “is also the most opportune time to give thanks for all the blessings that we have received throughout the year.”
“‘Tis a season for giving, they say, so please find time to continue sharing your blessings with our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” Romualdez said.