The Leader We Need
We believe the failure of governance is the main obstacle to the country’s long-run economic growth and ability to respond to the people’s most urgent needs.
The failure of governance – the inability to enforce an adherence to the demands of law and the lack of will to uphold the people’s lawful demands – is everywhere evident. It is seen, among others, in unchecked grand corruption, the cynical and self-serving nature of many public appointments, the disregard for the letter and the spirit of constitutional rule, the failure to control crime and violence from private armed groups, and the pervasive culture of arrogance and impunity displayed by many who hold public office.
Of all these, however, the spread of large-scale corruption has had the most pernicious and far-reaching economic consequences. Corruption has sapped the government’s ability to collect the proper taxes, franchises, and royalties. It has distorted government’s spending priorities, perverted our statutes and regulatory decisions to favor vested interests, and dispensed privileges to the undeserving but well-connected. As a result, neither government nor private business has invested anywhere near sufficient amounts in physical infrastructure, research, education, and health-care in order to create jobs and to reduce poverty. Government fails to invest for lack of resources and will. Private businesses – both foreign and Filipino – fail to invest for lack of trust that the rules will be fairly and predictably applied.
Low growth, high poverty, big public deficits, and deep public cynicism are the bitter fruits of failed governance and weakened institutions.
The call for a higher standard of public ethics, therefore, is not some abstract moral preference – it is an imperative for survival and development.
This year’s presidential election can be a defining moment in our history, our economy, and our daily lives if our people can rally around a program to sweep away years of corruption, wasteful spending, patronage, and mismanagement under an administration that has shown itself tolerant of such practices.
We believe that among the presidential candidates, Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III represents the best hope for such a change. Beyond mere words, his character and record speak of a steadfast dedication to effective, honest, and accountable leadership. He is dedicated to positively transforming the way we see and deal with government. From creating jobs to reducing the gap between the rich and poor; from protecting Filipinos working abroad to raising the country’s profile as a major investment area for the world; from working for lasting peace to firmly enforcing the law, Senator Aquino’s vision of governance based on ethical principles, a firm and fair application of the law, and a responsiveness to the people’s priorities is what our polity and economy urgently need.
It is time the Philippines
Signatories of the Statement from the Economic Agenda Team of Noynoy Aquino:
Michael Alba, former Dean, College of Economics
Fernando Aldaba, former Chairperson, Department of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University (naldaba@gmail.com)
Filomeno Sta. Ana III, National Coordinator, Action for Economic Reforms (filomenoiii@yahoo.com)
List of economists who support the statement (NCR):
1. Cayetano Paderanga Ph.D.
2. Raul Fabella Ph.D.
3. Mryna Austria Ph.D.
4. Edita Tan Ph.D.
5. Vicente Paqueo Ph.D.
6. Teresa Jayme-Ho Ph.D.
7. Germelino Bautista Ph.D.
8. Ma. Socorro Gochoco-Bautista Ph.D.
9. Gilberto Llanto Ph.D.
10. Erlinda Medalla Ph.D.
11. Gwedolyn Tecson Ph.D.
12. Ernesto Pernia Ph.D.
13. Leonardo Lanzona Jr. Ph.D.
14. Fidelina Natividad Carlos Ph.D.
15. Carlos Bautista Ph.D.
16. Edsel Beja, Jr. Ph.D.
17. Emmanuel Esguerra Ph. D
18. Ruperto Majuca Ph.D.
19. Melanie Milo Ph.D.
20. Jose Ramon Albert Ph.D.
21. Rhoelano Briones Ph.D.
22. Rafaelita M. Aldaba Ph.D.
23. Rosalina Tan Ph.D.
24. DaniloIsrael
24. Danilo
25. Rouselle Lavado Ph.D.
26. Gerardo Largoza Ph.D.
27. Stella Quimbo Ph.D.
28. Ma. Joy Abrenica Ph.D.
29. Eduardo Gonzales Ph.D.
30. Danilo Venida
31. Allan Borreo
32. Alexander Narciso
33. Meldin Al. G. Roy
34. Jessica Cantos-Reyes
34. Jessica Cantos-Reyes
35. Joseph Francia
36. Emilio Neri Jr.
37. Cristina Bautista
38. Philip Arnold Tuano
39. Romelia Neri
38. Philip Arnold Tuano
39. Romelia Neri
40. Reuel Hermoso
41. Joselito Sescon
42. Marilou Perez
41. Joselito Sescon
42. Marilou Perez
43. Paolo Jose Mutuc
44. Sarah Grace See
45. Ramon Fernan
46. Ernest Leung
6 comments:
We got plenty of economists. Who succeeded? We got economic rules. Which succeeded? Plenty of them tried. Why failed?
