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'We don't have monopoly on solutions; ideas are welcome,' says House Speaker

Philippines | National

'We don't have monopoly on solutions; ideas are welcome,' says House Speaker

By Ellson Quismorio

The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez doesn't claim to have all the bright ideas for solving the nation's problems.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

That's why, during a speaking engagement in the Asia CEO Forum at Manila Marriott Hotel Friday, Feb. 24, Romualdez openly sought "more creative ideas" from those who were willing to share them with legislators.

“We at the House of Representatives do not claim monopoly to development solutions. If there is anyone who has more creative ideas on how to support national development, by all means, make them known,” he said in a recorded message sent to the forum, which was attended by the region's business bigwigs.

The Leyte 1st district representative said the House "is more than happy and willing to receive these ideas, so that these may be refined and fine-tuned over the course of the legislative process".

“I am confident in every Filipino’s innate ability to find practical solutions to many of our problems," he added.

Romualdez made this humble appeal even as he tried to boost the business community's confidence on the proposed Philippine sovereign wealth fund (SWF), dubbed the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

Specifically, he laid out all the reasons why he believes the MIF-which he has described as a "vehicle for investments"--won't be subjected to abuse or misuse.

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The MIF, though bold and promising, isn't without controversy. It was passed in the House in just 18 days, from initial filing to it's third reading passage. This has given its detractors the ammunition to say that the bill had been "railroaded".

"Let us work together towards a brighter future for the Philippines. With unity of spirit, there is truly nothing we cannot do,” Romualdez said.

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ideas House of Representatives mif Martin Romualdez monopoly

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