Over a hundred economists, including some who served under the presidency of the late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., have thrown their support behind the presidential bid of Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo.
The group includes former Socioeconomic Planning Secretaries Solita “Winnie” Collas-Monsod, Ernesto M. Pernia, Emmanuel F. Esguerra, Dante B. Canlas, and Cielito F. Habito.
The list also includes Congressional Representative and former economics professor Stella Quimbo; Diwa C. Guinigundo, former deputy governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; and two former presidents of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the government’s official think tank.
“We believe that VP Leni Robredo is our best hope to turn the tide and bring back the people’s trust in government in order to restore and sustain vigor to people’s lives and livelihoods at the soonest possible time,” they said.
The economists identified three reasons for their support. They said these are Robredo’s solid economics and legal background that are needed to hasten economic recovery.
They also highlighted her “genuine concern” for the poor and marginalized given her work as a human rights lawyer. These, the economists said, are crucial in regaining the public’s trust in government.
The last reason, the economists said, is Robredo’s track record of leadership and good governance. They noted that her Covid recovery plan, which was released in November 2021, is comprehensive and could address the lack of jobs and the need to provide economic aid and education assistance for the poor.
The economists said they are encouraging their colleagues and other groups to join them in supporting Robredo’s Palace bid. They said choosing her would put the Philippines on a path to rebuild institutions and restore faith in the public sector.
“Bad governance is a poison that kills both lives and livelihoods. The pandemic made that clear. Robredo’s brand of good governance is the antidote this country needs in order to build back better from the twin crises plaguing our health and economy exacting a huge toll on the different sectors of the country,” they said.
“Her leadership will also lend our country much-needed credibility on the world stage. This will be instrumental in revitalizing our partnerships in the global economy and asserting our national sovereignty in the region, especially where the West Philippine Sea is concerned,” they added.
Earlier, Robredo said she is hopeful that the upcoming elections will give the country its first highest leader from the Bicol region, as she spelled out the importance of next year’s presidential poll.
The Vice President dropped the possibility of the country having its first President from Bicol during the second day of the campaign on Wednesday wherein she solicited the support of her fellow Bicolanos.
At the same time, Robredo encouraged Bicolano voters to make use of the elections to change the kind of politics that has become the norm in the country, asking them to unify behind a government that is not driven by politics, but by a will to serve with decency and competence.
The group includes former Socioeconomic Planning Secretaries Solita “Winnie” Collas-Monsod, Ernesto M. Pernia, Emmanuel F. Esguerra, Dante B. Canlas, and Cielito F. Habito.
The list also includes Congressional Representative and former economics professor Stella Quimbo; Diwa C. Guinigundo, former deputy governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; and two former presidents of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the government’s official think tank.
“We believe that VP Leni Robredo is our best hope to turn the tide and bring back the people’s trust in government in order to restore and sustain vigor to people’s lives and livelihoods at the soonest possible time,” they said.
The economists identified three reasons for their support. They said these are Robredo’s solid economics and legal background that are needed to hasten economic recovery.
They also highlighted her “genuine concern” for the poor and marginalized given her work as a human rights lawyer. These, the economists said, are crucial in regaining the public’s trust in government.
The last reason, the economists said, is Robredo’s track record of leadership and good governance. They noted that her Covid recovery plan, which was released in November 2021, is comprehensive and could address the lack of jobs and the need to provide economic aid and education assistance for the poor.
The economists said they are encouraging their colleagues and other groups to join them in supporting Robredo’s Palace bid. They said choosing her would put the Philippines on a path to rebuild institutions and restore faith in the public sector.
“Bad governance is a poison that kills both lives and livelihoods. The pandemic made that clear. Robredo’s brand of good governance is the antidote this country needs in order to build back better from the twin crises plaguing our health and economy exacting a huge toll on the different sectors of the country,” they said.
“Her leadership will also lend our country much-needed credibility on the world stage. This will be instrumental in revitalizing our partnerships in the global economy and asserting our national sovereignty in the region, especially where the West Philippine Sea is concerned,” they added.
Earlier, Robredo said she is hopeful that the upcoming elections will give the country its first highest leader from the Bicol region, as she spelled out the importance of next year’s presidential poll.
The Vice President dropped the possibility of the country having its first President from Bicol during the second day of the campaign on Wednesday wherein she solicited the support of her fellow Bicolanos.
At the same time, Robredo encouraged Bicolano voters to make use of the elections to change the kind of politics that has become the norm in the country, asking them to unify behind a government that is not driven by politics, but by a will to serve with decency and competence.
