Reelectionist senators bat for more investments

Reelectionist senators yesterday pressed for more investments in infrastructure, particularly on airports and railways, to stimulate the economy and sustain growth.

Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Sonny Angara in separate statements said putting more funding for infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector, would spread growth faster to the regions.

“I have been very vocal in pushing for the creation of a ‘Luzon growth triangle’ composed mainly of Subic, Manila and Batangas. This will not only bring economic growth in the regions, which will benefit the whole country… but also create jobs for our workers,” Ejercito said after campaigning in Pangasinan and Baguio.

He said the growth triangle should also include the full development of Clark International Airport, a modern railway system and vital road networks “to ensure seamless delivery of goods, services and people.

“I am really for massive infrastructure program and modern railway system. I am running now for my reelection because I really want to push for these,” he said.

Angara meanwhile backed plans by the national government to embark on a P492-million rehabilitation of the Loakan Airport in Baguio, but also wants to include road upgrade as part of a comprehensive approach to improve the city’s infrastructure necessary to further boost its local business and tourism.

He said Baguio City-a very important urban center in the Cordilleras-should not be left out in the massive infrastructure program rolled out by the government.

The senator, however, cautioned the government against the possible displacement of residents and informal settlers who could be affected by the airport upgrade and construction of the access road.

He said the government, at the very least, must ensure that affected residents would be compensated and informal settlers are provided resettlement.

According to reports, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is now coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for the modernization of Loakan Airport landing system, facilities and equipment prior to possible resumption of its operations.

The Baguio City Council earlier passed a resolution informing CAAP and NEDA of its commitment to open the airport to domestic commercial flight operations as a way of improving tourist traffic and easing road congestion due to the influx of visitors particularly during long weekends and summer vacation.

The national government has reportedly earmarked P246 million to jumpstart the initial works for the upgrading of the airport under the 2019 national budget, while the balance of the funds will be allocated in next year’s budget.

Angara believes the full operation of Loakan Airport would help stir the economy of the entire Cordillera region.

Jinggoy as Rody’s ally

Meanwhile, senatorial candidate Jinggoy Estrada said he would continue to be an ally of President Duterte despite not being endorsed by him.

In a statement, Estrada said he respects Duterte’s earlier statements and the decision of the PDP-Laban on their preferred senatorial bets.

“With or without the endorsement of the President, I will continue to be an ally of this administration,” he said, adding his support to the Duterte administration has not diminished.

“While the endorsement of our President will be helpful to my candidacy, I trust that the Filipino people will reelect me to the Senate based on my track record as a servant, long list of legislative accomplishment and genuine desire to uplift the lives of the masses,” Estrada said.

Aside from endorsing the PDP-Laban bets, Duterte endorsed six guest candidates composed of re-electionist Senators Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara and JV Ejercito, Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and singer Freddie Aguilar.

Governors support Imee

On the other hand, the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) is backing the senatorial bid of Governor Marcos, citing her “no-nonsense performance in public service and governance as champion for the improvement of the lives of Filipinos, especially those in the countryside.”

Marcos is advocating for the unconditional and automatic release of the 40 percent share of all national taxes for local government units (LGUs).

In a resolution released recently, the LPP describes Marcos as “an efficient and effective local public official,” who can contribute in the vision of President Duterte to build a stronger and more progressive republic.

The LPP, which gathers all governors from the 81 provinces across the country, expressed confidence that Marcos will “bring to the Senate the concerns of local governments and local government officials to reinforce local autonomy and ensure local development.”

“As a candidate coming from the ranks of local government officials, I know what local executives feel – the issues that are closest to their hearts. Our budget is sorely lacking when in fact we are at the frontline when it comes to delivering services to our constituents,” Marcos said.

“There is already a Supreme Court ruling on the 40 percent internal revenue allotment share of LGUs. But in reality, customs duties, excise tax, documentary tax and stamp tax – all these are removed from the computation of the IRA,” she said.

Marcos maintained that the IRA share of LGUs must be released automatically without need of yearly appropriations.