• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Businessman and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson yesterday said that he will launch the Banko ng Masa in December this year, and will provide credit cards to all Filipinos, 18 years and above.
In an interview, following his speaking engagement at the Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial Congress Antique chapter at the L’ Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City, Chavit disclosed that 77 percent of Filipinos are without bank accounts, while 95 percent are without credit cards.
Regardless of gender, religion and economic status, the former Ilocos Sur governor said Filipinos aged 18 years and above, would be given a bank account and credit card.
Stressing that it would address the financial exclusion of millions of Filipinos, the availment of credit cards is free of charge, Singson said.
He clarified that he has been doing this kind of initiative in Ilocos Sur.
This card is an international, worldwide, visa card. All towns [will] have these cards, Singson further said.
During the Antique Liga ng mga Barangay activity, three barangay officials who have bank accounts, yesterday received P10,000 each from the Banko ng Masa.
Singson, who is joining the senatorial race next year as an independent candidate, said the Banko ng Masa will also benefit Overseas Filipino Workers and their families.
The governor said he is also pushing for transport modernization by offering to interested drivers and operators electric vehicles at lower prices, with zero interest, and without down payment or collateral.
Those who are interested may now register, Singson said, as he announced that the prototype is now in the country.
Its launch will be in December this year, and the former governor said that the mass production will start by January next year.
Singson said he will also establish solar charging stations in the province for the e-vehicles.
While he admitted losing money by offering the e-vehicles at a much lower price, Singson further said that he would do it to help poor people.*
