Tutok to Win Partylist Representative and Manila Mayoral candidate Samuel “Sam” Verzosa pledged to offer new leadership that secures the welfare of citizens in Manila, citing that the city's issues continue to worsen year after year.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Monday, Verzosa vowed to prioritize people's needs, healthcare, education, and livelihood, and ensure that Manila's funds directly benefit its residents.
“Bigyan kita ng edukasyon, bigyan kita ng kalusugan at bigyan kita ng means para kumita gaya ng kabuhayan,” he said.
He mentioned that through his daily house-to-house visits, Verzosa learned that what people need most are maintenance medicines, hospital support, educational aid, and business capital.
Proposed initiatives in Manila's healthcare sector
Recognizing the growing needs of Manila's population, Verzosa outlined the specific programs he plans to implement in the healthcare sector if he secures the seat as Mayor in Manila.
“Kaya nga kapag nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon bawat barangay sa Maynila na punong-puno ng gamot, ng maintenance medicine libre,” he stated.
“Ibig sabihin bilyon po ang ilalaan na pondo diyan para sa kalusugan ng mga mamamayan,” Verzosa added.
He also pointed out that many elderly residents are currently being turned away from overcrowded and underfunded city hospitals.
"Magtatayo tayo ng senior citizen hospital para sa mga matatanda sa Maynila. Huwag na sila makipagsisiksikan doon sa mga ospital ng Maynila sa iba't ibang hospital," he claimed.
By building a dedicated facility for senior citizens, Verzosa hopes to ensure that no elderly Manileño is denied proper medical care.
He also plans to stock every barangay health center in Manila with free maintenance medicines and essential drugs — directly funded by Manila’s P25 billion annual budget.
“Ang lagi kong sinasabi, dapat walang Manileño ang natatanggihan sa mga hospital. Building lang pero walang laman, kaya punuin natin ang bawat barangay ng gamot at libreng maintenance medicine," he expressed concerns towards the lack of hospitals equipments and doctors in various hospitals in Manila.
On several properties in Manila that are allegedly being sold
He lamented the sale of vital properties, such as Harrison Plaza, Kerikada Fire Station, and even the City College of Manila, which he said could have been turned into hospitals, schools, and markets for people's welfare instead of being sold off.
“Dapat nga, ang problema ‘yung ibang eskwelahan ng Maynila like City College of Manila ay ibinenta,” Verzosa noted.
According to reports cited by Verzosa, a former congressman has revealed that Manila sold properties amounting to P65 billion, all while incurring more debt.
“Imagine mo, nangutang ka na, nagbenta ka pa," he said.
“Talagang nilimas mo yung Maynila pagkatapos nilimas tumakbong presidente, iniwan,” Verzosa added.
Expanding access to education
Verzosa pointed to education as a key weapon against poverty, pledging more support for students.
He proposed to enhance free college education by investing more in public universities like the Universidad de Manila (UDM).
Furthermore, he mentioned providing allowances for elementary and high school students to cover daily needs such as food and transportation.
Moreover, he proposed to distribute free uniforms, shoes, and school supplies to all public school students.
“Nakakausap ko ang mga teachers na maraming humihinto sa pag-aaral kasi walang baon, walang pangkain at walang pamasahe,” he said.
“Kailangan bigyan ng allowance itong mga elementary at high school. Bukod doon allowance, libreng uniporme , libreng school supplies libreng sapatos. Kung naggawa ‘yan s aibang siyudad, sa Makati, Taguig bakit hindi sa Maynila,” Verzosa added.
Creating livelihood initiatives for the marginalized sector
Beyond education, Verzosa is also dedicated to tackling unemployment and underemployment through vigorous livelihood programs.
He promises to fund small businesses and provide capital for residents who want to start their own businesses.
The mayoral candidate for Manila also emphasized the necessity of empowering families to become self-sufficient rather than relying exclusively on government assistance and establishing employment opportunities linked to both private partnerships and government support.
“Ang number one problem sa Maynila, kahirapan at ang solusyon diyan ay edukasyon at ‘yang mga kabuhayan na ‘yan. Kaya diyan natin ibubuhos ang pondo ng Maynila,” he declared.
When asked why he should be elected, Verzosa stated that Manila desperately needed reforms.
“Kasi kailangan po talaga ng desperadong pagbabago sa Maynila. Napag-iwanan na po ang Maynila, baon sa utang, nabenta ang ari-arian, sobrang hirap ng kalagayan ng kababayan natin,” said Verzosa.
“Manila is the capital of the Philippines, but Manila is the poorest city in Metro Manila," he reiterated.
With his track record of running successful businesses and the Batang Sampaloc Scholarship Foundation, which he mentioned he personally helped many underprivileged students complete their education, Verzosa is calling on Manileños to give new leadership a chance.
“Sumubok kayo ng bago kasi hindi niyo malalaman yung pagkakataon, kapag hindi mo susubukan ang pagbabago," he called for support of the Manileños.
As the 2025 elections neared, Versoza vowed to champion reforms in the health, education, and economic opportunity for all Manileños, offering not just new leadership but a new hope.
