Binay vows to fight poverty in Isabela

(PNA photo)

MANILA—United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) presidential bet Vice President Jejomar C. Binay went to his mother’s hometown in Cabagan, Isabela on Sunday and promised to fight poverty under his administration.

The Vice President’s mother, the late Lourdes Gatan Cabauatan, was an Ibanag from Cabagan.

Binay, speaking before an estimated 15,000 people in attendance, said that he had been fighting poverty since he was mayor of Makati City and improved the lives of its residents.

“Ako sa aking pamumuno, tinugunan ko ang problema ng kahirapan. Nung ako ay naging mayor noong 1986, yung problemang kakaharapin ko bilang Pangulo (ang) problema ng kahirapan, hinarap ko yan sa Makati. Nung ako e naging mayor, tumaas ang buhay ng maraming taga-Makati,” Binay said.

Binay previously said that he will prioritize four programs during his first year in office to combat poverty: the continuation and expansion of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program); the abolishing of income taxes for workers earning Php30,000 a month or less; and providing free books, uniforms, and school supplies for public school students; and free healthcare for the poor.

He was joined by his running mate, Senator Gregorio Honasan II, and UNA senatorial candidate former Special Action Force director Getulio Napeñas.

Local candidates and allies from Isabela, led by Vice Governor Tony Pet Albano, also joined the group.

Incumbent Mayors Benedict C. Calderon of Roxas and Arnold S. Bautista of Tumauini, former Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Mayor Delfin Ting Sr., as well as members of local councils, also joined the rally.

“Alam naman po natin na tagadito po ang nanay ni Vice President Jejomar Binay and it is a natural tendency for all Isabeleños to unite together and give one vote for the Vice President,” Albano said, who assured that Binay will win in the province.