By Jose Cielito Reganit (PNA)
MANILA — Senators on Friday congratulated their colleague, Senator Gringo Honasan, and wished him well after he accepted President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to be the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Honasan, who is set to be nominated to the post next week, said he decided to accept the President’s offer “for a better Philippines, a better government, for the Filipino people, and for a better future for our most precious children.”
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said while the former military officer would be missed by his fellow senators, he is confident that Honasan would do well in his new post.
“Although we will miss him in the Senate, I know he will be of great value to the executive department,” he said.
Senator Panfilo Lacson said he will definitely miss his friend for many reasons, particularly in committee hearings, where each automatically provided the other the quorum needed to conduct business.
“We wish him all the best in his new job. The DICT may be a young and small department in terms of personnel and budget but its role in national security and economic growth cannot be disregarded,” Lacson said in a text message to reporters.
Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva said they trust in the capability of Honasan to lead the DICT.
“The Department needs a leader like Senator Greg who has consistently shown integrity and dedication to public service. We look forward to working with our fellow colleague soon to discuss plans and policies that will improve and promote our country’s ICT agenda,” Villanueva said.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed confidence that Honasan would be able to compel telecommunications firms to improve their services.
“I am very confident that with his long experience in government, he will be able to tear down the regulatory capture in DICT and improve the quality and service of the telecom operators in our country,” Gatchalian said.
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said somebody like Honasan is needed to head the DICT.
I am confident that Senator Honasan will do his utmost to be an effective DICT head. I have known him to be efficient, fastidious and dedicated,” she said.
“We need such at the helm of the DICT to insure that that our country will continue to modernize and make technological advances that can support growth and development. Our telecommunications industry is crucial for our economy’s competitiveness,” Poe said.
Senators Francis Escudero and Francis Pangilinan also sent their well wishes to Honasan.
“I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well… will miss my kababayan in the Senate,” Escudero said.
“We wish him good luck in his new assignment,” Pangilinan said.
