Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Thursday said the Aquino administration should focus on poverty alleviation programs and not on term extension and Charter change.
Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, made the statement in reaction to the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey.
“Economic ills and poverty are the country’s real sources of problems. Instead of being preoccupied with politics such as Charter change and President Aquino’s term extension, the government should give its attention to poverty alleviation programs and efforts on improving the living conditions of our people,” Ejercito said.
Ejercito added that the results of the Pulse Asia survey “conveyed the public’s clear message to President Aquino and his administration.”
“The results of the Pulse Asia survey reflected the sentiments of President Aquino’s bosses—to control inflation, increase wages, generate new jobs, reduce corruption, quickly resolve the crime and ease the impoverished lives of the people. “It also indicated how our people perceived the government’s gloating of ‘economic development and inclusive growth’ and if it has truly provided comfort in their lives,” the senator said.
He added that the Pulse Asia survey revealed that the public is against the term extension of President Aquino and constitutional amendments.
“Not until we create a business-friendly climate for foreign and local investors to come in will miracles happen to our economy. Our government also really needs to generate jobs and invest heavily on public infrastructure such as railways, ports, and airports to strengthen our economy,” Ejercito said.
Recto Mercene