Pacquiao discusses plan with US Embassy officials

SEN. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao on Saturday met with United States officials to share his platform of government if elected president in May.

The camp of the Promdi party standard bearer said that he discussed with US Embassy officials matters ranging from Philippine politics to various global issues.

These include the West Philippine Sea, the Visiting Forces Agreement, and the continuing friendship between the US and the Philippines. Pacquiao said the housing program will be his “centerpiece program” to end homelessness. He plans to build 10 million homes until the end of his term. This will not only solve the country’s housing problem but will also help stimulate the country’s economy, he said.

Pacquiao told the embassy officials that tens of thousands of jobs will be created in the construction sector and boost economic activities in various industries especially in the manufacturing sector. “To build these many houses, you will need engineers, architects, masons, painters, laborers, security guards, and many others,” he said. “It will also boost the underground economy, our MSMEs (micro-small and medium enterprises), and our mainstream industries.” “This program will not only provide the poor decent homes but will also stimulate our economy,” Pacquiao told the officials. He also discussed his anti-corruption and anti-drug programs, his plans to speed up the country’s internet and bring down the cost of electricity.

Pacquiao thanked US Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava for the help extended by her government to the Philippines especially in its pandemic response and in providing aid for Typhoon “Odette” victims. Also present during Pacquiao’s meeting with US officials were US Internal Political Unit Acting Chief Ken Gardner and Political Counselor Brett Blackshaw.

Last Thursday Pacquiao also met with members of the diplomatic corps to share his visions and policy platforms.

He met with British Ambassador Laure Beaufils, Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson, European Union Ambassador Luc Veron, Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen, German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel, and Korean Ambassador Inchul Kim, and Variava.