Isko Moreno vows additional healthcare benefits for industrial workers
Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Isko Moreno Domagoso during his participation in the Panata sa Bayan: The KBP Presidential Candidates Forum. Contributed photo
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso on Wednesday vowed that if elected president, his government will provide additional healthcare benefits to workers in the various economic and industrial zones in the country.
“I’ve heard about yung mga konting request ng ating mga manggagawa sa economic zones. What additional benefits they can get from the national government in terms of tax share or from the taxes that generated from the area. So, I will look into it. In fact, one of the requests is for healthcare,” Moreno said during a press conference at the provincial capitol here after a courtesy call with Governor Dennis Pineda.
“But If my figure is correct at 3 and 2, two percent goes to the local government unit and 3 percent goes to the national government. Papag-aralan namin kung papaano ko babawasan, at actually mababawasan, but to focus on a particular x percent from the 3 percent na nakukuha ng national government na maibalik sa mga workers inside Clark, for example,” explained Moreno.
The 47-year-old presidential aspirant was referring to the provisions of the Special Economic Zone Act (RA 7196) as amended, wherein the 5 percent special tax paid by ecozone enterprises shall be distributed as follows: 3 percent to the national government; and 2 percent to the local government unit where the registered enterprise is located.
Moreno made the pronouncement when asked what solutions he can provide to address the issues that Kapampangans have voiced during his past visits to various parts of the province.
This is the third time that Team Isko visited the province: on October 28 and December 3 as part of his “Listening Tours” to hear the real issues affecting the people in the countryside; and Wednesday as part of his official campaign.
Moreno said this benefit is not only for Kapampangans, but will also be true to the thousands of workers in all economic and industrial zones in the country.
“Kapag ginawa ko yon sa Pampanga, mangyayari rin yon sa Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Cagayan, sa Bataan at saan mang area na merong ganitong klaseng economic zones. So yon ang pinag-aaralan namin, what extra social services if a particular geography in the locality produce more economic returns sa national government,” he said.
“Basta ang importante lang sa akin, yung kapakinabangan ng tao, in this case, particular na sector, mga manggagawa. Kasi ang buhay nung mga pabrikang yon, o mga industriyang yon, yung mga skilled individual, which is Pilipino, na siya namang nagbibigay ng buhay sa ating ekonomiya. And I’m for jobs,” said Moreno.
If elected president, Moreno vowed that the first two years of his six-year administration will focus on “Life and Livelihood” which focuses on providing the minimum basic needs to the Filipino people – housing, education, health and employment – as spelled out under his 10-point Bilis kilos Economic Agenda which seeks to hasten human and economic growth under a Moreno administration.
Isa sa mga layunin namin ni Doc willie, as we’ve told you, in the next two years, life and livelihood. Yun ang thrust and focus namin. So, I’ll make sure something will happen with that request of the Kapampangans,” he said.
Moreno also vowed that among the first economic policies he will institute once elected is to cut excise taxes of petroleum products and electricity by 50 percent to alleviate the plight of the masses and protect industries.
By doing so, the country will become more conducive to foreign investors, especially in economic and industrial zones, thus providing more job and business opportunities to our people.
Moreno also vowed to support and revive micro, small and medium enterprises by increasing credit availability for MSMEs from the present P1.5 billion to P30 billion, and further easing the cost of doing business by simplifying processes. MSMEs comprise the majority of businesses in the country and employs around 63 percent of the total workforce
Moreno said that he is very grateful to Governor Pineda and the provincial government for their warm welcome and hospitality to Team Isko, and, most importantly, for according them the opportunity to campaign in the province without reservations.
“Maraming, maraming salamat kay Gob, at sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa mainit na pagtanggap nila. I am happy na nandito kami, tinaggap kami, libre pa tsitsa namin. Saan ka nakakita ng ganung governor di ba? I am grateful. In fact, no pressure from the governor. The mere fact na tinaggap kami dito, masaya na ako. I am happy,” he said.
Moreno said this is totally different to the experience that Team Isko had Tuesday where their permit to motorcade around a Metro Manila city was revoked at the last minute obviously due to political reasons.
“Dumating kaming tao, tinanggap kaming tao, aalis kaming tao, uuwi kaming tao, saan ka kukuha ng ganun. E yung iba nga permit pa lang binabawi pa e. Doon mo nasusukat ang ugali ng tao. For the meantime, I will leave it that way. Sapat na yong naging mabuti yung pamunuan ng lalawigan at sampu ng kanyang mga kasama,” said Moreno.
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