Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao earlier met with United States embassy officials to discuss various topics ranging from Philippine politics to controversial issues including the West Philippine Sea, the Visiting Forces Agreement and the continuing friendship between the US and the Philippines.
Pacquiao, during his meeting on Saturday was able to share his visions for the country including his centerpiece program which is to address the housing backlog in the country by building 10 million homes until the end of his term.
The senator told embassy offiicals that through this massive housing program, he envisions to create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction sector and eventually boost economic 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,” Pacquiao said during the meeting.
“This program will not only provide the poor decent homes but would also stimulate our economy,” he stressed.
In the same meeting, Pacquiao also discussed with the US executives his anti-corruption and anti-drug programs, his plans to speed up the country’s internet and bring down the cost of electricity.
The senator also took the opportunity to thank US Charge d’ Affaires Heather Variava for the invaluable help extended by the US to the Philippines especially in the government’s pandemic response and in providing aid for Odette victims.
Present during the meeting are Pacquiao’s executive assistant Benjamin Garcia- Ascue; Paquiao’s Political Affairs Chief Ron Munsayac; US Internal Political Unit Acting Chief Ken Gardner; Political Counselor Brett Blackshaw; Variava and Pacquiao’s Communications Director Bernard Peralta.