Agile official willing to face Senate

A top official of the US-funded Accelerated Growth, Investment and Liberalization with Equity (Agile) project said yesterday he was willing to face a Senate inquiry into the group’s activities in the country.

This developed as Budget and Management Secretary Emilia Boncodin belied reports that Agile representatives have compromised government policies, particularly on finance and revenue matters, because of lobbying.

In a radio interview Dr. Ramon Clarete, chief of the Agile project, said he wanted to clear the group’s name and reputation stressing that it is not a corporation as earlier reported.

"I’ve been readying myself (to face the Senate investigation) because I want to clarify some issues and correct some speculations and perceptions on Agile," he said. "I hope I would be given a chance to explain to the Senate."

"I categorically deny that we are a lobby group nor do bribery. We don’t do that," he said.

Clarete explained that Agile began in 1997 following the agreement between US Agency for International Development (USAID) and then Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo.

He said the agreement empowers the group to assist the Philippine government in formulating and implementing economic policies.

Clarete said there was nothing wrong that a US private firm, Development Alternatives Inc., was involved in the Agile project since it is customary for the US government to bid out to the private sector many of its functions.

"There are many aspects in economics, finance, fiscal policies, government expenditures and procurement, trade and customs, where specialists are needed," Clarete said.