By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep Stephen Paduano, who is from Negros Occidental, was elected minority leader of the House of Representatives.
This was confirmed by the minority bloc in a press statement to Daily Guardian.
The statement said that Paduano, a third-term member of Congress, has been a member of the Minority bloc since the 17th Congress.
“He has always advocated for the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk, and pushed for protection of rice and sugar farmers amidst that liberalization of agriculture markets,” the statement added.
The statement also said that with the new leadership of Paduano, the minority bloc is assuring the House and the Filipino people that it will “remain loyal to the principles that mold the group in fiscalizing and in providing a potent force to implement check and balance in the House of Representatives.”
The 22-member bloc will continue to support legislations for the people through constructive criticisms and not as obstructionists, as it played a major role in the passing of the 2021 General Appropriations Bill or the 2021 Proposed Budget which was finally approved on Third and Final Reading on Friday.
“Rest assured that the minority bloc will continue working hard in pushing for laws for the benefit of the Filipino people especially at this time of a pandemic where our lives are being challenged to adjust to a new, better normal,” the statement added.
