Press Release
February 21, 2016

POWER, RAIL AMONG POE'S PRIORITIES FOR MINDANAO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Leading presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe bared her platform for Mindanao in the first national debate held in Cagayan de Oro City, promising a bigger chunk of the national budget to support infrastructure projects in the impoverished region.

Poe said there has to be a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable development in Mindanao, where 10 of the poorest provinces in the country can be found.

"Unang-una, kailangan talaga na magkaroon ng sapat na kuryente na murang halaga para sa ating mga kababayan. Yan ay ating gagawin. Ire-rehabilitate natin ang dams. Babantayan natin ang mga transmission grids. Pangalawa, trabaho para sa inyo. Thirty percent ng budget ng national government ay ilalagay natin dito. Kapag ako po ay naging Pangulo, ang unang executive order, magkakaroon ng Freedom of Information, na matagal na nating ginugusto. Sa buong Pilipinas o sa Mindanao man, ang importante ay isang lider na mapagkakatiwalaan. "Poe said in her closing statement.

The senator also vowed to continue peace talks and end conflicts that have hindered development opportunities in the region. She said, however, that the talks have to include all groups and affiliations, if it were to be genuine and lasting.

Major infrastructure projects, such as the proposed 2,000-km Mindanao rail, should not be stalled by pending peace negotiations but should instead back the government's promise of inclusive growth, she said.

To deliver on her promises of "Gobyernong may Puso," Poe said she would strengthen the fight against corruption and ensure that people's money go to projects for them. To do this, Poe's first executive order, should she be elected president, would be Freedom of Information to ensure transparency in government.

"Kapag ako po ay naging pangulo, ang unang executive order, magkakaroon ng Freedom of Information, na matagal na nating ginugusto. Sa buong Pilipinas o sa Mindanao man, ang importante ay isang lider na mapagkakatiwalaan, Poe said.

She said the problems of the country are nothing new but remain unsolved over the years. She said what the country needs is a leader with a new perspective.

"Oo nga, bago na ako, pero hindi na rin bago ang ating mga problema at marami nang matagal dyan pero paulit-ulit parin ang kanilang mga lumang solusyon," said Poe, the top pick of voters to be president, according to surveys.

News Latest News Feed