FILE PHOTO: Senator-elect Francis “Chiz” Escudero. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Senator-elect Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday said he is pushing for a “speedy passage” of the government’s P5.268 trillion budget in 2023 to spur the recovery of the pandemic-burdened economy by aiding the country’s agriculture sector, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Escudero, the outgoing governor of Sorsogon, recommended that priority be given to the agrarian sector in the allocation of the proposed multi-trillion fund.
“Wala naman sigurong kokontra sa mabilis na pagtalakay at pagpasa ng appropriation measure dahil ito ang pinakamahalagang tungkulin namin bilang mambabatas sa ilalim ng Saligang Batas,” he said. “Pinakamataas dapat ang budget ng edukasyon, pero dapat ang pumapangalawa doon ay agrikultura dahil iyan ang pinagkakakitaan ng pinakamahihirap nating mga kababayan.”
(I don’t think anyone will oppose the speedy discussion and passing of the appropriation measure because this is our most important duty as legislators under the constitution. The budget for education is always the highest, but second to this should be the agricultural sector, because this is a leading source of income for many of our poorest countrymen.)
Escudero added that providing aid to small businesses may also resolve issues in the Philippine economy, including the lacking opportunities for domestic employment
“Kapag nasolusyunan natin ang problema ng MSMEs, parang nasolusyunan na rin natin ang halos 99 porsyento ng problema sa ekonomiya at kakulangan ng trabaho,” the returning senator said.
(By solving the problems of our MSMEs, we are also addressing about 99% of our economic problems and the inadequate job opportunities in the country.)
Escudero, who ranked fifth in the 2022 senatorial race, made a successful comeback in the upper chamber with over 20.2 million votes.
RELATED STORY:
Comelec: All 12 winning Senate bets to attend proclamation