By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Long-time Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson vowed on Saturday (19 Oct 2024) to cut red tape in government deals if elected to the Senate, running as an independent LL candidate.
When asked what “LL” stands for, the 83-year-old Ilocano tycoon, philanthropist, and political kingpin jokingly replied: “Lakas Loob.”
Singson emphasized the harmful pollution caused by oil, which is hazardous to both public health and the environment. As a solution, he aims to modernize the country’s transport system by introducing air-conditioned, 28-passenger e-vehicles.
“Korean technology but made in the Philippines,” he clarified during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
If elected, Singson said his first proposed bill would be the “Universal Basic Income Chavit500,” which would provide a bank account and credit card to qualified Filipinos aged 18 and above.
He revealed that this scheme is already being implemented in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, where he served as mayor from June 30, 2019, to June 30, 2022.
“Para sa masa, para matuloy ang ginagawa kong pagbibigay ng bank account at credit card sa lahat ng ating kababayan,” Singson shared.
It’s worth noting that the 7-group-strong transport bloc, dubbed the ‘Magnificent 7,’ has expressed support for Singson’s Senate bid.
The group stated that Singson has committed to supplying them with modern public utility vehicle (PUV) units at a per-unit cost of P1.2 million—significantly lower than the current range of P1.6 million to P2.4 million—at 6% interest per year for seven years.
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