MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Saturday welcomed the Philippines’ improved ranking in the World Bank’s economic freedom index and its top 10 finish in HSBC’s survey of the friendliest countries for expatriates.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said they were assessments made by third parties with no motive to unduly criticize President Benigno Aquino III and his administration.
“Perhaps… we can say that these are third-party assessments that have no axe to grind against the present administration,” Valte said over state-run radio dzRB.
“Other people might say that, of course, the administration will always promote what is good, what is good with the economy and people on the opposite side of the fence will almost, will always promote what is good about them and what is bad about the present,” Valte said.
Valte was apparently referring to a paper written by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who blamed President Aquino for supposedly failing to sustain the high economic growth rate that she left behind when her term ended in 2010 since the latter was too engrossed with demonizing her and erasing her legacy.
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad has answered Arroyo, saying she was a failure as president.
Abad also said the high growth rate left by Arroyo was a result of the massive election spending in 2010.
The budget secretary added that contrary to Arroyo’s criticism of ineffective leadership, the Aquino administration had received five credit ratings upgrades after just 18 months in office.
“But at least here we have third-party assessments and we can see recommendations (for improvement) and the positive findings as well,” Valte said.
Valte noted that the Philippines went up to 107th from 115th in the WB economic freedom index because of economic expansion and the efforts of the government to pursue legislative reforms to enhance the business environment.
“An assessment from the third party notes that our regulatory efficiency has been notably enhanced. This is what President Aquino is saying that we are really after—efficiency in government. We have been trying to streamline systems,” Valte said.
Valte said the report also mentioned that while there have been improvements, corruption continues to undermine prospects for long-term economic development and the judiciary remains susceptible to political pressure.