Senatorial candidate and Partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta shared his views on critical national issues during the third episode of Ikaw Na Ba? The Senatorial Interviews. On the issue of Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF), Marcoleta highlighted the need for transparency and accountability while expressing reservations about the current approach to investigations. He acknowledged the importance of congressional inquiries into CIF but questioned why only one office was being targeted out of 400 government agencies that manage such funds. He called for a more comprehensive approach by investigating at least 10% of these offices to ensure fairness and prevent any perception of political bias. Marcoleta also emphasized the need for clear legislative guidelines to ensure inquiries are purposeful and protect the rights of those affected. He proposed legislation to either abolish or restrict confidential funds for agencies found to misuse them.
Addressing allegations of abuse of confidential funds, Marcoleta acknowledged the possibility but stressed the need for a thorough audit across all offices to establish clarity and prevent misuse. He underlined the necessity of crafting stronger laws to support transparency and proper fund utilization.
Marcoleta also highlighted his legislative achievements, including his role in the Cheaper Medicines Act, which aimed to make medicines more affordable, though he acknowledged issues in implementation. He took pride in the Magna Carta for the Poor, a law he worked on for 15 years, which guarantees the poor access to five basic rights: food, medicine, housing, education, and livelihood.
In addressing rising food prices, Marcoleta advocated for strategic reforms in the agriculture sector. He called for the implementation of clustered farming to improve production and emphasized the need for collaboration and patriotism to address the challenges in the sector effectively. He expressed confidence that food prices, particularly rice, could be reduced through collective efforts.
Marcoleta also discussed other critical issues, including his opposition to passing electricity system losses to consumers and his call for PhilHealth to maintain a two-year reserve fund while rejecting subsidy cuts. He voiced his support for measures to combat political dynasties, enforce penalties for abusive political families, and ensure the public disclosure of Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs). Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of creating a master plan to address flooding and other infrastructure challenges.
Concluding his discussion, Marcoleta underscored the importance of unity, strategic planning, and long-term solutions to the nation’s problems. He stressed that no individual wants to rely on aid indefinitely and that effective governance must focus on empowering citizens and addressing systemic issues. (Nelson Santos)
Photos courtesy of GTV (Screengrab)