Ricardo Penson, a business executive and a social activist, is one of the independent-running candidates for the upcoming 2013 senatorial elections.
At present, Ricardo Penson is the president and chief executive officer of Ausphil Tollways Corporation, a Manila-based infrastructure development company and owner of Stallion F.C., a football club in the United Football League.
He authored, “Marketing Strategies for Developing Countries,” UNDP staff working paper; Resource Speaker, “Looking Back, Moving Forward,” Center for Asian Studies, University of Michigan; and “Resiliency and Change in Philippine Political Governance,” “Harmony in a Multicultural World,” Centre for International Studies, University of Adelaide.
Born in Caloocan City in 1952, Ricardo Penson studied at San Beda College and then at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Penson is currently single but he previously married four women including the actress Dina Bonnevie in 1996. They were annulled in 1999.
Platforms/Advocacy of Ricardo Penson
One of the platforms of Ricardo Penson is ending the political dynasty that plagued the government for decades. He believes that family members should be prohibited from running for public office regardless of the place or position. In November 2012, he launched the Krusada Kontra Dynasty movement in order to further campaign for this advocacy. If elected as senator, Ricardo Penson vows to pass a bill prohibiting political dynasties and that he would resign if it fails to become a law. He has previously filed a case with the Commission on Elections for the disqualification of candidates who were “obviously” from political dynasties. Earlier, he joined in petitioning the Supreme Court to compel Congress to pass a law defining dynasties but the high tribunal junked the suit.
Ricardo Penson also said he supports the reproductive health law because it does not force abortion and does not coerce anyone to use contraceptives. He also supports the divorce bill but only for couples with serious and irreconcilable problems.
Below is his complete legislative agenda taken from his official website:
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
OBJECTIVES
* To preserve the gains of the Aquino administration specifically in improving public trust for government institutions by strengthening anti-corruption legislation; and
* To make the (former) “sick man of Asia” an important player in the global marketplace.
FACTORS AND MOTIVATIONS
* We need to bring the Philippines into the next level of economic development. Otherwise, we will be left behind again and may not be able to recover;
* A strong/competitive Economy is the best protection from outside influence;
* Growth must be inclusive. Unequal distribution of wealth has a strong negative impact on growth (Princeton University Study)
* Studies show that a strong middle class is the source of economic growth. Economic policies must be geared towards escaping from the “poverty trap” and creation of and support for middle class;
* We need to address imbalances between global education standards and outputs from Philippine educational system.
PILLARS OF COMPETITIVENESS
GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
* Genuine push for an Anti-Political Dynasty Legislation or at the very least measures to ensure access to opportunities to public office;
* Improve transparency of public contracts through creation of an Inquiry Commission with broad powers to investigate Government Procurement and PPP contracts and processes;
* Improved reporting requirements and measures to exclude corrupt transactions from Bank Secrecy Laws;
* Improved “penalties” for engaging in corruption (Example: Ban on performing activity in connection with bribery offense and placement of companies found to be engaging in corruption under judicial supervision);
* Clear provision for non-deductibility of corrupt payments and liability for tax evasion for improper deductions;
* Concept of “private commercial bribery”
* Institutionalize rewards for integrity and performance
INFRASTRUCTURE
* Climate Security and Low Carbon Act:
> Incentives for industries and consumers to reduce GHG emissions and invest in
Emission Reducing Technologies;
> Establishment of Fund to protect the vulnerable from effects of calamity and
Climate Change;
* Improved Healthcare
ANTI-POVERTY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
* Allowance for Earned Income Tax Credits for low to mid-income tax families;
* Improved HealthCare package by plugging coverage gaps in medical insurance packages and increasing Philhealth coverage
EDUCATION
* Incentives for schools with high quality outputs;
* Creation of PPP opportunities in public education.