‘Aquino remains focused on economy despite Corona trial’

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III remains focused on improving the Philippine economy despite distractions posed by the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

"In the midst of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, the President continues to focus on inclusive growth for the economy," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Lacierda cited the President's remarks at the inauguration of a luxury bag factory in Tarlac last Monday, saying "his administration holds fast to its commitment to good governance, it also would not waver in pursuing equitable economic growth."

Aquino cited solid several accomplishments such as creating an additional 2.1 million jobs last year, as well as increasing tourist arrivals by about a million additional visitors in 2011.

The President, in his speech during the 3rd Recognition Ceremony for government institutions attaining ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001 certification Tuesday, also expressed confidence that the Philippines can fulfill the recent assessment by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) that by 2050, the Philippines will leapfrog 27 places to become the world’s 16th largest economy.

HSBC has released a report predicting the rise and fall of the world's economies in the next 40 years.

Aquino said the country "could handily achieve this feat because the skill, perseverance, and dedication of the Filipino to his work is world class."

He stressed, however, that though the study showed that the international arena looks favorably on the Philippines, this will not deter his administration from continuing to work towards improving the lives of all Filipinos.

Lacierda added the confidence expressed by respected officials such as United States Representative Harold Rogers in the reform agenda of the Aquino administration was also a proof that the government "is doing all it can to right the wrongs of the past."

"The great strides that have been made in curbing corruption, fighting poverty, and promoting good governance—the achievements of the past one and a half years—are only indicators of the changes that will continue to sweep the Philippines in the coming years," he stressed.

Rogers met with the President over the weekend together with other US congressmen including Norman Dicks, Ander Crenshaw, Rodney Alexander, Steven LaTourette, Tom Cole, and Michael Simpson.

Another delegation led by US Senator John McCain was scheduled to meet the President Tuesday evening. McCain will be joined by Senators Joseph Lieberman for Connecticut, Sheldon Whitehouse for Rhode Island, and Kelly Ayotte for New Hampshire.

Lacierda said among the topics to be discussed in the meeting include the SAVE Act, clarifications on the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty and the issue on the West Philippine Sea.

"There were some people who are trying to paint a picture that with the impeachment proceeding going on, the government will not be focused on the economy. It is something that we have been trying to emphasize and this is something that the President has also emphasized," the Palace official said.

Asked who the people he was referring to are, he answered “the people who do not like to see the President succeed”. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)