NOY: FILIPINOS WON'T ALLOW ARROYO
PARDON
MANILA, MAY 8,
2012 (ABS-CBN) Filipinos won't allow a
presidential pardon for Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is facing a
slew of criminal cases, President Benigno Aquino said Friday.
He told CNN in an interview that he will not pardon Arroyo if she is
convicted.
"I think my constituents would not agree with my pardoning her and I act only
on their wishes," Aquino said.
Arroyo has been arrested and charged for electoral sabotage due to alleged
irregularities in the 2007 elections.
She has also been charged for graft in connection with the now-shelved $329
million National Broadband network (NBN) deal between the Philippine government
and China's ZTE Corp. in 2007.
Aquino on Friday took more potshots of Arroyo in his speech at the Asian
Development Bank meeting in the country.
"Gone are the days when the funds you funnel to our country will end up like
water leaking through a broken pail," he said.
He painted a contrast between his administration and his predecessor's,
saying he has taken steps to fight poverty and corruption.
"The message, for 9 and a half years, was: nice guys finish last. To finish
first, you had to lack conscience, exhibit a certain degree of shamelessness,
and be an expert at giving handshakes with one hand, while picking pockets with
the other," Aquino said.
PNoy trumpets gains, blasts GMA gov't by Willard
Cheng, ABS-CBN News Posted at 05/04/2012 1:11 PM | Updated as of 05/05/2012
12:57 AM
MANILA (1st UPDATE) - President Aquino trumpeted his administration's
accomplishments before a gathering of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) but not
without blasting the Arroyo administration.
In a speech during the opening session of the Asian Development Bank's annual
meeting of its board of governors, the President painted a contrast between his
administration and his predecessor's, saying that he came into office finding
out "how deeply eroded the foundations of government had become" and when
corruption had become "endemic."
He cited instances of the past administration's "endemic corruption," such as
the purchase of imported rice at a high cost only to let it rot in rented
warehouses and the scheme of previous officials of government owned and
controlled corporations receiving huge bonuses and perks. Bidding for government
projects, he added, were made to favor the well-connected.
"Endemic corruption had sapped the system of its vitality; public funds
ceased to be used for the public good, and found themselves in private hands,
whom we are now holding accountable," he said.
"The message for nine and a half years was: nice guys finish last. To finish
first, you had to lack conscience, exhibit a certain degree of shamelessness,
and be an expert at giving handshakes with one hand, while picking pockets with
the other," he added.
He said that even poverty alleviation programs were not spared, with slots
for the government's conditional cash transfer program "handed out in exchange
for votes." He said that domestic and foreign investments also went down.
"With too few jobs being generated, our people were trapped in a downward
spiral: no education, no work, no chance to improve their lot in life," he said.
He said he spent the first two years of his administration to clean the house
and institute reforms to fight poverty and corruption, including running after
tax evaders and corrupt officials.
"Change has set in the Philippines, and we are open for business," he said.
He said all these restored business confidence, citing the results: six
positive ratings upgrade, record-high performances of the stock market, and the
oversubscription of peso-denominated bonds, among others.
"We showed our resolve that no public official, regardless of his or her
position, will be beyond the reach of justice and accountability," he said.
"All of these efforts have allowed us to reclaim our national honor; they
have boosted confidence in the country, restored our citizenry's morale, and are
reaping dividends on the economic front."
Aquino identified three sectors that he believes will drive the country's
growth: agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. He said that the government
would roll out ten Public-Private Partnership projects this year, including
building schools and the expansion of railway systems.
He said his administration is pushing for "inclusive growth" to provide
opportunities for the poor and equitable distribution of power and wealth by
investing in education, health, and social services.
More funds have been allocated to the conditional cash transfer program,
which ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda earlier said has "transformed" the lives of
many Filipinos.
"The government's conditional cash transfer program experienced an almost
fourfold increase over the past two years, from 10 billion pesos in 2010 to 39.4
billion pesos this year," he said.
Aquino thanked the ADB for extending its official development assistance to
the Philippines amounting to $761.97 million, assuring the delegates of the
proper use of the funds.
"For this, you have the gratitude of our people, and a commitment from my
administration. Gone are the days when the funds you funnel to our country will
end up like water leaking through a broken pail," he said. "You will continue to
see results. You will continue to see a Philippines that is finally living up to
its potential. We are prepared to follow through on our commitments, and you are
by all means welcome to see if we're living up to our word."
He also thanked the ADB for choosing Manila as the venue of its meeting this
year, saying it "reaffirms the newfound confidence that the international
community has exhibited towards" the Philippines.
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
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