Senators on Tuesday lauded incoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision to take over the leadership of the Department of Agriculture (DA) when he assumes office on June 30.
Senator Sonny Angara said it is the President’s prerogative to do so, since all Cabinet secretaries are all under his instruction.
“It’s the president’s prerogative since all Cabinet secretaries are his agents anyway,” Angara said when sought for comment.
“Nangangahulugan ito na top priority ni President-elect BBM (Bongbong Marcos) ang sitwasyon sa pagkain at pagsasaka lalong lalo na sa panahon ng pag taas ng presyo ng pagkain sa pandaigdigang merkado at dito sa loob ng bansa (This means that President-elect Bongbong Marcos’ top priority is to resolve the food situation and farming woes especially during this time that the price of food is high globally and even within the country),” Angara said.
It may also mean, Angara said, that Marcos Jr. has yet to find the perfect candidate to head the Agriculture department.
By taking on the DA portfolio, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Marcos Jr, “can cut a lot of red tape.”
“And it automatically puts at the disposal of the Department and the agriculture sector, all the resources of government behind it,” Escudero noted.
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito for his part said the incoming President’s act sends a strong signal to DA officials to “get their acts together.”
“I think it’s a good move by PBBM (Marcos’ initials), (as it) goes to show he is serious in addressing the food crisis issue by taking on the portfolio of DA himself,” Ejercito said.
“It’s a strong signal to the agencies under DA that they should all get their acts together,” he stressed.
Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, likewise, hailed the incoming administration’s decision as it shows how the new President is a hands-on leader.
“Yes, I think it’s a good decision, and very admirable one if I may say. It shows how decisive and very hands on our President-elect is,” Estrada said.
“It may not be the end-all and be-all solution to all the problems besetting the agricultural sector including the food crisis, but for sure decision-making will be really fast and solutions can be undertaken and implemented right away dahil ang Pangulo na mismo ang nagkukumpas (because the President himself is taking the lead),” he said.