Former presidential spokesman and senatorial candidate Salvador Panelo will expand existing laws to give free education as well as medical and legal services for all Filipinos, if elected to the position.
Panelo on Thursday, Feb. 10 announced his bid for a Senate seat, which was backed by frontrunner vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
"I present myself before our countrymen as candidate for Senator because I firmly believe that I can help provide for the needs of the Filipino people,” he said.
"With your help, it will be my honor to continue in the Senate the 'tapang at malasakit' (courage and compassion) brand of public service started by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte," he added.
Panelo's candidacy was supported by Duterte-Carpio, who called him a "friend" during the latter's proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
If elected, Panelo said, he will remove the "conditions" and "restrictions" incorporated in the existing laws that prevent Filipinos from accessing free education as well as medical and legal services.
"If you were born Filipino, the government must provide you free education, medical and legal services when you need it," he said.
Panelo also said he will advocate for the rights and welfare of children with special needs as he himself knows the challenges faced by parents of children with special needs, particularly when it comes to their therapy and education.
"I will push for a bill that will obligate the government to provide for the therapy and special education of these children, and to build care facilities for them when they have no one else to turn to," he said.