The recent appointment of Atty. Larry Gadon as the Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been met with strong opposition from several progressive groups.
In a statement issued by Kate Almenzo, spokesperson for Anakbayan, they claimed that Gadon lacks compassion for the poor and marginalized.
"Paano makakatulong si Gadon na ibsan ang kahirapan, e isa siyang balahurang tao! Hindi pa nakakalimutan ng taumbayan ang kawalan niya ng galang sa mga babaeng mamamahayag katulad ni Raissa Robles at ang pagsisinungaling tungkol sa mga karahasan noong Martial Law na mga Marcos ang may pakana at ganansya," she expressed.
Almenzo further stated that Gadon lacks credibility and is expected to push for anti-people laws that contradict the government's supposed pro-people stance.
"Wala siyang kredibilidad bilang isang tao at tulad ni Marcos Jr. na boss niya, ay tiyak na magtutulak lang ng mga anti-mamamayang batas na nagbabalatkayong makamasa," Almenzo added.
Likewise, Attorney Luke Espiritu, President of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, expressed two concerns regarding Gadon's appointment.
He first questioned the underlying causes of poverty in the Philippines.
"Ngayong nagbunga na ang pagdikit ni Gadon sa kusina at namantikaan na siya sa paghirang sa kanya bilang Presidential adviser on Poverty Alleviation. Nararapat lang na hingiin sa kanya ang dalawang bagay," the BMP president said.
"Una, ano ang dahilan ng kahirapan ng masang Pilipino laluna ng mga manggagawa," he added.
Espiritu also demanded clarity on Gadon's proposed programs aimed at alleviating poverty.
"Ikalawa, ano ang mga panukala niyang programa para mapagaan ang kahirapan ng taumbayan, na nakaangkla sa kanyang philosophy on poverty," Espiritu pointed out.
During a recent interview with DZRH, Gadon stated that his plan is to revive the manufacturing industry and prioritize skills development, drawing inspiration from countries like China and Taiwan.
"Ang unang una talagang dapat bigyan ng kaukulang pansin dito ay ang pagbibigay ng trabaho. Planon kong buhayin ang industriya rito sa atin [at] buhayin ang pagggawa, lalo na yung mga mini factory kung saan ay mage-employ ng 20 hanggang 50 na tao," he said.
Gadon believes that by enhancing these sectors, the country's economic conditions will improve, leading to reduced poverty rates.
