Bong Go to identify, assist 10M ‘poorest of the poor’ during first 100 days of his presidency if elected

Presidential aspirant and Senator Bong Go on Thursday vowed to identify and assist the 10 million poorest of the poor Filipinos during the first 100 days of his presidency should he win in next year’s polls.

The lawmaker made the remark during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (PCCI) 47th Philippine Business Conference and Expo.

“We will identify 10 million poorest of the poor Filipinos and provide them with financial assistance, ayuda and jobs and make zero interest loans accessible to them,” Go said.

Apart from this, Go said he will pursue a path towards “rapid and inclusive economic growth.”

“We must achieve financial stability while managing the pandemic effectively and prevent infections,” he said.

Go further said that he will follow President Rodrigo Duterte’s strategy such as opening more economic activities and support recovery packages to various sectors, such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries, among others.

For the infrastructure program, the lawmaker said he will prioritize the continuation of the Build, Build, Build Program and pursue inter-island connectivity.

“Di dapat ihinto ang ang programa na ito hanapan ng paraan para mapomndohan ang mga proyekto. (These programs should not be halted.) To sustain the Build, Build, Build, we will partner with the private sector, improve and strongly pursue the collection of taxes and exercise prudent fiscal management,” he said.

Internet

Moreover, Go said he will support the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s mission to provide free quality and reliable internet for all in his first 100 days.

He vowed to pursue 10,000 to 20,000 new cell sites across the country.

The lawmaker committed to sign the bills creating the Department of Disaster Resilience as well as the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos, which are already pending in the 18th Congress.

“I would like to emphasize that in my administration you can expect the same strong stance in the government’s fight against corruption, criminality and drugs. This is crucial in creating an environment that is conducive for business where everyone will feel safe,” he said.

In his opening statement, Go said running for president was never part of his dreams but “fate has a way of turning things around.”

Go initially filed a certificate of candidacy for vice president under PDP-Laban.

Eventually, he dropped it and filed a COC for president through substitution route, replacing the candidate of Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan’s (PDDS).

The PCCI forum was attended by his fellow presidential aspirants Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was also invited to present his platforms but he sent his regrets to the organizers. — RSJ, GMA News