Former Finance Undersecretary and University of the Philippines (UP) economics professor Cielo Magno has confirmed that she will run for senator in the 2028 elections.
“Yes po, I’m running for senator in 2028,” Magno said during a forum with Filipinos in Milan, Italy, on October 10.
During her visit, the economist said she would continue monitoring the national budget, particularly healthcare spending, and push for a comprehensive industrial policy.
She said healthcare funding remains a key concern, arguing that the government must fulfill its obligations under the country’s healthcare system to ensure that Filipinos receive the services they pay for through their contributions.
“Ang tinututukan ko po talaga sa budget ‘yung health care kasi feeling ko panggagago na yun na may social contract sa taong-bayan na nagbabayad ng premium pero ‘yung gobyerno hindi niya binibigay yung counterpart niya kaya hindi nagwo-work yung buong sistema,” she said.
Magno added that a functioning healthcare system would also benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may wish to return home.
“Sa akin po napakahalaga ng health care system na nagwowork, kapag nagawa natin ‘yun pwede na kayong umuwi,” she said.
Magno also called for comprehensive industrial planning, questioning whether the government’s strategy of attracting investments through tax incentives and free land leases would generate quality jobs for Filipinos.
She cited ube as an example of a product with export potential, saying the country must strengthen its agricultural production and processing capacity to develop industries that can compete in international markets.
Magno also criticized public spending on flood-control projects, multipurpose buildings and roads she described as “farm-to-my resort” projects, raising concerns about government priorities in allocating public funds.
“Hindi ho ba nakakainsulto na ’to? Na taon-taon, nagagalit na tayo, parehas pa rin ang kanilang ginagawa,” she said.
“Kakulitan ko ho ngayon sa mga politiko, dadalhin ko pa rin po ’yun doon. Wala tayong palulusutin,” she added.
