PHILIPPINES: In state of the nation address President Arroyo envisions a wealthier Philippines by the end of her term

In her annual state-of-the-nation address, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo promises accessible education, infrastructure projects and more jobs that will pave the way for a developed country in 20 years. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo promised record investments and less political squabbling during the remainder of her term in an annual policy speech that trumpeted the country's improving fortunes. Addressing the newly-elected congress, Arroyo outlined budget priorities such as infrastructure projects, health care, education, and agricultural investments in war-troubled Mindanao. "It is my wish that the Philippines will be a developed country in 20 years," Arroyo said to an audience of lawmakers, cabinet members, foreign dignitaries and other supporters. "By then, poverty shall have been marginalised and the marginalised raised to a robust middle class. We will have achieved the hallmarks of a modern society where institutions are strong," Arroyo said. Conscious of increasing international criticism over her failure to halt the murder of hundreds of leftist activists, Arroyo called on Congress to pass laws to provide harsh penalties for those, particularly soldiers, found guilty of political violence. "It is never right and always wrong to fight terror with terror," Arroyo said. "And so I ask Congress, I urge you to enact laws to transform state response to political violence. First, laws to protect witnesses from law breakers and law enforcers." After surviving two impeachment attempts, the last one in 2006, Arroyo is in a much stronger position due to an improving economy and a fractured opposition, and she vowed to put an end to corruption. "From where I sit, I can tell you, a president is always as strong as she wants to be," Arroyo said, causing a standing ovation in the gallery. In Manila's slum areas, however, Arroyo's words had a hollow ring. For Beth Yalong, who has six children, the increased jobs and improved education promised each year have not materialized. "Whoever is in power, whoever becomes president, nothing changes. Actually the Philippines is a rich country, but those in power are corrupt. And so the country's wealth only benefits the pockets of a few." Economist Federico Macaranas observed that the deteriorating quality of education and high levels of malnutrition defy the positive economic indicators. "No matter what your economic achievements are, if majority of your people go hungry then it's a sad commentary on how poorly managed your resources are. The fact is, malnutrition, which is a very bad indicator of the future of a country's ability to help itself, is at a record high in this part of the world, in the Philippines," Macaranas said. ENDS.

ITN Source | July 23, 2007

Tags:. .poorly. .particularly. .itself. .sad. .resources