Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) – Focusing on a comprehensive health agenda will lay the groundwork for the country’s economic recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic, presidential aspirant Senator Ping Lacson said as he presented his economic platforms to the business community.
During the virtual forum organized by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines on Saturday, Lacson highlighted the need for “future-proof” economic strategies to support the path towards recovery.
“Our approach should be proactive, not reactive. We should rely on science driven by accurate data and not on pandemic politics,” he said.
Lacson, who ran but lost in the 2004 presidential race, said the functions and resources of the country’s health system must be handed over to local government units for faster delivery of health services to the people.
Lacson added that contact tracing, testing, and treatment strategies must be institutionalized in light of the country’s experience in dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
“These should be institutionalized at no cost to the people,” he said.
The senator also pushed for the restructuring of government cash aid initiative Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, paid internships to college students and graduates, digitalization of government processes, and cross-referencing of tax collection.
“Our economic ills are largely hinge on political corruption. What we endure is the bankruptcy of our bureaucracy,” Lacson said.
In supporting the agriculture sector, Lacson said the country must remove its import-dependent mentality to help local farmers and businesses thrive even in times of crisis.
Other pressing issues: rising oil prices and the West PH Sea
The standard bearer of Partido Reporma was also asked about his position on some other pressing issues.
Lacson reiterated his stance that the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN Law has a provision that gives the Department of Finance the power to implement stop-gap measures amid rising fuel costs.
“It is not correct to say na wala silang magagawa (they cannot do anything) except through legislation,” he said.
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Lacson also expressed support for the country’s joint exploration with other nations in the West Philippine Sea, as long as it follows the 60-40 economic constitutional provision which recognizes the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the hotly contested area.
He suggested utilizing the Philippines’ existing bilateral agreements with superpowers like the United States, Australia, and Japan to promote a “balance of power,” while developing the oil and gas resources in the West Philippine Sea.
“Around 10-12% of the maritime trade, dumadaan sa area na yan (passes through that area). We should seize the opportunity that other countries are also interested in securing the area,” said Lacson, who bared the European Union’s intention to have joint exploration efforts in the South China Sea.
Lacson is running with Senate President Tito Sotto as his vice president and 14 senatorial aspirants.
