QUEZON CITY (PIA) — Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla, a vocal change advocate, has underscored the importance of the upcoming 2025 midterm elections during the recent 29th anniversary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The senator emphasized the potential of these elections to herald fundamental changes in governance reforms while paving the way for economic advancement in the country.
In his address, Sen. Padilla called for a government overhaul via constitutional amendments that would consolidate the two houses of Congress into a single legislative entity. The result would be more efficient legislative processes and a government structure adapted to modern challenges.
“Sana sa 2025 magkaroon kayo ng intensyon na bumoto ng mga kandidatong hindi naman kilala pero naniniwala na kailangan nating baguhin ang porma ng gobyerno. Kailangan, isa na lang ang House para matipid sa gastos, mabilis ang mga batas, at sana pumayag na ang gobyerno na pumasok ang ating mga foreign investor (I hope that in 2025, Filipinos intend to vote for candidates who may not be famous but believe that the form of government must change. We need only one house in Congress to cut costs, pass laws more quickly, and allow the entry of foreign investors),” Sen. Padilla said.
He also called for the acceptance of foreign investments to bolster the nation’s economy and create employment opportunities domestically, negating the need for Filipinos to seek work abroad.
“Bakit kailangan natin ng foreign investor? Para hindi na mag-abroad ang Pilipino. Para ang foreign investor dadalhin dito para magkaroon kayo ng trabaho, yan ho ang kailangan natin (Why do we need foreign investors? So we need not go abroad to work. Foreign investors will bring jobs that we need),” he added.
Sen. Padilla’s vision aligns with President Bongbong Marcos’s push for governmental “rightsizing,” which aims to create a leaner and more efficient bureaucracy. Both believe that the consolidation of the two houses of Congress will promote fiscal prudence and accelerate legislative action.
While Sen. Padilla acknowledged his inability to advocate for constitutional amendments alone, he called on like-minded individuals to unite in his commitment to enhancing the governance system.
Moreover, he encouraged the public to support TESDA, an organization that addresses poverty through skills development programs. Approximately 1.8 million TESDA scholars have been employed, demonstrating the organization’s contribution to job creation in the country.
As the 2025 midterm elections approach, Sen. Padilla’s call to action serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency and potential for fundamental change in Philippine governance and economy. These elections may well be the opportunity for the country to turn the tide and take a transformative step towards progress and development. (OSRP / PIA-NCR)
