Aquino says anti-corruption drive freed up resources for Filipinos By Kristine Angeli Sabillo INQUIRER.net 4:46 pm | Thursday, May 22nd, 2014 President Benigno S. Aquino III gestures during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Makati Shangri-la on Thursday. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE/INQUIRER MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III said on Thursday that anti-corruption efforts by his government freed up resources that were now being used to “invest” in Filipinos. “These reforms, along with countless others, naturally expanded the resources available to government,” Aquino told more than 600 delegates of the World Economic Forum on East Asia held at Makati Shangri-La. “The question was: What do we do with these resources we have freed up? To everyone in our administration, the answer was very obvious: We had to invest in our greatest assets—and that, once again, was the Filipino people,” he explained. The President said this was done through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which provides sustainable livelihood assistance to its beneficiaries. “Now, we are assisting around 4.3 million families, or about 22 percent of the population and this constitutes the poorest of the poor,” he said. Investments in health and education were also made. “Of course, the principle behind the CCT dovetails with the strategic investments we have made in education to enhance the skillsets of the next generation,” Aquino said.
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Aquino says anti-corruption drive freed up resources for FilipinosBy Kristine Angeli SabilloINQUIRER.net4:46 pm | Thursday, May 22nd, 2014
President Benigno S. Aquino III gestures during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Makati Shangri-la on Thursday. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE/INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III said on Thursday that anti-corruption efforts by his government freed up resources that were now being used to “invest” in Filipinos.“These reforms, along with countless others, naturally expanded the resources available to government,” Aquino told more than 600 delegates of the World Economic Forum on East Asia held at Makati Shangri-La.“The question was: What do we do with these resources we have freed up? To everyone in our administration, the answer was very obvious: We had to invest in our greatest assets—and that, once again, was the Filipino people,” he explained.The President said this was done through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which provides sustainable livelihood assistance to its beneficiaries.“Now, we are assisting around 4.3 million families, or about 22 percent of the population and this constitutes the poorest of the poor,” he said.Investments in health and education were also made.“Of course, the principle behind the CCT dovetails with the strategic investments we have made in education to enhance the skillsets of the next generation,” Aquino said.He claimed that his government has been addressing the backlogs on classrooms, chairs and other equipment.Worst efforts of our leadersAt the same time, Aquino said his administration “dismantled corruption,” a “promise we made to the people.”“We had to take on all those who had a misplaced sense of entitlement—who believed that they had more rights than their fellow Filipinos,” he said.“So, we went after every individual who committed wrongdoing, and look at the results: My predecessor is now undergoing hospital arrest as she undergoes two serious charges, with another being evaluated by the Ombudsman.
The Congress and the Senate removed a Chief Justice from office for failing to declare over 98 percent of his assets in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth contrary to our constitution and our laws,” Aquino added.Aquino said Philippine growth was made possible “despite the worst efforts of our leaders.”OpportunitiesIn the end, the President said opportunities are crucial to further spur equitable growth.“We are aware, however, that inclusive growth cannot be achieved simply by delivering to our people the services they rightfully deserve. Government must also actively find ways to create opportunities for the people,” he said.Aquino pointed out that the government has been working hard to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination.“The results are clear: From 2001 to 2009, the term of my predecessor, the average annual growth of international tourists arrivals was at 5.1 percent; under our watch, from 2010 to 2013, this number grew to 11.6 percent,” he said, adding that international tourists spend an average of a thousand dollars each.Aquino made no further mention of how many more opportunities may be offered but during the morning sessions of the WEF, his Cabinet members tackled the country’s efforts in strengthening the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.Renewed perceptions“We have always said that good governance is good economics, and the results of our reforms on the economic end are proving us right. In 2013, our economy grew by 7.2 percent—making us one of the fastest growing countries in Asia,” the President said, pointing out that growth was achieved amid numerous disasters that struck the country last year.He said another proof of the Philippines’ progress was the “renewed perceptions” of the international community.Recently, Standard & Poor’s upgraded its rating for the Philippines from BBB- to BBB. The WEF competitiveness rankings also raised the country by 26 places from 85th to 59th.“Not to mention, from 2010 to 2014, we have made great strides in the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation’s Ease of Doing Business Report and in the Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom, improving by 36 spots and 20 spots in each one, respectively,” he said.Aquino said the Philippine economy is building on its momentum with the revival of its manufacturing sector amid greater infrastructure spending, from P200 billion in 2011 to P400 billion this year.“Our country is in the midst of a dramatic turnaround in every sector, and we are intent on continuing this trend and making certain that each and every Filipino enjoys the full dividends of progress,” he added.A few minutes before Aquino took the stage, protesters and police scuffled outside the hotel.The activists said the Philippine economy was no “miracle,” especially with the high unemployment rate.“What miracle is the regime talking about? We have the highest unemployment rate in the region, and the highest in Philippine history, despite repeated claims of economic growth. The supposed growth is centered on a few sections of the economy and account for a small percentage of jobs created,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said in a statement.The Philippines is hosting the WEF on East Asia for the first time. More than 600 delegates from 30 countries participated in the three-day event.
