Gordon wants to kill corruption

Bacolod City — Sen. Richard Gordon yesterday said he decided to run for president because he wants to kill corruption, which has held back the growth of the country, and to push for the creation of economic zones in Negros Occidental.

"I'm trying to sell you a future," Gordon said of his bid for the presidency. Gordon was in Bacolod with his running mate, Bayani Fernando, to meet with their supporters.

He pointed out that corruption has been the biggest robber in the country.

"Corruption has killed this country. Everybody has learned to be corrupt. The government is absolutely corrupt," Gordon said.

He noted the existence of corruption in various government offices.

"There is corruption in the military so the soldiers do not get the bullets they need. There is corruption in government's management of transportation so people get killed in sea mishaps. There is corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways so less school buildings are built," Gordon said.

As president, Gordon said he would kill corruption so there would be enough money to raise the salaries of teachers and to provide better education, and other much needed services of the people.

He also vowed to move for the creation of economic zones in Negros Occidental.

In the area around the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, he said an export processing zone for factories of candy and other high-value products made from sugar that was abundant in Negros could be set up.

An economic zone for information technology or a theme park for tourism could also be created at the old Bacolod airport, he added.

Gordon also cited mining as a source of funds to improve the Philippines, pointing out the $1 trillion in minerals located in the country.

Even if only 10 percent of the country's mineral deposits could be tapped, he noted that the earnings generated would be enough to pay the country's foreign debt.

Gordon added that he would work hard to ensure that Filipinos find their future in the Philippines and not in foreign shores.

Gordon, who cited his 33 years in government service, also maintained that he was the most prepared to be elected president of the Philippines in 2010 because he has the experience. INQUIRER