Militants ask P-Noy to bare economic, social justice program

MANILA, Philippines - Militants yesterday asked President Aquino to bare his economic and social justice programs, saying his inaugural speech did not include important economic reforms needed to address the problems of poverty, unemployment, landlessness and economic self-reliance.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), an umbrella organization of militant and progressive groups, observed that there appeared to be continuity in the policies of the previous Arroyo government and the new Aquino administration on key economic issues.

“The problems of the economy go beyond the anti-corruption rhetoric (kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap) popularized by the President. The issues go beyond ‘wang-wang’ and ‘tong.’ What is the economic program of the new administration? Is it a continuation of the neo-liberal economic policies of the past regime? What is its commitment to crucial issues like land reform and economic self-reliance?” asked Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes.  

Reyes said Aquino emphasized in his speech that he would increase jobs in the country but stopped short of giving details.

“In the interim, he expected overseas Filipino workers to continue seeking jobs abroad,” he said, adding that even if Mr. Aquino revived his mother’s “emergency employment” program, this would not strategically reduce the number of unemployed.

“Emergency employment was also used by the Arroyo government but this failed to make any dent in the unemployment situation because the nature of work is temporary. The country needs long-term and sustainable employment to be able to eliminate poverty,” he added.

Bayan said this can only be done by developing the domestic economy through land reform and national industrialization and not just through temporary infrastructure projects.

In his speech, the President vowed to cut red tape and “level the playing field” for foreign investors.

“When Aquino says he wants government to be an enabler instead of hindrance to business, does he mean less government regulation and more deregulation?” Reyes asked.