UK MP lauds Phl drive vs corruption

MANILA, Philippines - The Aquino administration’s anti-corruption efforts have earned praises from visiting British Minister of State Hugo Swire.

“These are exactly the right things to be doing – particularly now, during this period of global economic recovery,” Swire said in a speech before the Makati Business Club, the Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine-British Business Council and the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

“The hardest hit are often the poorest and most vulnerable in society,” Swire said, referring to the  effects of corruption.

The United Kingdom, he said, has introduced the Bribery Act to address the problem. “The Philippines is heading down the same path,” he said.

He said sufficient infrastructure is needed to provide the foundations for long-term prosperity, noting that modern economies need roads, digital and cellular communications, public transport, schools and hospitals.

“Without them, we cannot deliver the skilled and trained workforce required to compete in the 21st Century,” he added.

He also cited the importance of a successful implementation of the framework agreement in Mindanao that will unlock the economic potential of the area and the peaceful resolution of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) problem.

“We are also working closely with Secretary (Albert) del Rosario and his team to bring about a peaceful resolution of the claims in the South China Sea,” Swire said.

He also stressed shunning protectionism and embracing free trade.

“This agenda is moving in the right direction. But I think we can go further and faster. Reaching a free trade agreement between the EU and the Philippines would be a valuable step,” he said.

“International trade and investment is not just the best route to development; history tells us it is the only one,” he said.

According to Swire, the UK has placed greater emphasis on its engagement with Southeast Asia.

“I have heard some say that Britain lost sight of the importance of Southeast Asia; that our attention was diverted,” Swire said. “It is certainly true that relationships changed. But while it may have felt to some as if Britain has lost focus, we never went away.”