With the establishment of Malasakit Centers, Filipinos suffering from illnesses no longer have to travel and queue up in different offices or even go to the homes of government officials.

The Philippine economy continues to grow stronger as the third quarter of 2019 saw a 6.2 percent increase in our gross domestic product (GDP), which refers to the total value of the goods and services produced in the country.

The latest figure is a significant jump from the 5.6 percent growth in the first quarter and the 5.5 percent growth in the second quarter, which were partially due to the delayed passage of the 2019 budget. For the first half of the year, the government operated on a reenacted 2018 budget, resulting in underspending.

As the Senate and the House of Representatives are now deliberating on the proposed 2020 budget, the people can count on me to give the matter due attention so that there won’t be a delay this time. As the chair of one of the subcommittees of the Senate Committee on Finance, a significant portion of the responsibility lies in my hands. I will fulfill my duties, and I will also encourage my colleagues to support the proper budget for the programs and projects that the Filipino people need.

The continuous growth of our economy does not just depend on the administration’s economic policies, of course. We must give due recognition to President Rodrigo Duterte’s three-pronged campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption. Now that our streets are so much safer and corrupt officials are being held accountable for their actions, investors are more confident to do business.

With its positive effects on our economy and other areas of our lives, the President’s anti-drug war is obviously far from “not working,” as an opposition figure claims.

Critics of the government really do nothing but spread negativity. Instead of being delighted with our GDP growth, they choose to point out instead that we have not reached the six percent to seven percent target for 2019.

They conveniently ignore the fact that the Philippines remains one of the fastest growing economies in the world with GDP growth even higher than that of China’s, as per Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

Unfortunately for the sour grapes, they won’t find happiness soon, as according to the World Bank, the Philippine economy is projected to grow by 6.1 percent and 6.2 percent in 2020 and 2021.

These figures, of course, must have an impact on the lives of the Filipino people, especially the poor.

They must feel that the country is indeed becoming more prosperous. What better way to accomplish this than by giving them the services that they need and deserve?

I am therefore glad and proud that my proposed Malasakit Center Act of 2019 was approved in the Senate on third and final reading the previous Monday, 11 November. It is one of the first legislations to be approved in the 18th Congress. The counterpart bill in the House of Representatives also passed the second reading on Wednesday, 13 November, and I fervently hope that the esteemed members of the House who truly care for the people will fight for the bill up to the third reading.

The proposed Malasakit Center Act of 2019 seeks to institutionalize the establishment of Malasakit Centers in 73 hospitals all over the country that are run by the Department of Health (DoH). So far, the Office of the President has opened 50 Malasakit Centers in different regions, and a law is needed so that more can be opened and their operations will continue regardless of who will become president next.

For those who are not yet familiar with how a Malasakit Center operates, it is a one-stop shop for patients or their representatives who are seeking financial assistance. We put under one roof representatives of four government agencies, namely, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, DoH, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

With the establishment of Malasakit Centers, Filipinos suffering from illnesses no longer have to travel and queue up in different offices or even go to the homes of government officials. Each Malasakit Center also has a priority lane for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Despite the obvious convenience and benefits that Malasakit Centers give to the people, a member of the House is rabidly opposing it. Fortunately, his selfish maneuvers do not seem to be getting anywhere.

Both government officials and their constituents can see the true value of the Malasakit Centers, so the program receives immense support.

President Duterte and I will not be deterred by distractions and dirty tactics. We are thinking of the welfare of the Filipino people more than anything else, and we can see and feel that they trust us, so we will serve them to our last breath.