Senatorial candidate Luis “Manong Chavit” Singson emphasized his commitment to empowering public utility drivers and cooperatives during a meeting with Cebu’s transport leaders at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Friday.

In his address, Singson highlighted the critical importance of financial inclusion for jeepney drivers and operators. He advocated for providing them access to bank accounts, allowing them to earn interest and improve their financial literacy.

“When you empower drivers, you empower communities,” he stated, stressing the importance of equipping drivers with the tools needed to better manage their finances and secure their future.

The gathering, which brought together key stakeholders in the transport sector, provided Manong Chavit with a platform to present his vision for improving the livelihoods of drivers and creating sustainable opportunities within the public transport industry.

Singson also unveiled an ambitious plan to introduce Electric Vehicles (EVs) to transport cooperatives, funding the initiative himself at a cost of millions of pesos.

“I’m probably the only one crazy enough to give loans like this, just to help,” he remarked, underscoring his determination to make bold moves to improve the public transport sector. By providing these modernized vehicles, Manong Chavit aims to reduce operating costs for drivers while helping them transition into the future of transportation.

Additionally, Singson mentioned his ongoing partnerships with transport cooperatives, such as the Cebu People’s Cooperative, which operates 245 modernized jeepney units in Cebu and Bacolod. He praised chairman Macario “Yoyong” Quevedo for his leadership, recognizing the cooperative’s efforts to modernize public transport.

“Their leadership shows how we can uplift our drivers and move the industry forward,” Manong Chavit said.

A key component of Singson’s platform is his proposed Chavit 500 Universal Basic Income bill. If elected to the Senate, he plans to introduce direct cash assistance to Filipino workers, including drivers, to provide essential financial relief.

“I will provide everyone with the Chavit 500,” he asserted, reinforcing his commitment to supporting the Filipino people, especially those who contribute significantly to the economy but often face financial challenges.

As part of his broader campaign to empower Filipinos, Singson introduced VBank’s “5800 to 58 people for 58 days” initiative, set to launch on 15 December.

Running under the slogan, “May Isang Salita,” Manong Chavit said this program aims to encourage voters to sign up with VBank by giving away P5,800 to 58 different people every day for 58 days, in an obvious reference to his position as No. 58 on the Senate ballot.