(Photo courtesy of Rappler)
Former finance undersecretary Cielo Magno confirmed Friday that she will run for the Senate in 2028, her first bid for a national elective post.
“Yes po, I’m running for senator in 2028,” Magno said during an Oct. 16 forum with Filipinos in Italy.
Magno, an economics professor, said health care and industrial policy would be her main priorities. She said she plans to scrutinize the national budget and push for more funding for health care.
She raised concerns about the proposed 7.2 trillion peso national budget for 2027, pointing to a reduced allocation for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and an increase in the Local Government Support Fund. Magno warned the fund could be used to secure political support before the 2028 elections.
She was among the petitioners who challenged before the Supreme Court the transfer of excess PhilHealth funds to the national treasury. The funds were restored this year.
Magno served as undersecretary for the Department of Finance’s monitoring group from 2022 to 2023. Malacañang ended her appointment, citing her lack of support for the administration’s rice price cap and other key programs.
She has also spoken out against political dynasties and called for more accountability in managing public funds.
