Pacquiao meets with US Embassy officials to discuss platform

Senator Manny Pacquiao on Saturday met with United States Embassy officials to discuss his plans for the Philippines and other global matters should he win the presidential race in the May 9 polls.

According to a statement from his campaign, Pacquiao presented his standpoints on matters such as the West Philippine Sea, the Visiting Forces Agreement, and the relationship between the US and the Philippines before foreign executives including US Internal Political Unit Acting Chief Ken Gardner, political counselor Brett Blackshaw, and US Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava.

He also shared his centerpiece program to end homelessness in the country by building 10 million homes during his term, if elected president.

He said that this will help address the country’s housing problem and stimulate the economy. It will also create thousands of jobs in the construction sector and boost activities in various industries especially in the manufacturing sector.

“To build these many houses, you would need engineers, architects, masons, painters, laborers, security guards, and many others. It will also boost the underground economy, our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), and our mainstream industries. This program will not only provide the poor decent homes but would also stimulate our economy,” Pacquiao said.

He said discussed his anti-corruption and anti-drug programs, and his plans to speed up the country’s internet and bring down the cost of electricity.

Pacquiao on Friday vowed that he will take the Filipinos out of poverty like what he did with his family and relatives.

Pacquiao on Thursday also met with members of the diplomatic corps to share his visions and policy platforms.

The meeting was attended by Variava, British ambassador Laure Beaufils, Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson, European Union Ambassador Luc Veron, Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen, German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel, and Korean Ambassador Inchul Kim. — Giselle Ombay/BM, GMA News