
DIVISIVE POLITICS
Lawmaker calls on Filipinos to shun ‘crass,’ divisive politics
CAMARINES Sur Representative and National Unity Party (NUP) president LRay Villafuerte has lamented the “crass, divisive” politics perpetrated by some quarters at a time when the country faces yet another threat of high oil prices and its ripple effects on the economy.
“Oil prices have begun to spike as a result of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The government needs to be prepared for the possible fallout resulting from this. The last thing we need right now is for crass, divisive politics distracting us from the possible problems that could arise from this brewing crisis,” Villafuerte said.
He called on perpetrators of this “kind of politics at its lowest form” to back off and assist the government instead in providing solutions that would support the country’s economic renewal.
“Sa halip na gumawa ng mga imbentong kwento, magtulungan na lang tayo. Lahat naman tayo ay apektado dito. Tapos na ang panahon ng mga siraan, mga alegasyon na walang basehan at haka-haka lamang. Pagkakaisa ang tamang paraan para malunasan natin ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng ating bansa,” Villafuerte said.
He pointed out that external factors beyond the control of any government, such as the increase in oil prices in the world market. has contributed in large part to the elevated inflation rate.
As for factors that the government can act on, Villafuerte said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has demonstrated toughness, decisiveness and quick action.
Villafuerte pointed out, for one, the President’s move to distribute smuggled rice to poor families, instead of allowing smugglers a chance to get their illicit goods back through the auction block.
The President has also acted fast in filing charges against alleged rice hoarders and smugglers and in immediately lifting the price caps he placed on regular- and well-milled rice when these have served their purpose of stabilizing prices of the food staple in the market, Villafuerte noted.
Villafuerte pointed out that the President’s unity strategy has paid off, with his administration able to recruit highly qualified officials to his Cabinet from diverse political backgrounds and affiliations.
“The President has shown that he will place the country’s interests first and that he is ready to work with all sectors to fulfill his agenda of elevating the quality of life of every Filipino,” Villafuerte said.
“But despite this, the President has already been unfairly pummeled, barely one-and-a-half years into his term, by irresponsible quarters whose primary goal is to protect their political interests. This behavior is repugnant and should be rejected by all Filipinos who aspire for true unity and prosperity for our country,” Villafuerte added.