This was the message of former Speaker Manny Villar as he pushed for an eight-month salary loan from the present allowable 2 months for the more than 19 million members of the Social Security System (SSS) to enable members to start their business and be self-sufficient.
He says that the SSS, instead of investing its P80 billion portfolio in overseas investments, "should invest in the Filipino entrepreneur" as it will help boost the economy to have more entrepreneurs.
"The GSIS grants eight-month loans to its members and I cannot see why the SSS can’t do the same," said Villar.
Investing in Filipino entrepreneurs says Villar, is a "blue chip investment" and is much better than playing in the equities market.
"By granting eight months loans, we will not only offer the prospect of self-sufficiency to SSS members as they will have the opportunity to start their own business, but it will likewise be good for the economy," he said.
Prior to his entry into politics, Villar was considered one of the country’s foremost entrepreneurs.