WE NEED TO HAVE IT REVERSED.
The ideas are great. But why skeptical? The economic plans look interesting. But why usual?
WE NEED at least good LONG track record, not simply FAMILY or CREDIT record. The presidency is not a playground.
Hi Sir, I posted your article to my Facebook account and as usual Gordon supporters are quick to comment.
From AJ Jacoba: "Beyond mere words, his character and record speak of a steadfast dedication to effective, honest, and accountable leadership" - Really now? effective? how many bills did he file as a legislator (note: not passed into law, but filed. If it was the latter the answer would be a golden egg). Accountable? He holds the distinction of having the most accurate and detailed SALN ba?
My Reply : "Attorney, with all due respect, my observation as a layperson is this:
"Senator Richard Gordon of the Bagumbayan (New Nation) party declared a net worth of P25.52 million in 2007. As mayor of Olongapo City in 1992, he started in politics with a net worth of P8.3 million declared in the same year."
that's 17.22 M in 15 years... See More
"Liberal Party standard bearer Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III had the least net worth among the six millionaire candidates with a declared net worth of P13.94 million in December 2007. As Tarlac second district representative in 1998, he declared a net worth of P8.7 million."
that's only 5.24M in 9 years
Are Mayors and Congressmen allowed to engage in other business/profession while holding office?
BTW, "Most Transparent" in quotes is PCIJ's opinion.
from Arnulfo Rosello: "P1.15M in a year, average....not substantial."
from Monica Anne dela Cruz: "Sen. Richard Gordon on Votebook was the ONLY presidential candidate who submitted the most complete and detailed Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth. Sana mapanood ng marami."
see next
from AJ Jacoba: "Ms. Prudente, (with all due respect din of course) Sen. Gordon's P1.15M per year IS the most transparent. And you are right, it is PCIJ's opinion. Although PCIJ is just the most credible and independent newsgroup (for lack of a better term) in the country. Start thinking why they say Sen. Gordon's SALN is the most transparent. It's one way of avoiding libel (kinda like saying the others aren't transparent). Now, if they are not transparent, what are they hiding? Remember Mikey Arroyo's SALN imbroglio? he wasn't being transparent too, then. Now, IF only Sen. Aquino and the rest are as "transparent" as Sen. Gordon, perhaps your Sen. Aquino's P5.24M in 9 years will change? Of course, like I said above it is PCIJ's opinion. So I take it you'd rather take Sen. Aquino's SALN under oath in good faith then?
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From AJ Jacoba: "Funny you mentioned 9 years of government service. Hmmm.. he is a legislator (6 years congressman, 3 years senator so far). What is the job of a legislator? To craft laws. To legislate. etc... Ilan nagawa nyang batas sa siyam na taon?
What if he becomes President? There's more to the presidency than just keeping a campaign promise (aka. "hindi ako magnanakaw") which in itself is doubtful to begin with because he wasn't as transparent with his SALN as another candidate. If his performance in the legislature is any indication then this is what he will do for 6 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NADA...
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From AJ Jacoba "@Arnulfo Couldn't have said it better myself. P1M year IS average if you think about it.
"Are Mayors and Congressmen allowed to engage in other business/profession while holding office"
Yes. There are limitations but Mayors, Congressmen, Senators (don't forget Cabinet Members, Sen. Gordon was DOT Secretary for a while and he converted that into a Super Cabinet status during his stint) can earn money other ways. So long as there is no... See More conflict of interest. (Look at Bong Revilla, para simple yung example). The limitations aren't that simple but a smart person can still make a decent amount of money (legally) while serving the public (not just laying eggs).
@ Monica, yeah, that's the weird thing, one candidate is harping he that he is about honesty and all that. meanwhile, he couldn't even beat the "performance" candidate in the most basic honesty issue = transparency in the SALN.
The reason why politicos are required to submit SALN is to check the growth of their income while in public office. It is... See More an anti-corruption check. Now, if somebody is hiding something, that person will file a vague SALN (i.e. incomplete, see Rep. Mikey Arroyo's friendly chat with Winnie Monsod). If a person is honest, then the SALN would be detailed and complete because he has nothing to hide. Now, for someone like Sen. Aquino to claim honesty yet filed a SALN that is not the most transparent, then I think his followers should question that.
What can you say about this? Btw, I am voting for Noynoy. Thank you!
Cheers, Angel Prudente
Gloria Arroyo is an economist, remember that.
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