Escudero vows to push full Philhealth coverage for indigents, free college education, end to contractualization 

 

Sen. Francis Escudero on Sunday vowed to make healthcare and college education free for the poor, and end contractualization of labor should he win as vice president.

 

During the “Harapan ng Bise” vice presidential debate sponsored by ABS-CBN, the four vice presidential candidates in attendance were asked on their thoughts on issues deemed to be the most important by voters: health, education, employment, food security, savings, and peace and order.

 

Escudero said he and his running mate, Sen. Grace Poe, plan to improve public healthcare by allocating P1 billion to healthcare services in the provinces so indigents no longer have to go to Metro Manila for treatment.

 

In addition, he said he and Poe will also provide full PhilHealth coverage and zero billing for poor patients.

 

For overseas Filipino workers, Escudero said he and his running mate plan to make Philhealth “portable” so that they can avail themselves of healthcare services anywhere in the world.

 

“Maliit po na sukli namin ito sa inyo sa laki ng pinapadala ninyo dito sa ating bansa,” the senator told OFWs.

 

With regard to education, Escudero said he plans to make education free in all state colleges and universities. For those who want to study in private schools, the senator said he will implement a “study now, pay later” program that will enable college students to take out loans.

 

“Hindi niyo kailangang maging honor, hindi niyo kailangang maging scholar o matalino, kailangan lamang gusto niyo mag-aral at pursigido kayo mag-aral,” he told students.

 

While Escudero vowed to promote ease of doing business should he become vice president, he said he will also ensure that workers will not be left out as the economy grows by slashing income tax rates and edning contractualization.

 

For OFWs, he said he and Poe will allocate a P1-billion fund for assistance, which can be used to pay for “blood money” and the provision of legal assistance to beleaguered Filipinos facing cases abroad. — APG, GMA News