Press Release
June 19, 2007

LP SENATORS REVEAL AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN

Liberal Party (LP) legislators led by its president Senator Franklin M. Drilon today presented the partys Affirmative Action Plan, encompassing the priority legislative measures to boost the countrys overall development.

The LP president said the Plan had two objectives, the first of which is to proactively and aggressively bring to the countryside and to the poor the positives in the macroeconomic environment. The second objective is to marshal government revenues to develop the countrys greatest asset the Filipino people.

Drilon was joined in the press conference by four other LP Senators: LP Chairman Francis Kiko Pangilinan, LP Vice-Chairman Benigno Noynoy Aquino, Rodolfo Biazon and LP Executive Vice-President Manuel Mar Roxas II, who laid out the partys 7-point legislative plan.

The LP agenda is people-centered, and not politics-driven. What unites us in the Liberal Party is a common desire to put our people first: first in reaping the benefits of an improving economy, first in the protection of human rights, first in agenda of the national government, said Roxas.

More money in the pockets of workers even without raising wages

Roxas cited data from 2005 showing that in the private sector alone, 2.9 million workers receive minimum wage, while 4.9 million workers receive below this.

He said, Minimum wage earners will need enough money in their pockets to match the rising cost of living. A tax exemption will assist them in this regard.

Roxas said the passage of this measure, while entailing foregone revenues of P600 million, would be outweighed by the following: an indirect wage hike through increased take-home pay, leading to additional consumption and saving capacity by minimum wage earners. This will indirectly benefit the retail and banking system as well as lead to fewer burdens on tax administration.

Better brains and bodies for young Filipinos with E-VAT funds

Roxas said, The lowering of interest rates, the rise of the stock market, the influx of portfolio investments, the improvements in our so-called macro environment, are all from the sacrifice of Juan dela Cruz. We should thus make sure that Juan dela Cruz would benefit from the economic gains.

Real social reform, affordable medicines, OFW benefits and consumer protection

Honoring previous commitments, the LP will seek passage of measures left hanging in the 13th Congress due to, among other things, the lack of quorum in the House of Representatives during the last few session days.

Economic partnerships with safety nets

While the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, or JPEPA, is potentially good for investments and job generation through increased activities with Japan, ratification should be done only with safety nets.

Making our streets safe

Measures for the speedy resolution of cases will ensure a more peaceful environment for citizens, as well as vindication for human rights victims.

Soldiers with honor and dignity

These measures will provide the military with adequate finances and modern technology for its mandate as protector of the people.

Economic freedom for farmers

Lastly, the agricultural sector will be helped through legislation upholding the rights and providing opportunities for farmers. We have addressed all sectors in our 7-point plan, to maximize the benefits our people will get. We call our fellow lawmakers in both Senate and House to seriously consider our proposal, Roxas said.

LP members from the House of Representatives were present as well: party secretary-general JR Nereus Acosta, and LP National Executive Council members Joseph Abaya (1st Dist., Cavite), Manuel Mamba (3rd Dist., Cagayan) and Ruffy Biazon (Lone Dist., Muntinlupa).

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