The presidentiables and vice presidentiables who support entrepreneurship development

T he run- up to this year’s national elections is one of the most colorful we have ever experienced. With more active citizens maximizing their freedom of expression on social media, we are experiencing a lively and sometimes raucous election season.

But let us stray from the issues and black propaganda hurled against one another’s bets. Instead, let us focus on the important things such as their platforms and agenda once they are elected.

For the past few months, Go Negosyo has launched a series of fora entitled “Meet the Presidentiables and Vice Presidentiables,” which became an avenue for the Go Negosyo community to get to know the candidates through active discussions of their vision for the country, particularly in the economic and entrepreneurship development.

As a non-government organization, Go Negosyo hopes to have strong support from the government so as to promote the culture of entrepreneurship and bring inclusive growth to the whole country.

We have heard these candidates talk about their programs to push micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to become successful. They are all in full support of the empowerment of Filipinos towards entrepreneurship. As I have always said, Filipinos are never destined for poverty. We can be entrepreneurial and enterprising. Many may not become entrepreneurs but with an enterprising mindset, they can be successful in whatever field they choose. Let us vote for the right candidate who will turn their promised programs and visions of successful Filipinos into reality.

Our future, most especially the future of our children, lies in the hands of the next president and vice president. We need to choose wisely.

Let me share with you the statements of the four presidential candidates and four vice- presidential candidates we gleaned from the discussions we had in the recently concluded series.

Mar Roxas: “The laws need changing because we give local government units too much power through the Local Government Code. I’ve been through the different anti-red tape efforts of the government. The Local Government Code needs amendments so there’s...

Jejomar Binay: “We can attract investors by being able to provide the basic needs of the employees so that even if their salaries are low, it will equal their primary needs. That’s what I did in Makati. I will also move towards the removal of the...

Rodrigo Duterte: “I will support organizations that help SMEs and reserve a sizeable amount for SME development through the Department of Trade and Industry. We have to create an environment that will develop products that can compete in the global...

Grace Poe: “The Go Negosyo Act is valuable because it’s a one-stop shop in setting up businesses, but it needs to be added to. You still need to include access to financing and representatives from banks from the barangay, Pag-Ibig, Philhealth, SSS to...

Leni Robredo: “Three ‘M’s are the keys to strengthening MSMEs: first, Money — there needs to be access to loans and low interest for our small businesses; second, Market linkage — the government should help MSMEs so they can find markets for their...

Chiz Escudero: “We have to come up with a faster Internet connection for businesses. We also need to pass a law that allows oneperson corporations. Taxes also need to be lowered so local businesses can become competitive in Asia and the ASEAN region.”

Bongbong Marcos: “MSMEs need to be supported so they can support the economy. We have to come up with public investments in infrastructure. We’ll add capability to public works and infrastructure through loans and training for SMEs to accelerate the...

Antonio Trillanes: “The problem of SMEs is access to capital and ease of doing business. Once business is operational, the government can help SMEs sustain their business by reducing corporate and income taxes. We also need to raise the salaries of...