Aquino allies say not much economic progress after 2 years

President Benigno Aquino III . FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After two years in office, President Aquino could be credited for ridding the government of erring officials despite some economic setbacks, two lawmakers, who are his allies, said Tuesday.

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

Tugna admitted that although there was a “slight delay in economic progress due to the impeachment trial (on ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona),” the administration succeeded in “restoring faith and hope in the public… na posible (magkaroon ng) malinis na gobyerno (that it’s possible to have a clean government).”

Quimbo said there has been a boost to the country’s business confidence as investors are encouraged to enter the Philippine market.

Quimbo said that it may take some time before substantial improvement in the economy is seen but insisted that the level of confidence in 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),” Tugna echoed Quimbo.

Asked what the administration should do next, Quimbo said that it should improve on government spending and social services especially healthcare.

Tugna said the Aquino administration now had to “quantify the results of this confidence” through improvements in the educational system, infrastructure projects and the halted public-private partnership (PPP).

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