PER PAHAYAG SURVEY 32% of Pinoys not in favor of NAIA privatization

THE privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) garnered the least approval among Filipinos, according to a survey.

The PAHAYAG 2023-Q2 survey conducted nationwide presented several pressing national issues which were assessed for their level of approval among the Filipino populace.

Notable findings include the privatization of NAIA, which garnered the least approval at 32%, followed closely by the proposition to limit nonworking holidays to 10 per year at 34%.

The introduction of the Maharlika Investment Fund obtained a 39% approval rating, with Southern Luzon exhibiting the least approval at 33% and among the 60+ age group at 30%.

House leader hails Marcos admin on healthcare vision

By Maricel V. Cruz

AKO Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, chair of the House of Representatives committee on appropriations on Wednesday expressed support for the “visionary plans” of the current Marcos administration to revolutionize the country’s healthcare system.

“The legacy projects initiated by the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. have remained stagnant for far too long, with minimal development over the years,” Co said.

“I fully support President Bongbong Marcos’ commitment to continue and enhance these projects, as they hold tre- mendous potential to improve healthcare services for our people,” he added.

He also commended Congress under the leadership of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez for providing substantial budget allocations to facilitate the muchneeded improvements for the existing “Legacy Projects.”

Co was referring to the initiative of the Romualdez-led House to secure an initial appropriation of 500 million pesos for each specialty hospital through the collaborative efforts of Congress.

These funds will be dedicated to the development of Legacy Specialty Hospitals, such as NKTI the National Kidney and Transplant Institute(NKTI), Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), and Western Visayas State University (WVSU), as well as the establishment of the Philippine Cancer Center.

“As the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, I am proud to be part of the collective effort to secure the necessary funding for the revitalization of these crucial healthcare facilities. This demonstrates our commitment to providing quality medical services to the Filipino people.” Co stated.

“It is a sobering reality that we all fall ill and ultimately face our mortality,” he added.