By Fernan Angeles
TAYTAY, Rizal — While Filipinos are known for its frugality and knack of wise buys, a billionaire senatorial aspirant finds it rather weird that eight of 10 Filipinos don’t have access to bank accounts, for which he hinted at launching the Banko ng Masa where he intends to funnel assistance to the genuine poor in need of help.
Aside from the Banko ng Masa which will be launched anytime next month, former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson also hinted at farming out credit cards for each and every Filipino of legal age — regardless of gender, religion and economic status.
To entice Filipinos, he said that each bank account comes with an initial deposit. In a visit in Rizal, Rizal Gov. Nina Ynares – along with all 14 mayors encompassing the province, made a commitment to support Singson’s senate bid.
Citing studies, Singson, who is running as an independent candidate, said that 77 percent of Filipinos are without bank accounts, while 95 percent are without credit cards.
According to the former governor, he intends to replicate what he has done in Ilocos Sur. Banko ng Masa, he added, will also benefit Overseas Filipino Workers and their families.
When asked by newsmen on his legislative agenda should he land a slot in the 12 senate seats which will be vacated by term termers, Singson candidly responded: “Hindi ako ang klase ng nangangako. Kaya ko sinasabi yan sa inyo dahil ginagawa ko yan.”
He also gave a premium on the need for legislative measures that would effectively address poverty and economic sustainability.
As this developed, Singson also called on jeepney drivers to grab his offer to sell modern jeepneys which he intends to sell at a loss — P1.2 million which represents half the price of the cheapest unit in the market, and on an easy installment basis.
He also assured that availing units in conformity with the provisions provided under the government PUV Modernization program neither requires a downpayment or collateral. “Pag pinahirapan pa natin ang mga tsuper, hindi na tulong yan. Malinaw na nagnenegosyo na ko.”
