He notes how the Philippines emerged from being the sick man of Asia to Asia’s rising star.
Businessmen agree the administration’s good governance platform helped improve the country’s image.
Melito Salazar, chairman of the Management Association of the Philippines, said: “An honest president can produce economic reforms. And, I think, whatever happens in 2016 – and I’ve made this clear to everyone – the standard set by the president will be followed by whatever, whoever gets elected.”
But, businessmen say, there’s more to be done in the remainder of President Aquino’s term.
Atty. Miguel Varela, chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “I don’t think there is not enough time. There is enough time to improve the lot of our poor people, reduce poverty, create more jobs, and improve the infrastructure.”
Varela says government should not lose focus despite the upcoming national elections next year. Instead, it should use the remaining months to alleviate transportation and power woes – two thngs that have constantly hounded the Aquino govenment.
Valera adds there’s still a lack of foreign direct investments despite economic reforms put in place in the past five years.
There are still measures, such as the Freedom of Information Bill, that have not been passed despite support from various stakeholders.
Given the limited time, businessmen say all these concerns will inevitably be passed on to the next president.
Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of PhilExport, says; “They’ll be looking at the next president to address some of the shortcomings of this government in the areas of power, transportation, and the legal system.”
