Palace on competitiveness ranking: ‘Daang Matuwid’ has transformed PH

Noting that the Philippines “continues to go from strength to strength” despite global uncertainties, a Palace official on Wednesday said the country’s improvement in recent competitiveness rankings was a testament to the administration’s reforms on good governance.

Reacting to the recent World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index, where the Philippines jumped five notches, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said  the gain reflected “the extent to which Daang Matuwid has transformed the country.”

“Our current rank of 47—compared to last year’s 52—further cements our reputation as a bright spot in Asia, an attractive destination for foreign investment, and a better place to do business for Filipinos,” Lacierda said in a statement.

The 2015-2016 WEF Global Competitiveness Report measured productivity and competitiveness of 140 economies by gathering statistical and survey data on 113 indicators of productivity, which were further grouped into 12 pillars, namely institutions; infrastructure; macroeconomic environment; health and primary education; higher education and training; goods market efficiency; labor market efficiency; financial market development; technological readiness; market size; business sophistication; and innovation.

READ: PH up 5 notches in competitiveness ranking

Highlighting the country’s improvement particularly in innovation, institutions, and macroeconomic pillars, Lacierda said increased transparency in government paved the way to a more positive business climate.

“Surveys such as this have proven it time and again: reform works, good governance works. The changes implemented under the Aquino administration have contributed toward increased transparency and efficiency, bolstering public trust and creating a more enabling environment for business,” he said.

Lacierda also noted how the Philippines jumped a total of 38 notches from 85^th place in the 2010-2011 report when President Benigno Aquino III.

“The effects are palpable, not only at a macroeconomic level but also in our citizens’ everyday lives, with continuous improvements in the delivery of social services,” the presidential spokesperson said.

“As the country prepares for next year’s referendum on Daang Matuwid, developments such as these continue to demonstrate the benefits of treading the straight and righteous path,” he added.

Aquino and the ruling Liberal Party have formally declared former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as the administration’s presidential bet in the 2016 elections. Yuji Vincent Gonzales

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