‘Impeach trial to restore impartial judiciary’

AN impartial and stable judicial system will create confidence among investors in the country, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas told an assembly of local legislators yesterday.

Speaking before a gathering of Provincial Board (PB) members from various parts of the country, Roxas said the ongoing impeachment trial on Chief Justice Renato Corona is part of the Aquino administration’s pursuit of good governance.

“We have a rotting justice system in the country. Is it right for a Chief Justice to undervalue his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth? The trial has nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with good governance,” he said.

Roxas was invited as keynote speaker during the second day of the 7th Visayas Island Conference of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) at the Waterfront Hotel.

The transportation and communications secretary, who also heads the administration Liberal Party (LP), said the country will experience an economic resurgence once the people’s faith in its judicial system in restored.

During the gathering, Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. of Cagayan Province’s 1st district  cited the unemployment rate in the country.

He said the courses taken by most tertiary students don’t meet the demands of the labor market.

Enrile urged reforms in the educational system particularly in building linkages with firms and businesses in order to assess the needs of the labor market.

“You can help create a local workforce equipped with the knowledge and the skills needed for the further growth and development of your provinces,” he said.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia also cited the role of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in helping fresh college graduates land domestic and overseas jobs. Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus