Abalos to champion economic measures to boost investment, improve quality of life

Senatorial aspirant Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., will champion economic reforms aimed at strengthening the business sector and improving the quality of life for Filipino families.

“Importante ang investment,” Abalos said in a radio interview, adding that increased investment is essential for generating business opportunities and employment. “Kung marami ang investment, maraming negosyo at maraming trabaho ang malilikha.”

Abalos, former Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, said he will champion legislative measures being pushed by the business sector to improve the country’s investment climate. He would support the amendments to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Charter. As a lawyer and former DILG secretary, Abalos said he agreed with a proposal to transfer PPA-operated ports to a dedicated public sector entity to resolve issues of conflict of interest and enhance public safety and operational efficiency.

Being an archipelagic country, the Philippine’s maritime laws should be strengthened, according to Abalos, as he throws his support behind the passage of International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act, which would increase government oversight on international shipping lines imposing local charges which, he said, create undue financial strain on Filipino businesses.

To improve the country’s airport, Abalos backed the business sector’s proposal for the establishment of the Philippine Airports Authority should also be prioritized.

Aside from investment and job creation, Abalos will also focus on measures that will uplift the quality of life (kalidad ng buhay) for Filipinos by ensuring access to basic needs such as stable jobs, reliable electricity, food, nutrition, and decent income.

“Importante ang quality of life,” Abalos. “Lahat may karapatan sa tamang pagkain, sa magandang trabaho, kuryente, at lahat ng mga bagay na ito na kailangan para magkaroon ng kalidad na buhay.”

Abalos sees this as achievable with the right governance and policies that prioritize the people’s welfare alongside economic progress.

“Of course, magagawa natin sa tamang pamahalaan. With effective leadership, essential aspects like affordable electricity, lower taxes, and stronger support for agriculture can all contribute to improving lives,” Abalos said.

For the agricultural sector, Abalos seeks to institutionalize crop insurance programs and agricultural loans, and expand incentives for farmers including a discount on real property tax. Additionally, Abalos proposed allowances for children of farmers attending state universities and colleges to support farm families and encourage Filipino farmers and their families to stay in agriculture. (ADV)