Roxas promises ‘jobs, security, hope’ if elected president

Administration’s standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II promised three things for Filipinos if ever he would become the country’s next president.

In a speech before thousands of barangay (village) officials of Pasay City on Tuesday, Roxas vowed that his presidency will provide more jobs, a secured environment, and an opportunity for better living conditions for Filipinos.

“Ito po ang ating laban—laban kontra sa gutom, kontra sa takot, kontra sa kawalan ng pag-asa. Yan ang ating isinusulong—trabaho, katiyakan, at pag-asa,” Roxas said.

The administration’s bet also promised that during his presidency, the government’s dole out program “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” or 4Ps will be institutionalized.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ang 4Ps, dedepensahan po natin ‘yan, hindi papayagan na mawawala ‘yan, papalawakin natin, paparamiahin natin ang mga pamilyang makikinabang sa programang 4Ps,” he said.

Citing government figures, there are 4.4 million beneficiaries of the said program.

In promoting the success of the 4Ps, Roxas shared the story of Alyanna Tirete, a Pasay City resident whose family is enrolled in the said program. Tirete has since graduated valedictorian from Pasay City Science High School and is currently a freshman student in the University of the Philippines Diliman.

He said that the story of the Tirete family could be the story of all Filipinos.

“Ang ginagawa kong ito ay hindi lamang para kay Mar Roxas. Hindi po ito tungkol sa akin o kay Leni Robredo. Itong labang ito ay tungkol sa inyo. Ang laban na ito ay tungkol sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino, bawat isa sainyo na nagnanasi na makaahon sa kahirapan, na hindi maipapamana ang kahirapan sa ating mga anak,” the presidential aspirant said.

He urged the barangay officials present to continue supporting the administration’s “Daang Matuwid,” promising that a Roxas presidency would champion more reforms.

“Malayo na ang narating natin. Marami na ang napagtagumpayan. Inaasahan ko na sa patuloy nating pagsasamahan, mas marami pa tayong mapagtatagumpayan, mas malayo pa ang ating mararating at mas marami pa ang mabibigay natin para sa ating bayan,” Roxas said.

The latest Social Weather Stations poll conducted from January 8 to 10 showed Roxas still lagging behind at third place in the presidential preference survey at 21 percent.

Vice President Jejomar Binay is leading the pack at 31 percent followed by Senator Grace Poe at 24 percent.