Here is an overview of each candidate’s economic agenda amid the Covid-19 health crisis to possibly help the electorate make a good choice.
Vice President Leni Robredo
VP Leni calls her “Job Recovery Plan”, “Hanapbuhay para sa Lahat” (jobs for all) plan. Like her pandemic response program, the comprehensive blueprint has five major themes.
➢ Regain Trust in Government
➢ Revive Philippine Industries
➢ Eradicate Workplace Discrimination
➢ Support Small Enterprises
➢ Cushion Unemployment Impacts
Unemployment insurance is another area of her agenda where jobless individuals will receive at least 80 percent of their three-month wages to survive. The Vice President believes the work environment in the country must not discriminate against and instead support older workers. She wants anti-aged discrimination legislation to back these elderly persons who can still contribute to the economy. Eventually, Robredo will seek a partnership with the private sector to create opportunities for the empowerment of these workers approaching the twilight of their lives.
She promised to allocate PHP100B from the government’s coffers as assistance for MSMEs’ recovery. These are Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises which are among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 health problem. Stimulus packages for these small businesses will be good for the economy as there will no longer be unemployment issues. Likewise, her administration will help workers hone their skills based on the demands of the New Normal. Additionally, companies will be provided aid to add new technology and infrastructure to their establishments.
Robredo’s idea of an untrustworthy government is one “wherein rules should not be changed in the middle of the game to favor one interest over another.” If this happens, the economic situation becomes volatile. On the contrary, trustworthy governance means a credible and responsible bureaucracy that will motivate foreign investors to do business in the country knowing policies will be followed.
Senator Ping Lacson
Senator Lacson says his Economic Roadmap is the result of numerous consultations with several experts, economists, policy and sectoral organizations, local officials. It offers tangible, genuine, and practical reforms which can transform the nation’s vision into reality. This agenda is anchored on people’s trust in their bureaucracy.
He vows to put forward a so-called "Future-proof Strategy" in the New Normal - one that can stand firm against the many challenges in the coming years and grab the emerging opportunities to Filipinos. Lacson is convinced that an all-inclusive health agenda will build the foundation for the Philippines’ economic revitalization. What the nation badly needs are “future-proof economic strategies to support the path towards recovery.”
Lacson is pushing for the streamlining of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (government’s cash aid program), paid internships for college graduates and students, digitized government processes, and tax collection cross-referencing. He also emphasized that government ills are caused by political dishonesty.
His position on the TRAIN Law (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) stipulates that the Department of Finance needs to execute stop-gap procedures to avert increasing fuel costs.
The vocal lawmaker supports the Philippines participation in joint exploration with other countries in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) provided to abides by the 60-40 economic constitutional provision which recognizes the country’s sovereign rights in this hotbed. There are bilateral accords with the United States, Japan, and Australia to advance the “Balance of Power” while developing resources (oil and gas) in the WPS.
Senator Pacman Pacquiao
The boxing champ turned lawmaker claims his economic platform is based on stopping corruption which must be exterminated at the roots. Otherwise, the poor will remain impoverished.
According to Pacquiao, there is a pressing need to revive MSMEs which comprise 99 percent of all businesses in the Philippines and were pounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is among the authentic solutions to hunger and poverty. If elected as president, he will channel funds to finance interest-free loans for these enterprises.
Pacquiao also plans to establish more one-stop hubs and online portals to facilitate the fast processing of business permits as well as loan applications while eliminating red tape. He says he wants Philippine brands to supply the world by promoting local goods both here and in other countries. Senator Pacman supports companies to strengthen employment.
Pacman mentioned a 22 Round Agenda last September 2021. However, he bared only fine major concerns out of these 22 points. While training in the United States, he said that he will explain his program later. The five are eradicating corruption, economic growth and development, employment program, housing program, and improvement of the healthcare system.
Former Senator Bongbong Marcos
BBM or Marcos Jr., as he is popularly known, espouses a wide-ranging plan to prepare the country as the world economy braces for recovery after the global health crisis. His “Tawid Covid, Beyond Covid” program, which offers methods and strategies on how the Filipinos can make progress during a pandemic and even beyond that period. It entails an approach to extend solutions to problems in various industries specifically the following:
➢ Agriculture
➢ Education
➢ Energy
➢ Health
➢ Infrastructure
➢ Telecommunications
Marcos Jr. considers Cebu province as the focal point of commerce in the Visayas. He disclosed his intention to continue the development program of his late father, former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos who spearheaded the formation of the Mactan Export Processing Zone which was one of the major reasons for Cebu’s economic breakthrough.
Marcos Jr. also explained that if he wins the presidency, one of his moves is to rationalize taxes and allot portions of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) to MSMEs, empower the agriculture and transport sectors, and sustain the Build, Build, Build program of President Rodrigo Duterte. In line with the Masagana 99 initiative of his father, the strategy should transcend planting rice, but also support farmers in obtaining loans, and giving them free access to agricultural products like pesticides and fertilizers.
Moreover, Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of mechanization to reduce production overhead. His goal is to set up more cooperatives and help in the processing and transport of commodities to the market. He also explained the need for infrastructure in long-standing solutions so agricultural efforts will flourish.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno
Manila Mayor Isko or Yorme, as he is popularly known, promised that if chosen by Filipinos as the next president, his administration will introduce more infrastructure development in the VISMIN regions. This will fast-track the national economy and generate equitable economic progress. He realized that growth takes place in urban centers like Metro Manila with other remote places left behind.
In his visit to many provinces, the former actor saw many provinces needing infrastructure and assistance in the areas of farming and fisheries. In advocating the principle of “Diminishing Returns”, Yorme will direct limited resources of the government to poor provinces and municipalities. This strategy will spur economic growth and the decline of inequality among many Filipinos.
Finally, his administration will continue President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program and make it more responsive by constructing additional public housing, hospitals, public schools, and job opportunities.
Presidentiables’ Debate
Where does your candidate stand on vital national issues?
The first round of the presidentiables debate (sans BBM who chickened out) hosted by GMA 7 broadcast journalist Jessica Soho revealed each candidate’s stand on certain concerns.
Substitution by withdrawal - All three said yes except for Pacquiao.
Mandatory drug testing for political candidates - All are in favor.
Same sex marriage - Lacson and Robredo, yes (civil union) Pacquiao and Moreno, no.
Divorce - Lacson and Moreno, yes, Pacquiao and Robredo, no.
Death penalty - All no.
100 % foreign ownership - Lacson and Pacquiao, no. Moreno and Robredo, yes although the VP said she is open for discussion.
Lower age of criminal liability - All no.
Continue VFA between PH and the US - All yes.
Abolition of PCGG - All no.
POGO Operations - All yes.
No to political dynasty - All yes.
Legalize Jueteng - Lacson and Moreno, yes. Pacquiao and Robredo, no.
Legalize medical Marijuana - Lacson and Moreno, yes. Pacquiao and Robredo, no.
Make SALN open to the public - All yes.
Joint Exploration PH and CH, WPS - All yes, with the VP saying the arbitral ruling must be recognized.
Make public medical records of President - All yes.
Political candidates running for office with criminal cases - All yes, with VP saying evidence must be available.
PH returning to ICC - All yes.
Should ICC prosecute President Duterte? - All yes except for Moreno. Pacquiao, if proven guilty. VP, Yes & No.
Two-party or Multi-party system - All for two-party
Parliamentary or presidential - All for presidential
Hopefully, this article can help Filipinos to choose a worthwhile leader for the Philippines. Come May 2022, go out and exercise your right to vote and make sure to VOTEWITH A CONSCIENCE!