By Myris Lee
The country is living in a state of multiple crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and according to political analyst, Ramon Casiple, the immediate focus of the next country leader should be on the economic crisis brought about by the pandemic.
In an interview with PTV Digital, Casiple said the six-year term of a president is not enough to resolve an economic crisis which impact lasts up to 10 years.
“Kasi krisis, ‘yung pandemya saka itong economic crisis. Medyo pawala na ‘yung pandemya pero ‘yung economic crisis tatagal ‘yan. In fact, sabi ng NEDA [National Economic and Development Authority] lalampas sa termino ng mananalong presidente ang krisis sa ekonomiya,” he said.
Aside from the pandemic, the political analyst foresees the next leader carrying another burden if Taiwan experiences another crisis and if the conflict between Russia and Ukraine worsens.
“Pero hindi ko naman inexpect na before election mangyari. Pero maging trabaho ‘yan ng president… Kung sino man ang presidenteng manalo, kanyang problema ‘yan. Pero ang immediate, ‘yung pandemya at economic crisis,” he said.
Casiple said some voters will consider elections candidates’ positions on issues concerning the country in terms of their votes.
“Pero ang mga tao, on the other hand, marami sa kanila tantsa ko nga mas nakakarami ay titingnan talaga kung may kakayahan ‘yung mga kandidato sa usapin ng pandemya at economic crisis,” he said. – ag