BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Former Negros Occidental Governor and independent senatorial aspirant Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson is looking at a Universal Basic Income as his first proposed measure in the Upper House should he secure one of the 12 open seats in the 2025 polls.
Singson, who came here with his daughter, Ako Ilocano Rep. Richelle Michael, to witness the Masskara Festival, told reporters in a presser that his first proposal would be to grant a monthly P500 to all Filipino minimum wage earners and those aged 18 as long as they are living.
Singson, a colorful political character in the country, said he will seek a Senate post as an independent candidate or under “Lakas ng Loob (strength of will),” a dig at local parties, many of whom carry the word “Lakas.”
Singson, a scion of a prominent family in Ilocos Sur, rose to national prominence in 2000 when he publicly accused his friend, then President Joseph Estrada of trying to kill him after a falling out over the share of jueteng and tobacco revenues.
His revelations helped trigger protests against Estrada who was eventually deposed in what is now known as EDSA Dos or a civilian-backed military uprising.
He eventually served as Deputy Secretary Adviser of President Arroyo who replaced Estrada.
Singson’s proposed UBI is a first in the Philippines although it has already been implemented since antiquity like that imposed by Roman emperor Julius Caesar to the Bolsa Familia in Brazil and the Thamarat program in Sudan.
Watch video of Singson below on how he took part in the bidding to host the Miss Universe in the Philippines.