Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) Congressman Win Gatchalian lauded Senator Grace Poe’s 20-point agenda, a number of which jibe with his own advocacies and legislative agenda as a lawmaker.
“There is no question that Senator Poe has an edge since her well-crafted 20-point agenda speaks directly to the hearts of the masses who feel the brunt of the county’s transport and economic woes,” said Gatchalian, who represents Valenzuela City’s 1st congressional district.
Gatchalian was particularly impressed with some of Poe’s 20-point agenda which is similar to his advocacies such as pushing for inclusive growth, addressing the backlog in classrooms, creating a Standard Lunch Program in all public schools, crusading against crime and illegal drugs, and respecting the rights of everyone especially those in vulnerable sectors including senior citizens.
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Gatchalian also shares Poe’s concern on improving health services, pushing for the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, and fighting for the West Philippine Sea, which is also being claimed by China.
“Senator Poe also said she aims to lower the tax rates and power costs in the country. She also advocates for faster Internet, which I have also been harping in Congress,” said Gatchalian.
Poe also pointed out the need to build more roads and trains, to clean the drainage systems, and to remove colorum and illegally parked vehicles to improve the already worsening traffic situation in the country, which she called “OA” or over-acting.
“I was surprised that a number of the bills that I have filed in Congress jibes with Senator Poe’s agenda. I have also filed the Free Higher Education Act which aims to make tuition free in all state colleges and universities,” said Gatchalian.
Among Gatchalian’s other proposed measures in Congress that jibes with Senator Poe’s agenda are: House Bill No. 5348 or the Nutri-Skwela Act of 2015; HB 4946 – Homes for Abandoned Senior Citizen Act; HB 4284 – CCTV Cameras for Crime Prevention Act of 2014, and HB 5098 – Proof of Parking Space Act.
Related News: List of Gatchalian’s other bills and resolutions
The NPC, the country’s second biggest political party in terms of the number of incumbent governors, city mayors and congressmen, is in the process of selecting presidential candidate whom it would support in next year’s elections. (R. Burgos)