Presidential adviser on poverty Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon. (INQUIRER file photo/JAM STA. ROSA)
MANILA, Philippines— Fisherfolk and peasant groups— representing the Philippines’ poorest sectors— decried President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ selection of Larry Gadon as presidential adviser on poverty.
They say it reflects the administration’s “insincerity” in fighting poverty alleviation.
“Katumbas ito ng pagtrato sa kahirapan at sa mga naghihirap na sektor, kabilang ang mangingisda, bilang isang katatawanan,” he said.
(His appointment is equivalent to treating poverty and the suffering sector, including fishermen, as a joke.)
“Ang mga taong katulad ni Gadon ay hindi dapat binibigyan ng puwang sa pamahalaan, lalo pa sa mga krusyal na posisyon tulad ng sa usapin sa kahirapan,” Arambulo said.
(People like Gadon should not be given a position in government, especially in crucial ones like the issue of poverty.)
Gadon was previously suspended in 2022 by the Supreme Court for verbal assault on a journalist.
READ: SC suspends Gadon, tells lawyer to explain why he should not be disbarred
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has also questioned Gadon’s appointment.
“His appointment is obviously a political patronage and favor,” KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos remarked in a statement to INQUIRER.net.
“At a time when the country is reeling from extreme poverty and economic crisis, Gadon’s appointment is more of a burden,” he said.
However, Gadon defended his appointment by citing his experience in manufacturing, hospital management, and construction.
“Nakakainsulto at hindi katanggap-tanggap!” the KMP chairperson concluded.
(It is insulting and unacceptable!)
READ: Gadon’s first project as anti-poverty czar? ‘BBM: Batang Busog, Malusog’
READ: Gadon’s first project as anti-poverty czar? ‘BBM: Batang Busog, Malusog’
Fishers and farmers remain the Philippines’ poorest sectors, according to January data from Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region (FFTC-AP).
Based on 2021 data from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), fisherfolk suffer the highest poverty rate at 30.6%.
Farmers ranked second highest at 30%.