Affects PH’s economy, int’l image
TACLOBAN CITY — Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina has called on the Supreme Court to immediately resolve the lingering leadership dispute in the Senate, warning that prolonged political uncertainty could undermine investor confidence, slow down governance, and divert attention from pressing economic issues affecting Filipinos.
Speaking on the reported deadlock over the Senate presidency involving Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Sherwin Gatchalian, Espina said the country’s highest court should provide a definitive legal ruling to determine who rightfully holds the chamber’s top post and put an end to the uncertainty surrounding Senate leadership.
“The Supreme Court should come in and make a fair and unbiased decision,” Espina said in an interview, stressing that a clear resolution would help restore political stability and allow lawmakers to concentrate on legislation and national development priorities.
Espina said that while local government units (LGUs) have become more financially independent through their National Tax Allocation (NTA) shares and locally generated revenues, they still rely heavily on national government programs, policies, and appropriations that are shaped and approved by Congress.
According to the governor, senators play a critical role in reviewing government programs, crafting laws, and ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently to sectors that directly benefit communities, including infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and social services.
“It is very important that lawmakers focus on their responsibility of ensuring that national programs are effective and truly beneficial to the people,” he said.
The Biliran governor expressed concern that political infighting within the Senate could distract lawmakers from addressing urgent concerns such as rising fuel costs, inflationary pressures, food security, and other economic challenges confronting ordinary Filipinos.
He emphasized that strong coordination between national government agencies and local governments is essential in delivering public services and implementing development projects, particularly in the provinces.
“There is a big difference when the national government and local governments work together. The people benefit the most,” Espina said.
Beyond governance concerns, Espina warned that continued political instability could create negative perceptions among foreign investors who closely monitor the country’s political environment before making investment decisions.
He noted that investor confidence is a key factor in attracting capital, creating jobs, and generating revenues that support government programs and economic growth.
“If the country’s image is damaged, investors may hesitate to invest hundreds of millions of dollars here. That affects all of us,” he said. “Without investments, there are fewer jobs and less tax revenue for the government.”
Espina added that political leaders should work toward resolving disputes through legal and constitutional means to preserve public trust in institutions and ensure that government remains focused on addressing the needs of the people.
His remarks come as political observers continue to monitor developments in the Senate leadership issue, with concerns that a prolonged impasse could affect the chamber’s legislative agenda, oversight functions, and the timely passage of measures aimed at supporting economic recovery and national development.
However, Sen. Gatchalian is now widely recognized as the acting Senate president which include acknowledgement from Malacañang and the House of Representatives.
JOEY A. GABIETA
