YOUNG candidate and actor Bryan Revilla aspires for a political post this 2022 election with the pledge of bringing livelihood closer to the mass.
Gunning for congressman under the Agimat Partylist, Revilla, 34, concentrated his agenda on anti-poverty policies, envisioning governance prioritizing pandemic-stricken low-income and working sectors.
The creation of an emergency unemployment assistance program that does not only benefit government and corporate workers but also the informal sector is a highlight from the political aspirant. It aims to expand government assistance and more unemployment benefits.
Other propositions Revilla extends to the public include:
* Increasing the minimum wage to accommodate the current standards of living without compromising the profitability of the business sector
* Providing security and protection to the street vendors and sellers to supply hazard and risk allowances to healthcare workers in the government and private sectors, including frontliners such as barangay health workers, during the pandemic and other emergencies
* Enhancing the barangay health care program.
“One of my priority bills is to craft a law giving regular salaries, emergency benefits and hazard pay, medical facilities and supplies to our barangay health care workers during this pandemic,” says Revilla.
A third-generation movie actor, Revilla hopes to endow assistance to workers in the performing arts, entertainment, and film industry who lost jobs in this pandemic and to help them restart their work.
It runs in the blood
Revilla grew up in a political-showbiz family. His grandfather, the late action star, Ramon Revilla, served the Senate for 12 years. His father, Ramon Jr. or Bong likewise an action star, has been in politics for 26 years and has been a senator since 2004. His mother, former actress Lani Mercado is mayor of Bacoor, Cavite.
A graduate of Consular and Diplomatic Affairs in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the younger Revilla says that more than the family's political tradition, he believes that politics is his calling.
He has been working in Bacoor’s rehabilitation program for drug surrenderers. Graduates of this community program have quit their substance abuse and found jobs as skilled workers and rehab counselors.
“We want to help these people to stay away from drug abuse and crime and show them that we are capable of doing great things as long as we work together and trust the Lord,” says Revilla.
Unknown to many, I have been friends with Bryan’s mother, actress now Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla, for a very long time. When I was an up and rising writer from Mindanao, Miss Lani was the first showbiz personality to accommodate me for an interview in the Broadway Centrum.
Until now, Miss Lani never fails to express her humbleness to those who need compassion. Bryan must have got the likes of his mother as he represents the same modesty and tenderness towards the needy as his plat forms meet eye-to-eye with his maternal roots.
Looking ahead to the future
To prepare for his platform, the political aspirant conducted consultations and caucuses.
“What struck me profoundly were their persistent concerns on employment, livelihood, and social services. My family and I have helped in our capacity. When elected, I will surely address these concerns immediately on a nationwide scale and solve these at an institutional level,” says Revilla.
For his motto, he quotes his late grandfather as saying, “It is not enough that the Filipino people should be served but they should be served well.” (Sponsored Content)