Senate bets discuss platforms at electoral forum
The senatorial candidates give their opinion on the implementation of K-12.
Senatorial candidates former Manila City Councilor Greco Antonius Belgica, Valenzuela City 1st District Congressman Sherwin Gatchalian, and Atty. Lorna Kapunan presented their platforms and gave their stand on pressing issues in the country during the Bakit Ikaw?: Electoral Forum 2016 held at the Ugnayang La Salle on April 4.
Belgica proposes the implementation of 10 percent flat tax rate, which aims to increase the amount of taxes collected by the government. “Isi-simplify natin ang buwis … because there’s so many flaws and exemptions they (employees and businessmen) can apply from the law, so with the flat tax [rate], lahat magbabayad ng buwis [kaya] lalaki ang collection,” he clarified.
In addition, he plans to implement tuition fee voucher for college students. The said voucher will be used for all public and private higher education institutions.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian’s platforms include free tuition in all state universities and colleges (SUCs), increased investment in science and technology, time allocation of teachers’ training, separation of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) into the Department of Transportation and Department of Information and Communication Technology, and extensive research on fisheries and marine biology.
Kapunan, on the other hand, plans to create another department under the national government that would address issues on environment and climate change, make policies on public land use, and propose a law requiring all government units to be audited by Commission on Audit.
The National Elections Projects Committee of the University Student Council (USC) 2015-2016, in collaboration with the Office of Student Services and the Lasallian Community Development Center, conducted the electoral forum to provide insights about the senatorial candidates for the upcoming national elections on May 9.
Brother Augustine Boquer FSC, EdD acknowledges the presence of the three senatorial candidates and reminds the students about their responsibility on the upcoming national election.
On critical issues
Belgica supports the imposition of death penalty for those who commit heinous crimes such as plunder, murder, and rape.
However, Kapunan said the Philippines is not yet ready for the implementation of the death penalty since the country’s justice system should be “cleaned” first.
All the senatorial candidates mentioned that they are in favor of the passage of Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill as Kapunan said this would enhance transparency and accountability in the government.
Belgica and Kapunan also stated their opposition against the K to 12 program because the additional two years in high school could be another burden on parents, while Gatchalian said the implementation of senior high school would enhance the students’ critical thinking skills.
