Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel on Thursday called on all sectors to rally behind the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as it continues to work double time in ushering in a new era of economic prosperity for the country.

Pimentel said while the current administration has the rare opportunity to unify the nation and generate widespread support for its priority programs, some dissatisfied sectors have started to resort to baseless allegations in a futile attempt to discredit the President and his allies.

He said this rare opportunity stems from the fact that for the first time in 18 years, both the President and the Vice President ran and won under the same coalition “which means the government would be able to work in unison in fulfilling joint agenda for economic renewal and long-term growth.”

“All sectors should take advantage of this rare opportunity instead of trying to drive a wedge between President Bongbong Marcos and VP Sara Duterte who have succeeded in working together in bringing back the nation on the path of robust economic growth,” Pimentel said.

He urged everyone to set aside political interest and instead focus more on how to uplift the lives of the Filipino people.

“Our President should be given all the support he needs especially at this time as he continues to work hard in protecting the purchasing power of Filipino families, creating more jobs and providing aid to the poorest of the poor,” Pimentel said.

He said political leaders should take their cue from Speaker Martin Romualdez, whose leadership in record accomplishments for the House of Representatives.

“Another thing that they can learn from the Speaker: He backs his words with tough action. When he warned smugglers and hoarders that the law would catch up on them, he did not just sit down and did nothing after these pronouncements. He joined customs officials in inspecting rice warehouses,” Pimentel said.

He said political leaders should also emulate Romualdez when it comes to responding to critics and detractors.

“When his detractors spoke ill of him, he did not stoop down to their level. He showed strength of character and a high degree of professionalism by ignoring their unfounded allegations and focusing instead on making the House a highly respected and productive institution on his watch,” he said. (PNA)