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Analyst: Corruption still haunts Aquino administrationBy Nestor CorralesINQUIRER.net7:57 pm | Thursday, January 16th, 2014
President Benigno Aquino III. Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Corruption still haunts the Aquino administration despite the “tuwid na daan” (straight path) campaign of the government, a political analyst said Thursday.Professor Ramon Casiple said the widespread corruption in the government as perceived by the business sector in the recent Social Weather Station Survey (SWS) came as no surprise.“Corruption in the government is entrenched. There is a need for a dramatic action and a strong political will for the president to actually confront this (corruption),” Casiple said.Casiple added that the current political system in the country is indicative of the corruption that has been haunting the government despite efforts of the Aquino administration.“To be fair to the President and to his Cabinet members, they have done a lot of reforms, but the problem is on its impact. We still need to find convictions. The problem is it is taking too long,” he said.The latest SWS survey revealed that 56 percent of the business people claimed seeing “a lot” of corruption in the public sector, a 30-percent increase from 43 percent in 2012.Malacañang earlier said the perception on seeing “a lot of corruption in the government” is balanced by the perception that the government is taking steps to eradicate corruption.
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'Corruption pervasive under Aquino administration'By Michael Punongbayan (The Philippine Star) | Updated October 11, 2012 - 12:00am
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MANILA, Philippines - Former national treasurer Leonor Briones claimed that corruption has worsened and is
pervasive as ever under the Aquino administration.
Briones said that the audit report of the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding losses in the national treasury of
P101 billion during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also showed that portion of the
unaccounted funds was spent during the term of President Aquino.
She told a forum in Manila last Tuesday that it is unfair to blame the Arroyo administration for losses incurred
based on the 2011 audit report because it is also clear that a significant portion could be attributed to the
present administration.
Briones said contrary to claims that corruption has been curbed, the report shows that it is still pervasive, if not
much worse than the previous administration since irregularities in the disbursements of funds increased during
the Aquino administration as could be seen in Tables II.4-A and II.4-B of the COA report.
Palace acknowledges SWS survey on widespread corruptionBy Kristine Angeli SabilloINQUIRER.net
1:25 pm | Thursday, January 16th, 2014
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Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. PHOTO BY LYN RILLONMANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Thursday said it acknowledges the results of a recent survey showing that more business people are observing “a lot” of corruption but not without reforms from the government.“It is evident that the perception on seeing a lot of corruption is balanced by the perception that the government is taking steps to eradicate corruption,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a press briefing.He cited the Social Weather Stations (SWS) 2013 Survey of Enterprises on Corruption, which said 56 percent of the country’s top executives claimed seeing “a lot” of corruption in the public sector, a substantial increase from 43 percent in 2012.The survey was conducted from July to November 2013 among 951 companies.He said the same survey revealed that 73 percent of respondents believed that the government efforts to eradicate corruption have been effective.However, it was pointed out during the briefing that the 73 percent was a drop from 78 percent in 2012.
