Why I will vote for Dr. Martin Bautista for Senator

1. He’s a doctor. He’s kindred. He knows the ins and outs of the healthcare system, both the possible and the problematic. Having studied in the UP College of Medicine and the Philippine General Hospital- he knows first hand what’s good about the Philippines as well as what ails our nation. Having trained and worked as a physician in the US, he knows how things can still be improved as well as the pitfalls to avoid.

2. In his almost 2-decade long stay in the US, he has never forgotten the Philippines. He could have just enjoyed life there; sending dollars every so often as his tangible contribution to us holding the fort here. He chose, however, to return and offer himself for another, higher form of service.

3. He refuses to believe that the Filipino is inherently lazy and/or greedy. He still believes that a nurturing environment will enhance and facilitate the surfacing of the good in all of us. He believes that we wield a tremendous collective power in our hands.

4. His legislative agenda is not a mere hodge-podge of populist ideals. Rather, it is a list of practical, common sense issues that focus on systemic approach rather than band-aid solutions. An example of his train of thought:

Review the country’s debt servicing mechanisms + Rationalize spending on “infrastructures” (especially the superfluous flowerboxes, waiting sheds, and roads that lead to nowhere) --> free up more money for social services, like health and education > increase the salary for civil servants especially health professionals, teachers, and uniformed personnel --> have safer, healthier, more learned Filipinos --> have a more empowered population --> possible lessened dependence on external resources to meet our local needs

5. He embodies the truth that progress, like health, is a multi-faceted concern. While health and well-being form the core of his platform, he is unafraid to take up similarly important fights which affect health like the need for sustainable energy sources; access to quality education from primary to collegiate and vocational level; equal and swift dispensing of justice, and; stricter regulation of government-permitted gambling hubs, among others.

6. He believes in the model of Gawad Kalinga as a means to make decent, quality, affordable homes and livable communities a reality for lower income Pinoys currently living as informal settlers.

7. He does not personally advocate for abortion or other means of birth control BUT he believes that every Filipino has the right to be educated as regards the options s/he has and have access to these choices.

8. He is not afraid of new media and uses it to connect and collaborate with like-minded (and not-so-like-minded) fellows. He sees it as a great equalizer in terms of work and education so that learning and job opportunities can be made available regardless of geography and distance.

9. His campaign spending is virtually entirely from his own savings; he is not beholden to any entity or interest group. Sheer love of country is his motive for running.

10. He does not intend to make being a legislator his livelihood. He vows to not run for re-election should he get voted into office. He intends to do the most that he can in his first and only term as senator.



For Pinoys voting on May 10th, please do consider making #5 Dr. Martin Bautista a part of your senatorial lineup. A vote for Dr. Bautista is a vote for a healthier Philippines.