Senatorial bets bat for LGUs, welfare of farmers, fisherfolk, PDLs

Several senatorial candidates continued their Eleksyon 2025 campaign across the country over the weekend.

In Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay vowed to empower barangays and local government units.

In a press release on Sunday, Binay said she would push for the provision of free maintenance medicines, strengthening early childhood education, and tax-free overtime pay, bonuses, and incentives for government and private sector workers.

Binay added that she plans to work on major amendments in the 1991 Local Government Code to strengthen governance and promote equitable and inclusive development.

She also campaigned in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Butuan City.

Buy from farmers

During the launching of Kawa Pilipinas, a volunteer-driven community kitchen, senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan said securing the supply chain by buying directly from local farmers and fisherfolk can help reduce food prices by 70%.

“If that is the supply chain and it’s done right, we can actually reduce food prices by as much as 70, 60% of prevailing prices. Secure our farmers, secure the supply chain, bring them to Manila at deflated cost,” he said.

He noted that the Philippines should take care of its farmers and fisherfolk.

“Unless we secure them, we cannot secure our food and prices will remain high and food will remain inaccessible,” he said.

Meanwhile, senatorial bet Erwin Tulfo vowed to probe the alleged overstaying of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), as well as the slow process of their release, and lack of medical assistance.

“Once elected to the Senate, we will file an inquiry in aid of legislation to ensure that the matters you raise are heard by the government,” Tulfo told the inmates' families.

“We will examine and consult the agencies concerned with PDLs’ welfare so we can craft the appropriate mechanisms to improve the situation of your loved ones,” he added.

The Makabayan senatorial slate, meanwhile, attended a senatorial forum at Saint Louis University in Baguio City and held a protest in front of the Igorot Garden.  

In Manila, senatorial bet Raul Lambino held a motorcade along Divisoria shopping center and Rector Ave. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News

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