Belmonte highlights track record in campaign kick-off

MANILA, Philippines — Reelectionist Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday urged voters to look at the track record of candidates when choosing who to vote for in the upcoming elections.

Speaking at her slate’s campaign kick-off at the Quezon Memorial Circle, the mayor highlighted the city government’s achievements during her first three years as the chief executive of one of the largest local government units in the country.

“Here in Quezon City, when we say everyone will have a better life, we have real programs and policies to attain that,” she said.

Recognizing the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the mayor cited the different programs that they have initiated to support patients, health workers and those who were severely affected by quarantine restrictions.

She cited programs that even national government and other local government units have adopted, including the establishment of quarantine facilities and implementation of special concern lockdowns.

She also took note of the allowances provided to health workers, the free bus rides to augment public transportation and the support provided to those who lost their livelihood because of the pandemic.

Belmonte said a good leader is always one step ahead and ready to anticipate problems and plan for solutions.

She noted how her administration pursued her 14-point agenda despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, citing programs such as housing, regularization of contractual employees at the city hall, scholarship programs, employment and livelihood and urban farming.

The mayor also cited the unqualified opinion issued by the Commission on Audit, as well as the different recognitions that the city received, including highest tax collection and being the richest local government unit in 2020.

She vowed to continue providing accountable, corruption-free and people-centered governance if elected to a fresh term.

“What we need is a leader who is honest, accountable, intelligent and has concern and dedication for the job. More than this, what we need is a leader who is not selfish – someone who thinks about the welfare of the people,” she added.

Throughout her speech, the mayor took swipes at her rival, whom she said prioritized spreading false information during the pandemic.

Belmonte is running against eight other candidates: Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor, Glenda Araneta, Ricardo Bello, Jose Ingles, Rolando Jota, Emma Orozco, Tom Salutan and Diosdado Velasco.