Manila mayoralty aspirant Samuel Verzosa Jr., also known as “SV,” vowed to prioritize the livelihood, education, and health of Manileños once he wins the 2025 midterm polls.

The self-made businessman and Tutok To Win Party-list representative visited the Manila Bulletin office and had lunch with the company's executives and editors.

In an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin, Verzosa outlined his ambitious vision for the future of Manila, with a focus on improving the lives of its residents through increasing the financial assistance, enhanced healthcare services, and convenient access to jobs and livelihood opportunities.

As a prominent businessman with a deep commitment to social causes, Verzosa has long been involved in charitable work across the city. He expressed his determination to build on his advocacy if given the opportunity to serve Manila as mayor.

"We have Frontrow Cares, the charity arm of Frontrow, which been helping ever since kahit pre pandemic. Tuloy tuloy lang po ang pagtulong as long as kumikita kami sa company, nakakapag give back kami (even before the pandemic. We will continue to help as long as we make money from the company, we can give back)," he also shared.

His top priorities include providing increasing financial support to vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and students.

Financial Support for Vulnerable Sectors

Verzosa emphasized that ensuring the well-being of marginalized groups is essential to his governance approach. He expressed his commitment to not only maintaining but expanding the distribution of financial aid to seniors, PWDs, students, and solo parents, who often face significant challenges in daily life.

One of Verzosa’s most notable promises is an increase in the monthly allowance for senior citizens. Currently receiving only P500 per month, he said the seniors in Manila would see this amount to rise to P2,000 under his leadership. This boost in financial aid is part of his broader commitment to supporting the elderly, who are often among the most vulnerable members of society.

"Yung allowance na P2,000 sa seniors ginawa ko na po yan sa Sampaloc. Ipinapakita ko kung kaya kong gawin ngayon sa sarili kong bulsa, ano pa doon sa perang para sa inyom edi ididiretso ko sa inyo (The P2,000 allowance for seniors, I already did that in Sampaloc. I'm showing what I can do now with my own money, and what else is there to do with the government fund that is really for the people)," he added.

Improved Healthcare for Manileños

Verzosa is also committed to improving healthcare access across the city. He highlighted the importance of offering free medical services, including consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines, particularly to underserved communities.

“Right now, there are SV mobile clinics and SV mobile botika which are going around every day to offer X-ray, ECG, diagnostic examinations etc. in the barangays, ” he added. Through this initiative, Verzosa aims to reach more residents who may have limited access to hospitals and clinics, particularly in far-flung areas.

Creating Jobs and Livelihood Opportunities

Verzosa's platform includes a strong focus on creating job opportunities and livelihood programs for Manileños. He recognizes that financial independence and access to sustainable work are key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a more prosperous capital city.

"Yung SioMaynila, franchise business, ngayon mayroon na kaming 200 franchise business na binigay ko po all over Manila ng libre para matulungan ang mga tao. Ang goal po namin mapaabot po sila ng libo-libo (The SioMaynila franchise businessnow have 200 franchises that I gave for free all over Manila to help people. Our goal is to reach thousands of them)," he also said.

Verzosa’s approach is rooted in his experience as a successful businessman, where he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to helping others.

"Bakit siomai? Kasi yun ang nakikita ko na pinaka tumatagal at pinaka kumikita (Why siomai? Because that's what I see lasting and profitable)," he added.

He expressed his desire to share his resources and expertise with the people of Manila, believing that his business acumen can play a vital role in creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and workers.

Education: Empowering the Next Generation

Verzosa stressed the need for increased investment in the education sector, ensuring that every child in Manila has access to quality education, whether in public schools or through scholarship programs.

Verzosa advocates for expanding access to scholarships, particularly for students from low-income families, and creating programs that help young people develop skills in various fields. He sees education as a pathway to economic empowerment and social mobility, particularly for those who may not have the resources to attend prestigious institutions.

A Vision for a Better Manila

As a public servant, Verzosa said he is confident that his experience in both business and social welfare will allow him to effectively address the city's most pressing needs, from healthcare to financial aid and employment.

His passion for service and his vision of a more inclusive and progressive Manila are driving forces behind his political aspirations.

"Dito sa Maynila, yung mga pondo dapat maideretso na sa tao at maging model city ang Maynila para pwedeng kopyahin ng mga ibang LGUs and cities around us. Yun naman ang goal, Manila is the capital of the Philippines. Sana kung may model city man tayo, sana ang Maynila (The funds should go directly to the people and Manila should become a model city so that other LGUs and cities around us can be inspired to do the same. That is the goal, Manila is the capital of the Philippines. If we will have a model city, I hope that's Manila)," Verzosa concluded.

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