Five presidential candidates of the country shared some of their plans and views on various issues as they participated in the presidential forum of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) on Friday (Feb. 4).
Among those who attended were labor leader Leody de Guzman, Sen. Ping Lacson, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo.
The responses
Robredo said there will be no sacred cows on the continuous prosecution of the issue and case concerning the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel scam in case she gets elected.
Based on the Vice President’s presentation, among her plans are to restore the public’s trust to the government, boost the industry, protect small businesses, address hunger, and to push for the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Moreno also shared his 10-point economic agenda in case he gets elected, which is aimed towards projects on housing, health, infrastructures, labor and employment, among others.
Asked about keeping his excess P50 million campaign funds, he reiterated that he followed the law when paying his taxes which he said “is the most important thing.”
Robredo and Moreno had different views on the conduct of “online sabong (cockfighting),” with the former saying it may cause addiction among the youth and the latter pushing for its regulation.
The two leaders have agreed to continue the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration, but will be improved with the building of more hospitals, schools, housing projects, and public transportation projects.
Lacson, on the other hand, said is offering a concrete plan and direction for the country if he wins in the May polls, reiterating that the responses must be data-driven and science-based.
Among the senator’s plans are budget reform and the internal cleansing within the government which he has done before in the Philippine National Police (PNP) to suppress corruption.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao shared his 22-point agenda prioritizing on stopping corruption, employment, healthcare, economic growth, housing, and livelihood.
The senator said he also wants to build a mega prison facility for corrupt individuals. He noted that addressing corruption which cuts public funds by trillions, can save the government P500 billion a year which can be used as funds for housing projects.
Labor activist De Guzman said he will implement reform and the reorientation of the economy to prioritize the livelihood of citizens instead of the wealthy.
He said the stolen wealth of the family of one of the aspiring candidates must also be retrieved to be used as additional funds for the government. He also said he is not in favor of mandatory military service.
Bongbong Marcos was not able to participate in the presidential forum due to a conflict in his schedule.
He was seen in a photo with broadcaster Korina Sanchez for an interview, which his spokesperson said is “one of the many activities we have in the full schedule of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos today.” – Reports from Daniel Manalastas and Eunice Samonte/AG-rir
