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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House leaders share messages of hope for Pinoys on Xmas eve

House leaders share messages of hope for Pinoys on Xmas eve

Published Dec 24, 2020 10:29 am

Two of the top leaders in the House of Representatives shared their messages of hope on Christmas eve as Filipinos try to look past all the challenges they have endured this year, foremost of which is the COVID-19 pandemic.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez also reckoned in their respective messages Thursday that the Yuletide season is the best time to reflect on what has happened the past few months.

"There was a time when all seemed hopeless, and we were left wondering if we will all be able to return to our daily routines. There are those who lost their jobs, while others lost their loved ones. I sincerely sympathize with you in these trying times," Velasco said.

"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. 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," the Marinduque congressman vowed.

Romualdez noted that even with the restrictions and limitations imposed on Filipinos to contain the spread of the epidemic, "we have managed to survive and perform our missions in life with vigor."

"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. 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," the solon from Leyte said.

Romualdez added that now "is also the most opportune time to give thanks for all the blessings that we have received throughout the year."

Meanwhile, Velasco further assured his countrymen that the House has been "working tirelessly to pass laws that would help the nation get through this period of difficulty, starting with the 2021 national budget."

The proposed P4.506-trillion General Appropriations Act--which is a President’s signature away from enactment--is seen as crucial to the country’s pandemic response mechanism, especially since the vaccine is expected to arrive here within the first half of 2021.

Velasco belongs to the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan, while Romualdez sits as president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party.

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