Former Albay Governor Named Secretary for Presidential Legislative Initiatives- Rangasa

Manila- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has designated former Albay Governor and veteran economist Joey Sarte Salceda as Secretary for Presidential Legislative Initiatives (PLI), entrusting him with the task of strengthening the administration’s legislative agenda and ensuring the timely passage of priority measures in Congress.

Manuel ‘Nong’ Rangasa, the Executive Director of the Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development Incorporated told the Boracay Island News Network that the appointment places Salceda at the forefront of the administration’s efforts to coordinate with lawmakers on key legislative priorities, serving as the principal liaison between Malacañang and both houses of Congress. His office is expected to facilitate consultations with legislators, monitor the progress of priority bills, and help build consensus on measures deemed crucial to the government’s economic and social development agenda.

Salceda brings decades of experience in governance, economics, and legislation to his new role. He previously served as governor of Albay for three terms and later represented the province’s Second District in the House of Representatives, where he chaired the influential House Committee on Ways and Means. Throughout his tenure in Congress, he earned a reputation for crafting tax reforms, economic policies, disaster resilience measures, and investment-related legislation.

Political observers note that Salceda’s extensive relationships across party lines and his technical expertise in fiscal and economic policy make him well-suited to bridge the Executive and Legislative branches. His appointment comes as the Marcos administration seeks to accelerate the enactment of measures aimed at sustaining economic growth, attracting investments, improving infrastructure, enhancing food security, and strengthening social services.

As Secretary for Presidential Legislative Initiatives, Salceda is expected to work closely with congressional leaders, Cabinet officials, and various stakeholders to ensure that priority bills move efficiently through the legislative process while addressing concerns raised by lawmakers.

In accepting the designation, Salceda has consistently emphasized that sound legislation is essential to achieving long-term economic stability and inclusive development. His background as an economist and policymaker is expected to provide the administration with strategic guidance in translating policy proposals into actionable laws.

The creation and strengthening of the Presidential Legislative Initiatives function underscores the Marcos administration’s commitment to improving coordination between the Executive and Congress as it pursues its legislative agenda during the remainder of the President’s term.