GWP Welcomes Rep. Pacquiao's Concern About Addressing Roots of Poverty During RH Plenary Debates

"Other people might have various reactions on Rep. Manny Pacquiao's interpellation on the floor viz the RH bill last night. But what struck me most was his opinion that the RH Bill is not a solution to poverty. He expressed his concern that the House of Representative's utmost concern is to address the problem of poverty," shared Rep. Emmi de Jesus of the Gabriela partylist.

"We welcome Rep. Pacquiao's concern for the poor who comprise the majority of Gabriela's constituents. If on the RH bill we can agree to disagree, we still call on Rep. Pacquiao to work with us on the promotion of a genuine agrariam reform for farmers, national industrialization and the call for P125 wage increase for workers," she added.

"Gabriela Women's Party co-authored HB374 or "An Act Instituting Genuine Agrarian Reform in the Country and Creating the Mechanism for its Implementatino and Other Purposes", authored by Rep. Rafael V. Mariano of the Anakpawis Partylist, because we believe poor women farmers will benefit from a law that promises to promote their right to land. We also supported Rep. Mariano's proposed bill calling for a P125 Wage Increase to allow farmers immediate relief from the unabated fiscal crisis we now face," explained the Gabriela solon.

"We therefore call on Rep. Pacquiao to study well these particular bills as they definitely bring to Congress the voices and demands of our poor constituents. These bills are currently pending in their respective committees. Rep. Pacquiao's interest and support for them, could give an impetus to their movement in the legislative mill," ended Rep. De Jesus.