Manila (AsiaNews/ Agencies) – President Aquino marked the first 100 days of administration by saying that the Philippines “is ready for takeoff”, especially after it cleared the path for more foreign investments in the country.
Speaking at Consolacion College in Manila, he said, “We have accomplished this because you believe in my government and that belief is now spilling out over the world. [. . .] Now you have a government that is ready to talk and tell the truth; [. . .] ready to raise the bar of public discussion about issues affecting us all and the coming generation.”
The president cited positive developments on the economic front, like the rise in international reserves to a record high of US$ 52.3 billion as well as the stock market’s sterling performance.
“This shows the confidence in the economy, in our people and the government. The PSE (Philippine Stock Exchange) is now one of the best performing stock markets in Asia. And while the peso is strengthening and the economy is growing, the prices of goods remain steady,” he said.
“Jobs are the principal agenda of my administration,” he said, adding that his administration has attracted US$ 2.4 billion in fresh foreign investments and created 43,600 new jobs. Nevertheless, for him corruption remains a major problem, one that has been left over from the previous administration.
Aquino took office in June after running a campaign centred on radical change after six years of rule by former President Arroyo. This has raised expectations in the population who turned out in large numbers (85 per cent) in May to vote in the presidential election.
Despite the successes, not all is well. The tragic denouement of the Hong Kong hostage crisis that left seven people dead and his pro-abortion stance, which is opposed by the Church, have cast a shadow on his administration.