Robredo’s solid economics, legal background key to PH recovery, says top economists

Vice President Leni Robredo (Photo by Charlie Villegas / OVP)

MANILA, Philippines — One hundred sixty two economists, including key past and present government officials have expressed support for Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential bid, and stressed that she can help the nation recover from its  economic problems.

In a statement posted online on Friday, the economists said that economic recovery should be a priority for the next administration.

 “We believe that economic recovery merits priority in the next administration’s agenda. We share the hope of a majority of our people for an economic recovery that does not merely reproduce the inequities in our pre-pandemic society but eradicates their sources and expands economic and social opportunities for all in a level playing field,” the group, called Economists for Leni, said.

 “We understand the deep roots of these problems in the political economy of our society and realize that quick fixes will do little to solve them. That is why we endorse a leadership with a vision for the future; one that understands the protractedness of the economic challenges we face yet appreciates the urgency of providing relief and comfort to the vulnerable,” the group added.

Vice President Leni Robredo  (Photos by VPLeni Media Bureau)

The economists believe that Robredo, among all the candidates for president, is the best hope the country has as she brings a solid background and a track record of “hands-on leadership”.

 “In view of the foregoing, we believe that VP Leni Robredo is our best hope to turn the tide and bring back the people’s trust in government in order to restore and sustain vigor to people’s lives and livelihoods at the soonest possible time: First, Robredo brings to the table a solid economics and legal background which will be necessary for crafting policies to accelerate economic recovery,” they said.

 “Second, Robredo has shown a genuine concern for the plight of the poor and marginalized through her decades of work as a human rights lawyer for grassroots organizations even before entering politics. This will be crucial not just in bringing back people’s trust in government, but also in making sure that economic recovery improves the lives of Filipinos from all walks of life,” they added.

The economists, including former National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) head and University of the Philippines Professor Solita Monsod, and other past Neda chiefs – Cielito Habito, Dante Canlas, Emmanuel Esguerra, and Ernesto Pernia, said that they are encouraging other economic experts to join them and sign the document.

Pernia is the former Neda executive of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, which Robredo has criticized heavily. 

Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo also expressed support for Robredo.

 “Bad governance is a poison that kills both lives and livelihoods. The pandemic made that clear. Robredo’s brand of good governance is the antidote this country needs in order to build back better from the twin crises plaguing our health and economy exacting a huge toll on the different sectors of the country,” the group claimed.

“We invite our colleagues in other disciplines and groups to join us in supporting VP Robredo, so that we may begin to rebuild our faltering institutions, restore our faith in government, and rebuild the foundations for shared prosperity and dignity.”

 The economists are not the first to openly support Robredo’s presidential bid. 

On Thursday, retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. said that it is Robredo who can shift the country from the myriad of problems it faces.

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda – another lawmaker and economist — said he is supporting Robredo despite backing the vice presidential bid of Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

READ: Ex-CJ Davide says Leni-Kiko ‘best tandem’; Salceda says Robredo ‘good for economy’

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