Former Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan plans to build on his previous efforts in security, the dissemination of truthful information, and digitalization if he makes a comeback to the Senate.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Tuesday, Honasan revealed that his platforms focus on securing the basic needs of the people, including food, clothing, shelter, health, education, and information.
"Marami tayong kailangan tapusin na trabaho. Hindi na ako nangangako magbuhat noong tumakbo tayo noon sa unang pagkakataon noong 1995 dahil lahat ng pangako ko noon ay ginawa ko na at ipinagpatuloy ko," Honasan stated.
"Ang plataporma natin ay seguridad, seguridad ng may pagkain, pabahay, may pambili ng gamot, pampadala sa hospital, pantustos ng tuition at may bago ngayon, impormasyon – hindi ‘yung marites ah – mabilisan na pagkalat ng katotohanan," he added.
The senatorial aspirant believes that it is crucial to digitize all aspects of the government and that the government's knowledge and capabilities must be elevated to fully embrace digitalization.
Honasan, who served as the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during the Duterte administration, aims to continue the initiatives he began in the department if he secures a seat in the Senate.
Issues in the West Philippine Sea
The former senator reiterated that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) legally, geographically, and historically belongs to the Philippines.
He further stated that while China continues its provocative actions against the Philippines through aggressive moves towards Filipinos, the country should prepare and remain unshaken.
"Kung hindi natin kayang protektahan ‘yung mangingisda natin na nangingisda para pakainin at suportahan ‘yung mga pamilya nila na maaaring magutom, anong klaseng Republika o bansa tayo?" said Honasan.
Moreover, Honasan supports the deployment of U.S. Typhoon missiles in the country, noting that it is a strategic move by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
However, he mentioned that the country should not depend on other nation's help but instead prepare its own strategy.
"Kailangan may plano tayo. Ang sinasabi natin sa gobyerno, sa Pangulo, isama naman ninyo kaming mamamayan sa plano ninyo para magkakasama tayong ipagtanggol itong demokrasya natin," Honasan explained.
"Ilang dekada, ilang daang taon nating pinaghirapan na makamit natin ang kalayaan, dahil lang may bully sa harap natin, ibibigay na natin?" he added.
On the matter of foreign spies, Honasan pointed out that securing relevant data is crucial in addressing the issue.
He suggested that as soon as foreigners arrive in the country, their identities should immediately be known, along with their destinations and the reasons for their visit.
Alleged destabilization efforts against the Marcos administration
Honasan stated that the country should focus on achieving inclusive growth, rather than destabilization, as there is nothing to gain from such actions.
"Ang hamon sa ating lahat, hindi lamang sa gobyerno, kung papaano mararamdaman ang pag-angat ng ekonomiyang ito doon sa mga kababayan natin na kumakain sa basurahan. ‘Yun ang inclusive growth. ‘Yun ang asikasuhin natin hindi ‘yung destabilization. Wala tayong mapapala diyan," said Honasan.
He then reiterated that the country’s budget should be open and transparent, as it is the taxpayers’ money.
"Kung transparent, walang tinatago, siguro walang kwestyon iyan," he added.
President Marcos previously stated that the allegations of blanks and discrepancies in the 2025 national budget are merely part of the ongoing destabilization efforts against the government.
Extending assistance to Filipinos
Honasan mentioned that national priorities and data are key to ensuring quick intervention and prompt government assistance.
Issue of corruption in the country
The former Senator acknowledged that completely eliminating corruption is impossible, but it can be controlled and reduced.
"Yang corruption pwedeng i-control 'yan at bawasan, pero kung sasabihing burahin ‘yung corruption ay tao lang tayo. Hindi ko sinasabing tama 'yan. Para mas marami ‘yung napupunta sa serbisyo, food, clothing, shelter, education, health, at data kaysa doon sa under the table," Honasan mentioned.
He suggested that increasing the salaries of government employees would help prevent them from being tempted or forced to steal from the public funds.
"Ito ang mensahe at panalangin ko para sa taumbayan, isang bandera, one flag, one nation, one people together, patuloy tayong mangarap pero tapatan natin ng dasal. Dream hard, pray hard, at work hard. Para maitaguyod natin itong pinagpalang bansa natin," he said in closing.
Honasan served as a senator for 21 years and later became a cabinet member in the previous administration, holding the position of DICT Secretary.
