UNA senatorial bet gives Noy passing score

MANILA, Philippines - United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial bet Ernesto Maceda on Friday gave a 7.4 out of 10 score to the Aquino administration even if he is not in favor of some of the government’s policies.

In an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel, Maceda noted that President Aquino is still addressing some of the problems left behind by the previous administration.

“I give the administration 7.4 out of 10. He (Aquino) inherited so many problems,” Maceda said.

“Aquino is moving too slowly. Part of the problem is he centralized decision making on himself. Many proposals pending on his desk,” he added.

Maceda said he is not in favor of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law, which was supported by Malacanang despite its questionable provisions.

“I don't believe the government has to distribute condoms and contraceptives. It should be left to NGOs (non-government organizations) and the private sector,” the former senator said.

Critics of the RH Law have questioned the legality of the measure before the Supreme Court.

Maceda is also against divorce, saying “people who get divorced have flimsy reasons.”

Maceda, a former senate president, also disagreed with the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, saying the persecution failed to prove its case.

“There was just a mistake in strategy of defense. Some senators did not do enough research or study to come out with their own independent opinion,” Maceda said.

Asked whether he believes former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is corrupt, Maceda said: “Let history be the judge if it is really her or FG (First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo)."

“She should be allowed to rest. There are cases filed. Let us litigate them. She is being harassed already,” he added.