Signature away from reality

LAOAG, Ilocos Norte — The much-anticipated Universal Health Care (UHC) bill is now on the table of President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature, reelectionist Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said.

During an ambush interview after Hugpong ng Pagbabago’s campaign caravan in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, he confirmed that Malacañang has a tentative schedule for the approval of the priority measure.

If the President trusted you, that’s another story. He is trusting your performance

“Malacañang had given notice and tentatively there is already a schedule this week for signing, that’s why I’m also a bit excited. Hopefully, it will be signed because whatever happens, if I win or not, I have already done my part or in other words my promises in 2013, I have already fulfilled it,” Ejercito said.

Sen. JV Ejercito However, he admitted that he is having a hard time in the campaign due to his sparse resources especially in terms of political ads.

“So, I’m having a problem where to get (the resources). How could I survive (this election)? But what added to my dilemma, my brother and I are both running,” he explained.

Ejercito encouraged voters to look at his performance and his track record instead of his rivalry with his brother, former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who is also running for a senatorial seat.

“So, in time, if the Universal Health Care is passed, the Department of Housing (bill) is passed, we’ll see hopefully, my good performance, the legislative accomplishment. I hope that our fellow Filipinos will consider these,” he said.

He also emphasized his clean record in public service, saying it is the best inheritance that he will give his children.

“Last but not the least, I’m proud that whatever happens, my name is clean and I did not ruin the trust given to me,” he said.

“I am not involved in any anomaly, any issue of corruption. At least I don’t have any stain on my name and that’s the best inheritance that I can give to my children,” Ejercito added.

He added that the endorsement of President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio would be a big help for his bid as it was a sign of trust in his performance and his clean public service.

“Of course, if the President trusted you, that’s another story. He is trusting of your performance or he knows your capacity. More than that, we all know that one of the advocacies of the President is the drive against graft and corruption. So, the mere fact that he included me in his lineup, that means he believes in my clean track record and I don’t have any baggage,” he emphasized.