Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Sarte Salceda has expressed optimism that the country could have an easier process in the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) procurement, thanks to the “closest and most productive” ties between the Congress and the Executive.

Salceda made this call after Fitch Ratings affirmed the country’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’, with credit outlook at ‘stable.’

In 2020, Fitch reported a 51 credit rating downgrades, which affected 33 sovereigns. Some of which were Philippines, Mexico, Colombia, and Italy.

“Our strong credit ratings are the product of the closest and most productive partnership between the House tax committee and the executive’s fiscal policymakers since 1986,” Salceda said.

“More tax reforms have been approved by my committee than ever in recent history. That has given the world the confidence that we take our finances seriously,” Salceda added.

Tax reforms that received a green light from Salceda’s panel were Digital Economy Taxation Act, the E-Sabong Taxes Act, the Fiscal Regime for Mining, the POGO Taxation Act, and the Tax Amnesty Act.

Salceda continued that the impressive credit ratings could bring about a “quick economic recovery” for the country.

Despite this, Salceda urged that the government could maximize the number by securing the COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

“Good credit ratings also strengthens our negotiating position in vaccine procurement. It tells large private vaccine-producers that we can pay for these vaccines smoothly,” Salceda explained.

“We should also have no difficulty accessing financing for even more vaccines should we ever need to bid for our share,” Salceda said.

Salceda’s panel is slated to debate a measure that would expedite the vaccine rollout on Monday.