LIPA CITY, Batangas — Former Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, seeking a comeback in 2025, backs Angkasangga Party-List (#107) in its bid to represent informal workers in Congress. Santos joined forces with Angkasangga’s first nominee, Angkas CEO George Royeca, during a free medical mission in Barangay Balintawak, Lipa City, yesterday, benefiting 500 residents.
The initiative, spearheaded by Santos, provided essential medical check-ups, consultations, and basic medications to underserved families. Royeca emphasized that the medical mission aligns with Angkasangga’s advocacy for stronger social protections for informal workers, including healthcare access.
“Just as Angkasangga fights for the rights of informal workers—who are often overlooked despite their vital role in our economy—we also believe that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” Royeca said. “We are grateful for Governor Vilma Santos’ support, as we share a common goal of improving the welfare of Filipinos.”
Santos, a known advocate for community programs, voiced her support for Angkasangga’s bid for a congressional seat, highlighting its commitment to worker welfare.
“Angkasangga is fighting for policies that will uplift informal workers and ensure they receive the benefits and protections they deserve,” Santos said. “I fully support their mission because, like them, I believe in prioritizing healthcare, livelihood, and opportunities for our workers and communities.”
Santos was joined at the event by her son Luis “Lucky” Manzano, Ryan Recto, and Makmak Luancing. The initiative saw an overwhelming turnout, with medical professionals and volunteers working tirelessly to provide much-needed services to the community.
After the medical mission, Royeca conducted house-to-house visits in the barangay, listening to residents’ concerns and reinforcing Angkasangga’s commitment to pushing for government benefits, sick leave for all workers, and accident insurance for Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODA) members.
“This is a huge help for us, especially for those who don’t have the means to see a doctor regularly,” one resident shared.
As Santos campaigns for her return as Batangas governor, her endorsement of Angkasangga Party-List further strengthens its push to represent the informal sector in Congress. With healthcare and workers’ welfare as shared priorities, the two camps are looking to expand similar initiatives in the province.