Free education, housing among Pacquiao's priorities if he becomes president

Providing free education and shelter for Filipinos are among the priorities of Senator Manny Pacquiao if he wins in the May 2022 presidential race.

During the Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews aired on Saturday, Pacquiao said he would strengthen the economy in order to generate jobs for millions of Filipinos who remain unemployed.

He said free housing should be given to homeless Filipinos so they could be saved from paying monthly rents. He also vowed to push for free education for students.

"Unang-una po palakasin natin 'yong ekonomiya, pagbibigay ng trabaho sa ating milyong-milyong mga Pilipinong walang trabaho, at pagbibigay ng sariling tahanan, 'yong libreng pabahay na wala po silang babayaran," Pacquiao said.

"Hindi 'yong libreng pabahay tapos may babayaran ka monthly. And then 'yon pong pagbibigay ng hanapbuhay, importante po hanapbuhay na may makain sila sa araw-araw. At libreng edukasyon, as in libre, walang babayaran," he added.

Pacquiao, a former world boxing champion, is running for president under the PROMDI party.

Despite criticisms on his capability to lead the nation, Pacquiao expressed confidence that he is prepared to be the country's next president.

He cited his experiences when he was still a child in a poor family, saying that he could use this to improve the lives of Filipinos, especially those from the poor sector.

"Handang-handa na po at 'yong experience ko sa buhay mula noong ako ay bata hanggang ngayon ay talagang malaking impact po 'yon at magagamit natin," the senator said.

"Kung paano ko inahon ang pamilya ko sa kahirapan, paano ko nagsikap ganoon ko rin po ang plano kong i-ahon ang ating bansa sa kahirapan, ang mga kababayan natin na naghihirap." —KBK, GMA News