Senators happy Duterte won’t meddle in Congress probes, will cut red tape

Senators vote on a motion during plenary proceedings. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA — Senators are relieved with President Duterte’s assurance that he will not interfere with Congress’ job, which includes launching investigations in aid of legislation.

They also laud his directives to the Cabinet to cut down red tape.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Thursday it was good Mr. Duterte clarified he would keep off the functions and duties of legislators.

“Of course, it goes without saying, Congressional oversight is part and parcel of our duties,” Lacson said in a text message.

Lacson was also elated about the presidential directive to Cabinet members to cut red tape in their respective departments and agencies, suggesting to them to look at the Anti-Red Tape Act, which he authored and which was signed into law in 2007, by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but has not been implemented widely.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan said people should presume good faith in President Duterte “who was chosen by a popular majority” and being a lawyer, has been “sworn to uphold the rule of law and due process.”

“He has asked the citizenry to help him and issued marching orders to his Cabinet. It is our duty to respond,” Honasan said in a text message.

Honasan also expressed hope that both Robredo and Vice President Leni Robredo would serve as “God’s instruments of reconciliation, unity, peace, justice and a better future for the Filipino people and our children.”

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, in a text message, congratulated President Duterte for his statements, adding that what the Chief Executive said were “precisely what I thought he had in mind.”

Sen. Loren Legarda said President Duterte “hit the nail right on the head” and that she agreed with all his statements, especially his bid to “cut bureaucracy and reduce redundancy.”

“We can see the sincerity in his words, the single-mindedness of a true leader, the political will to bring about a government that truly serves the people with passion, vision, compassion,” Legarda said in a text message.

Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara said President Duterte would have a “very successful” presidency if the latter would be able to cut red tape, restore law and order, curb corruption and continue to grow the economy.”

“We all know it won’t be easy and we should unite as a nation behind these lofty goals,” Angara said in a text message.

For his part, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said President Duterte’s pronouncements were “the things the nation needs today,” citing the need to cut red tape in government offices and ending the communist insurgency.

“His speech was presidential, purposeful and persuasive. We expect more of it in the days to come as he delivers his marching orders to his army of change,” Recto said of Duterte, in a statement.

Congratulating both President Duterte and Robredo, Sen. Nancy Binay vowed to support the legislation needed by the new administration to achieve its goals.

“I am one with the goals of our new President, particularly in targeting crime, drugs and corruption in government,” Binay said in a statement.

She said the new administration could expect her support as well as her prayers and hope for a good change in the next six years.  SFM

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