THE recent report that the country’s economy has improved during the fourth quarter in 2011 may be music to one’s ears, but for President Benigno Aquino III, economic growth goes beyond than numbers and figures.
In his speech during the third recognition ceremony for government institutions (which attained International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 certification) in Malacañang, President Aquino stressed that growth should not only be seen in papers, but must be felt by the Filipinos as well.
“Alongside correcting the mistakes of the past is the awareness that economic data that are good in papers, but do not give any comfort to the people at the bottom, are useless.”
The President also added that economic improvement is not to be bragged about “when the suffering in the country is prevalent.”
Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo meanwhile, said in a recent report that one of the reasons why the country’s economy continues to suffer is because of the Aquino administration’s propaganda on “politics division.”
President Aquino is known for being outspoken about his disapproval of Mrs. Arroyo and her colleagues -- as seen by his move to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona, which is now ongoing in the Senate.
Corona allegedly made decisions mostly in favor of former President Arroyo. Some of his controversial decisions included his rejection of the Truth Commission meant to probe Mrs. Arroyo; and the granting of a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of Mr. and Mrs. Arroyo against a watchlist order, among others. Despite its unconstitutionality, former Pres. Arroyo appointed Chief Justice Corona two days after the 2010 presidential elections.
Because of Pres. Aquino’s effort to curb corruption and promote a transparent government, his critics have accused him of being too focused on going after former President Arroyo and her appointees, who have allegedly betrayed the public’s trust on several accounts.
Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay aired her concern about the Aquino administration being “obsessed” in convicting his predecessor and the latter’s colleagues for forgetting the country’s other “pressing problems.”
All eyes may be on the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, but Malacañang was firm in saying that their campaign on boosting the country’s economy is not being neglected.
In a statement, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that “while his administration holds fast to its commitment to good governance, it also would not waver in pursuing equitable economic growth, citing solid 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.”
While curbing corruption and the attempt to overthrow those in government who have selfish intentions may possibly require all of Pres. Aquino’s years in office, the president should also be able to attend to and deliver for the other needs of his “bosses” -- the Filipino people.
Good leadership cannot only be measured by integrity, transparency and honesty -- it also requires concrete and tangible results in terms of economic development and progress.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend Jan21-24, 2012 Sec A pg. 12)
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