COMMITMENT TO PROGRESS. At a press conference held at the Lusso Grand Ballroom in Hotel Savano, Savano Park, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, on February 28, 2025, Senate candidates from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition, including Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, former Senator Panfilo Lacson, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, and campaign manager Representative Toby Tiangco, outlined their vision for the city’s future. They pledged to enhance the city’s development through initiatives focused on infrastructure and healthcare. (Photo by Avito Dalan/PNA)
MANILA – In a strategic meeting in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, the senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas shared their comprehensive plans to support the city’s growth, addressing key areas such as healthcare, budget management, infrastructure development, and governance.
Former Senate President Tito Sotto highlighted the significance of the ‘Doktor Para sa Bayan’ medical scholarship program, which he helped author, in meeting the healthcare demands of the city, the largest in Bulacan by population and area. He stressed the need for effective Senate oversight, pointing out the uneven distribution of scholars, particularly during the pandemic when the shortage of doctors was evident.
Former Senator Panfilo Lacson focused on the necessity of budget reform, criticizing the significant unspent funds that could have been directed towards regions like San Jose del Monte. He emphasized that the national budget’s benefits are not adequately reaching areas outside Metro Manila.
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos advocated for updates to the Local Government Code, arguing that the current framework is outdated and does not meet the needs of rapidly developing cities like San Jose del Monte. He praised the city’s progress and called for reforms to support its continued growth.
Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar discussed the importance of economic development, connectivity, and housing projects in driving the city’s economic growth. She highlighted the Metro Rail Transit 7 (MRT-7) as a crucial project that would enhance productivity and job opportunities in the city, and stressed the need for affordable housing to accommodate the city’s expanding population.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino proposed amendments to Executive Order 327 to better integrate San Jose del Monte into Metro Manila’s urban planning. He suggested including neighboring cities in Mega Manila planning to improve coordination on infrastructure projects, noting the MRT-7’s role in serving both Central Luzon and the National Capital Region. He also mentioned the Malolos-Tutuban-Calamba rail line as a project that would enhance interregional connectivity.
As Metro Manila’s influence expands into Bulacan, the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas candidates underscored the importance of enhanced interregional cooperation to ensure San Jose del Monte remains a vibrant and well-planned urban center. (PNA)