Former Vice President and senatorial aspirant Jejomar Binay shares a light moment with Davao City mayor and vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte. Binay paid a courtesy call on Duterte Monday at the Davao City Hall.
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate and former Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday said he would push for laws and policies that would increase government spending for social services and infrastructure in Mindanao.
Binay said developing Mindanao is the key to the country’s sustained economic growth, as he stressed the need to bring more foreign investments, particularly in agriculture and power, that would generate more jobs.
Binay, who is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), issued the statement after concluding his campaign sortie in Southern Mindanao where he received pledges of support from local officials.
In Davao City, Binay paid a courtesy call on Davao City mayor and vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte last Monday.
Duterte had earlier said aside from the senatorial candidates under the Uniteam ticket, she was also supporting several other candidates, including Binay.
During their meeting, Binay thanked Duterte for her support. The former vice president referred to the presidential daughter as “madam vice president.”
Binay said will support and encourage policy measures that will make crops from Mindanao globally competitive.
“This should go hand in hand with expanding rural infrastructure,” he said.
Binay said more infrastructure projects in Mindanao will translate to more jobs and more economic activities.
Binay said priority should be given to get more investors in the power sector and vowed to provide needed legislation that would streamline the application process for the construction of power plants.
The former vice president also said government would need to allocate more for investments in health, education and other social services.
“Investing in the social well-being of the people needs to be a priority since the people will form the backbone of Mindanao’s development,” he said.
RELATED STORIES
Arroyo, Makabayan bloc back Ex-VP Binay’s senatorial bid
Ex-VP Binay: Gov’t needs to be proactive amid ‘unfolding crisis’
Ex-VP Binay: Working parents should get add’l paid leaves
Jojo Binay urges gov’t to give more aid to pandemic-hit citizens and boost spending