Philippine Lawmakers Support President's Call to Curb Corruption

Strategic Insights -

Philippine lawmakers from the House of Representatives have voiced their support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's call to shun dirty politics, focus on the economy, and curb corruption by 50% next year. The lawmakers believe that the government should play a major role in addressing the country's basic problems, including corruption and graft. They emphasized the need for concrete actions to regain momentum and collect the revenues necessary to provide basic services to the people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Philippine House of Representatives has expressed support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's call to curb corruption by 50% next year.
  • Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon believes that the government will play a major role in addressing corruption, including jueteng, and will need the help of its allies.
  • House Committee on Economic Affairs chair Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda emphasized the need for concrete actions to match the President's call and regain lost momentum.
  • House Committee on Oversight chair Rep. Danilo Suarez attributed the government's ability to remain in power to its ability to collect the revenues it needs, and suggested forming a single gambling industry to curb corruption.
  • Bacolod City Rep. Monico Puentevella believed that a 50% reduction in corruption is a good start, but acknowledged it would be a slow and gradual process.
  • Rep. Salceda suggested that the government should back up the President's call with dramatic concrete actions to regain lost momentum.
  • Rep. Suarez highlighted the significance of the recently approved lateral attrition law in collecting correct taxes.

Statistics:

  • The target is to curb corruption by 50% next year.
  • The government aims to collect up to P60 billion (US$1.1 billion) if the gambling industry is centralized.
  • The country's guns, money and "Bilibid" (movements to traffic chip theft) could reach up to P1.1 billion (approximately) pesos in the Philippines
  • Rep. Suarez mentioned that the government is able to collect the revenues it needs to provide basic services to the people.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse, June 13
  • Philippine News Agency (PNA)