MANILA — Resigned Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Ester Margaux “Mocha” Uson on Wednesday revealed that she is running as an independent candidate in next year’s midterm elections.
Uson, however, admitted that she has yet to decide on what position she will be seeking, either as a senator or partylist representative.
The former PCOO official added that once elected, her main focus will be the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“My focus will be OFWs. I would like to have a simplified process for them to start a small business. That is what they usually tell me when I speak with them whenever I go out of the country. They would want to have stable income or business here in the country. They will choose to stay here and be with their families,” said Uson, a former OFW who worked as an entertainer.
“May mga batas sa pagpapalabas ng OFWs pero pagbalik nila dito wala tayong batas na nangangalaga sa kanila at wala tayong batas na (pumoprotekta) sa kanila at sa kanilang pamilya (We have laws regulating the departure of OFWs but once they return to the country, we don’t have laws that safeguard their welfare as well as that of their families), when in fact, sila ang (may) pinakamalaking contribution sa ating ekonomiya (they are the biggest contributors to our economy),” she added.
Uson also denied reports that she will be replacing ACTS OFW party-list Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III.
Last Oct. 3, Uson announced her resignation during a Senate committee hearing on the PCOO’s proposed budget for 2019. ( Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
