Aquino to Arroyo: There can be no pride amid so much poverty

MANILA, Philippines—Apparently responding to criticism from his predecessor, President Aquino said Tuesday his administration does thump its chest over improved economic indicators that remain unfelt by most Filipinos.

Mr. Aquino’s statement came several days after former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his former economics professor and now a bitter political foe, made public critique of the Aquino administration’s economic policies.

Among other points, Arroyo indicated in a paper that President Aquino failed to build on the 7.9 percent growth rate the Philippines had when she left office in mid-2010. She said the growth rate for the third quarter of 2011 was a mere 3.2 percent.

“We don’t quote statistics that aren’t felt by the majority; we can’t be proud that we are achieving progress when there is apparent suffering in our society,” President Aquino said a speech at a ceremony in Malacañang recognizing government agencies that have won ISO 9001 certifications.

“We won’t pretend to be blind or deaf and won’t stop speaking about the need for rendering service especially to those who are in need,” he added.

Malacanang has countered Arroyo by saying the growth during her administration did not improve the lot of poor Filipinos and that she was a failure as President.