Lopez: Think beyond politics

Trapped in poverty, Filipinos clamor for basic needs

Filipinos trapped in poverty appealed on Tuesday for the government to focus on providing basic needs and not just politics.

Lisa Margallo, 45, a resident of Tondo in Manila, said that the poor need more attention. “We are tired of empty promises. We need food, shelter, and education for our children. These are the things that we need. Not politics.”

Margallo said she has never experienced a decent life in all her life. What scares her the most is that her children will also experience the same fate.

“I work every day just to put food on the table. But there’s not enough money. I wish the government would focus on providing social services and not just politics,” she said.