MALOLOS CITY, BULACAN – Senatorial Candidate Manny Pacquiao received another boost in his 2025 Senate comeback bid as Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Governor Alex Castro formally expressed their support during a meeting in Malolos. The political bloc pledged to rally local leaders and constituents behind Pacquiao, citing his pro-people policies and vision for countryside development.

Pacquiao and the Bulacan officials discussed local challenges such as flooding, water service issues, and the need for stronger disaster preparedness and infrastructure.

“Ako po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa tiwala nina Gov. Fernando at Vice Gov. Castro. Malaki po ang potensyal ng Bulacan. Kailangan lang po natin ng sapat na suporta mula sa gobyerno para tuluyang umangat ang buhay ng bawat Bulakenyo,” Pacquiao said.

On Water Services and Department of Water Management

Pacquiao stood firm about the longstanding issue of privatized utilities including water services,.

“Matagal ko nang tinutulan ang privatization ng mga pangunahing serbisyo tulad ng tubig. Bakit natin ipapasa sa pribadong sektor ang isang bagay na dapat ay direktang sine-serbisyo ng gobyerno para sa tao? Dapat tinitiyak ng gobyerno ang pagbibigay ng maayos at abot-kayang tubig sa bawat Pilipino” Pacquiao declared.

Pacquiao also added that a long-overdue reform is needed.

“Noon ko pa ina-advocate ang pagtatatag ng Department of Water Resources na mangangasiwa sa lahat ng ahensyang may kinalaman sa usapin sa patubig. Sa ganitong paraan, magkakaroon tayo ng mas malinaw na pamantayan at mas mahigpit na regulasyon para mapanagot ang mga kumpanya na hindi tumutupad sa kasunduan sa gobyerno.”

On Flooding and Infrastructure Modernization

Addressing Bulacan’s vulnerability to flooding, Pacquiao emphasized strategic investment in infrastructure.

“Kailangan nating mag-invest sa modernisasyon ng ating mga dam at flood control systems. Para yung tubig natin na sobra-sobra pag tag-ulan pakinabangan ng mga magsasaka at mga residente. Dapat ay may updated disaster preparedness plan. Dagdagan pa natin yung mga existing na early warning systems para maiwasan ang trahedya at pinsala sa mga komunidad.”

He also vowed to support the construction of the elevated coastal highways linking Central Luzon to Metro Manila, citing its potential to ease traffic and boost regional economies.

“Flood-free infrastructure is key to fast-tracking development,” Pacquiao stressed.

On Jobs, MSMEs, and Empowering the Poor
Pacquiao also laid out his vision of reversing Metro Manila-centered development by empowering the countryside.

“Reverse migration—let’s not focus in Metro Manila. Kailangan natin paluwagin ang Metro Manila para mas mapa-unlad pa. Let’s bring the development in the countryside. Let’s build homes for Filipinos who can’t afford it, give them livelihood, and teach them how to handle and manage business,” he said.

He acknowledged the contribution of MSMEs in Bulacan and called for stronger government support.

Bulacan holds the largest economy in Central Luzon, contributing 27.2% to the region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), estimated at ₱631.64 billion.

“Bulacan’s economy is boosted by MSMEs. Government must help Bulakenyos to grow bigger. Let’s empower the poor by providing them shelter and training to have a job and small business. Let’s protect the youth and future generations by securing their education.”

On the Airport Project and Local Employment
Pacquiao also gives emphasis on the benefit from major projects such as the New Manila International Airport.

“Ang mga malalaking proyekto tulad ng bagong paliparan ay dapat magbigay ng direktang benepisyo sa mga lokal na residente. Sisiguraduhin kong may sapat na training at suporta para sa mga manggagawa upang makuha nila ang mga trabahong ito. Dapat din nating suportahan ang mga maliliit na negosyo na siyang backbone ng ating ekonomiya.”

May 7, 2025