During a press conference here on Monday, Hontiveros of the Liberal Party (LP) said a flaw in the BCDA law should be corrected for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Hontiveros said the BCDA law has pushed retail and consumerism but she said it could not keep up with industrialization like manufacturing which is important in our economy.
“That needs to be corrected,” she said.
When asked to react on the rampant smuggling in freeport zones, Hontiveros said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) should work double time in combatting smuggling.
“If smuggling is a problem then that is a serious problem that should be fought by the BOC for the sake of our domestic manufacturers and for the local and foreign importers who play according to the rules,” she said.
“Because we want it rules-based to give all stakeholders a level playing field,” she added.
There should be reasonable regulations for the smooth flow of commerce but it is important that we adhere to the rules, she pointed out.
Health
If elected to the Senate, Hontiveros said she will push for universal health care. “That’s what I will focus on given the chance to serve,” she said.
“Way back in 2007 I was the principal author of the cheaper medicines law,” she said.
Hontiveros said because of the law, hypertension medicines were lowered to 10 percent and other maintenance medicines for diabetes and other ailments were also considerably lowered.
But Hontiveros said there is still much to do.
“I will strengthen the other pillars of the universal health care system like doctors for every barangay and affordable medical services, and the empowerment of barangay health workers with the enactment of the BHW bill,” she said.
Meanwhile, all 33 barangay captains here have signified their intention to support Hontiveros’ run for a senate seat.
