By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has backed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s declaration of a state of national emergency, describing it as a timely and necessary response to the crisis confronting the country.
Benitez said the move allows for a “whole-of-government approach,” enabling agencies to act in unison to protect livelihoods, sustain industries and prevent job losses.
He emphasized that coordinated action is essential to ensure Filipinos can continue living decently despite the challenges.
Drawing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, the lawmaker stressed the importance of swift, decisive and flexible government response mechanisms in times of crisis.
To reinforce the administration’s efforts, Benitez announced he will file the proposed “Bayanihan for Economic Resilience and National Stability Act of 2026.”
The measure seeks to grant the Executive emergency powers, fiscal flexibility and strategic interventions while ensuring transparency, accountability and targeted relief for vulnerable sectors.
He also called on fellow lawmakers to immediately begin deliberations on the proposal to craft effective strategies to address the crisis.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed support for the declaration, saying it provides the president the necessary leeway to respond.
“I think that only gives the president leeway to address the situation, and we truly support that. We will see what the result will be, and we welcome any help from the national government,” Lacson said.
However, the governor emphasized that local governments should not rely solely on national intervention.
“The effect of the state of emergency is it will guide us on how to address the situation, but I think we cannot just depend on the national government,” he added.
Lacson also noted that Marcos Jr. is doing his best to manage an unforeseen crisis that was not factored into this year’s budget.
“This is something we did not expect. It is not even in our budget this year, much more for the national government. It’s something we really need to deal with,” he said./CJ, WDJ