Former Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday launched his candidacy with a series of events in the province of Batangas.
Binay is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), where he serves as party chairman. He is a guest candidate of presidential bets Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Senator Manny Pacquiao.
He is also set to visit the provinces of Quezon and Laguna this week.
In a statement, Binay said he intends to pursue legislation that would provide the needed government assistance for sectors adversely affected by the pandemic and the economic lockdown.
Binay said he will immediately propose a Family Care Program for government and private sector workers.
This program would provide food and cash aid, paid family leaves, interest free loans, and deferment or condonation of housing loans for waorking parents unable to report for work in order to care for their children.
For family members caring for sick and elderly parents, Binay said he will also propose free medicine and hospital care for their loved ones, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
“Rebuilding the economy is a national imperative. While doing so, the government must also continue to extend aid to the poor and other sectors displaced by the pandemic and the extended lockdown. It must do so with urgency, efficiency, and a sense of compassion that recognizes basic human dignity instead of debasing it,” he said.
“Needless to state, the executive and the legislative must be aligned in purpose and dedication in this time of crisis,” he added.