Forbes tells Aquino: We need you in Washington

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday joined prominent world business leaders and entrepreneurs at the 15th annual Forbes Global CEO Conference where he trumpeted the country's economic achievements under his watch.

In a dialogue with Steve Forbes, chair and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, Aquino touted the administration's sound fiscal management that helped the country attain its strong economic performance.

Forbes praised Aquino for the "dynamism" of the Philippine economy.

"When we get back to the United States, some of us should try to get a Constitutional amendment so that President Aquino, when he leaves office next year, could come to the US and give us a 6-percent growth rate," Forbes said.

Aquino boasted of various accomplishments such as the 600-percent increase in foreign domestic investment, the gains of his anti-corruption drive, the increasing tourist arrivals and the improved tax collection that fueled government spending in infrastructure and social services.

The president also said that the country has been "very prudent" in borrowing.

"I am very conservative in terms of handling the people's funds," Aquino said.

"That's why we need you in Washington," answered Forbes, who said that the Philippines's debt-to-GDP ratio has come down "dramatically in recent years."

Aquino said the country's economic achievements renewed Filipinos' optimism and outlook.

"Believing in the future, that's something the rest of the world needs which is why we hope after you leave office, you will come to the US and give us some of that  belief in the future," Forbes told Aquino. - Louis Bacani