Valenzuela 2nd District Representative Eric Martinez is committed to pushing for legislation aimed at addressing issues in the health and transportation sectors if he wins a seat in the Senate.
"More or less ang main focus natin doon sa mga panukalang batas na ating i-fi-file sa Senado ay nakalaan sa kalusugan at transportasyon," Martinez said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Thursday.
"Isang bill na ating i-fi-file ay ‘yung the creation of the Metro Manila subway system," he added.
The lawmaker pointed out that the construction for the subway connecting Valenzuela to Taguig is already underway, and he expressed hope that it will be completed before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concludes his term.
He further emphasized that the subway should not be limited to a single line, stressing the need for an enabling law that would allow for additional lines to be added.
With the proposed enabling law, the subway would make it easier to connect all 17 cities in Metro Manila, helping to address the traffic problem over the next 20 years.
"The mass transport system natin in the next 20 years, dapat bigayan natin ng tuon," said Martinez.
Martinez expressed his belief that this initiative would also benefit the country's economy, as products entering Metro Manila would be able to reach their destinations within just one or two hours.
"Talagang ang solusyon at magbibigay ng momentum para sa ating bansa is a mass transport system," he added.
Furthermore, he also aims to push for the proposal of an enabling law to create the Metro Cebu Rail System.
Initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting the youth
Martinez acknowledged that despite the existence of a law providing free college education, there are still ongoing issues with support and resources for students' everyday needs.
"We have to work on a legislative law that would support our mga kabataan natin sa pag-aaral through some kind of a baon program," said Martinez.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of schools enforcing stricter policies to keep students from becoming involved in conflicts.
He also underscored the pivotal role of parents in guiding children who are exposed to various elements of social media and other platforms that might negatively influence them.
Programs designed to support the health sector
Meanwhile, Martinez pledged to advocate for the creation of a national skin center, citing data that revealed a significant number of Filipinos facing skin-related issues, underscoring the need for such a facility.
"I’m a psoriasis patient and we number around 700,000 to 800,000 sa buong Pilipinas. That is an autoimmune disease. Napakahirap niya gamutin," said Martinez.
He asserted that this initiative will effectively tackle the challenges faced by Filipinos.
The lawmaker who advocated for increasing bed capacity at the Valenzuela Medical Center also plans to propose the creation of super health centers in rural areas, particularly in densely populated regions.
"DOH really has to put in a strategy kung saan lang ba dapat may malaking hospital at saan ‘yung super health center para atleast the spread of our health services [ay] strategic ang placement," he added.
Moreover, to combat the rising number of dengue cases in the country, he urged the public to clean their respective yards and communities to help address this issue.
He noted that it is crucial to identify mosquito breeding grounds, such as canals and gutters, where they often nest, in order to eliminate them.
"Make it a habit na maglinis tayo ng komunidad natin at ang ating mga bahay. I think that’s the ultimate solution to the mosquitoes," said Martinez.
Perspective on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment
Martinez clarified that he was not one of the signatories of Duterte's impeachment in the House of Representatives, as he thought it would ultimately lead the country nowhere if it succeeded.
Furthermore, he reiterated that political stability and economic development go hand in hand, emphasizing that no investor would want to invest in a country or area that is unstable.
Efforts to address the continued surge in commodity prices
Meanwhile, regarding the issue of rising prices of goods, he believes that oversight is necessary, emphasizing the need to identify the root causes, whether they be hoarding, smuggling, or other factors.
He also suggested that relevant government agencies concerned with the issue should be called to address it.
Ultimately, he emphasized the need to improve the country's agriculture and restore it as a powerhouse, as it once was.
He also suggested reassessing farming areas, pointing out that typhoons frequently hit regions in Luzon and Visayas, and it might be time to consider farming in Mindanao.
"Bakit ikaw?"
Martinez explained that his reason for running for office is because he is well-versed in lawmaking, and it is clear that this is the primary responsibility of a Senator.
"Hindi man ako sikat gaya ng mga survey na lumabas nitong nakaraang araw, pero ‘yung resume ko karapat-dapat pagpilian ng sambayanang Pilipinas," Martinez said.
