Malacañang tells Noynoy not to squander gains of GMA

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday urged the incoming Aquino government not to squander the gains of the Arroyo administration.

Presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo said the Arroyo administration had huge achievements in infrastructure, exports and finance.

He also noted that the country’s ranking in the World Competitiveness Yearbook went up to 39th – with a score of 56.526 out of a perfect score of 100 – from 43rd last year. The Switzerland-based IMD World Competitiveness Center studied 58 economies.

More investments seen

Saludo said the country’s improved competitiveness rating could lead to more investments.

“We have some very substantial gains which is why, it’s very important that we don’t fall into the habit of denigrating everything that the past administration has done, that’s politically expedient to do that but it’s important to acknowledge the good that’s been done because you build on them,” he said.

Build on optimism

He said the next administration should build on the optimism brought about by the successful conduct of the country’s automated election.

“That (successful elections) is certainly a big plus and certainly it puts the Philippines on a different perspective in terms of political stability,” Saludo said.

Survey results welcomed

Malacañang also welcomed the results of the latest Social Weather Stations survey showing that half of the country’s population believe their lives would be better in the next 12 months.

“You have so much optimism and that can certainly be harnessed… We had a successful election, we expect that we will have on June 30 a smooth transfer to a new administration,” Saludo said.