Coloma, on the other hand, boasted of the results of the International Finance Corporation’s “Doing Business 2014” and the Transparency International’s “Corruption Perceptions Index,” both of which gave the Philippines a higher or better ranking compared to previous years.“These favorable findings give due recognition to the government’s determination to institutionalize reforms that will promote good governance pursuant to its commitment to implement the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC),” he said.
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Aquino: Anti-corruption program now bearing fruits
By Doris C. Dumlao Philippine Daily Inquirer
DAVOS, Switzerland—What started as a presidential campaign battlecry is now unlocking the
Philippines’ potential to fast-track economic growth, attract more investors and rekindle optimism
among its citizens. President Benigno Aquino spoke to the World Economic Forum about his
administration’s anti-corruption efforts which he vowed to institutionalize into an “enduring
mainstream of progress rather a mere blip in the radar and a case study for failed expectations.”
And while the President acknowledged that the work to uplift the lives of his poor countrymen was
“far from over,” he said the fight against corruption has so far yielded positive results for the
economy, in turn benefiting not only the rich, but the majority of the people.
“We want our people to come to expect more from their government; we want to prove that their
mandate, given freely during elections, counts for something,” Aquino said.
The President spoke on Thursday night before a private session linked to WEF’s anti-corruption
initiative through a multi-sectoral group called “Partnering Against Corruption Initiative.” It was a
closed-door session that also included the chief of state of Mongolia, the prime minister of Peru and
a member of the Indian Parliament.
In discussing recent initiatives, Mr. Aquino said there was “rampant corruption” in the government
when he first assumed office in 2010, alluding to the rice importation binge of the National Food
Authority and anomalous road projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways.
He also cited the impeachment of former Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona for the non-
U.S. Senator Lugar cites the Aquino administration’s anti-corruption drivePublished: October 29, 2012.
An October 29, 2012 press release from the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson
U.S. Senator Richard Lugar congratulated President Benigno S. Aquino III for the latter’s strong stance against corruption during a courtesy call at Malacañang.
“Your administration’s consistent anti-corruption efforts are dramatically changing the perception of the Philippines in people’s minds,” the most senior Republican in the U.S. Senate said. “I am here to personally hear more about the positive developments in your country,” he added.
President Aquino in turn said that his administration’s good governance agenda has translated into real gains for Filipinos. “By next year we will be able to solve the problem of classroom shortage in our public schools. We now have more people covered by our national health insurance, and the increase in our rice production will hopefully enable us to be a rice exporter soon,” President Aquino said.
During the call, President Aquino thanked the visiting senator from Indiana for the latter’s political analysis of the 1986 snap elections, which led President Ronald Reagan to eventually withdraw U.S. support for the Marcos administration. “On behalf of the Filipino people, thank you for your crucial role in the restoration of democracy in our country,” said President Aquino.
Senator Lugar said that his visit to the Philippines in 1986 contributed immensely to his continuing education in foreign relations. “It made such an impression on me that I had photographs of that time placed on a wall of my office at the Capitol,” Senator Lugar said.
Citing the strong commitment of the U.S. in ensuring the safe passage of ships and unimpeded trade through the seas of Asia-Pacific, Senator Lugar pledged to continue working for a strong PH-U.S. alliance. “I plan to speak with various audiences back home on why the U.S. should continue to support steadfast allies like the Philippines, and how we could be more helpful to you as a partner, ” Senator Lugar said.
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Less corruption in PH in the last 2 years – global studyA Transparency International survey shows 10% to 14% of PH respondents paid bribes, but 84% are willing to get involved in anti-corruption activities
Malacañang on less corruption: You will see PNoy's legacyMalacañang welcomes the findings of the Global Corruption Barometer 2013, but defends the police, which is perceived to be the most corrupt institution