2 lawmakers say Aquino’s anti-corruption drive outweighs economic setbacks

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the economic setbacks, lawmakers on Tuesday lauded President Benigno Aquino III for his efforts in ridding the government of erring officials.

Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) Party-list Representative Sherwin Tugna and Marikina City Representative Miro Quimbo told reporters that although the Aquino administration lagged in efforts to put the economy humming, it did have a lot to show on its fight against corruption.

Tugna admitted that a “slight delay in economic progress [happened] due to the impeachment trial [of then Chief Justice Renato Corona]” but maintained that the Aquino administration has succeeded in restoring the public’s faith in government.

Quimbo added that there has been a boost to the country’s business confidence especially on investors who are being encouraged to enter its market.

He said that it may take some time before improvements to the economy would be realized but insisted that the level of confidence on the country’s market was at its highest.

“I agree, more than actual statistics and figures, in the past two years, what has been provided or established in the administration was a climate of trust to invest whether (they be) local or foreign (companies),” said Tugna.

Asked what the administration should do next, Quimbo said that it should improve on government spending and the implementation of social services, such as the universal health care system.

Tugna said that the Aquino administration should “quantify the results of this confidence” by promoting improvements in the education system, infrastructure projects and kick-starting the stalled public-private partnership (PPP).

“These can be done by the end of this year and before the midterm elections,” he said.