Miriam wants public funds for political parties

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Tuesday suggested that the government should fund the country's political parties, citing that political institutions in the Philippines remain "shaky."

Santiago explained that political parties should be held accountable for the mistakes of their candidates after holding government positions.

"As long as the offending elected official leaves office, pag-alis niya wala na rin 'yong pananagutan niya. 'Yon ang problema natin," Santiago said in her speech during a business forum organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The presidential aspirant stressed the need for a law that would authorize the use of public funds to support dominant political parties.

"Dapat ang pera ng gobyerno ang ginagamit para mapataba at mapalaki ang mga partido.... sa paraan na 'yan pwede na natin hingin sa mga partido na sila ang managot pag mali ang gobyerno ng ating bansa," the senator said.

Santiago also said that she would support the recent decisions of the Supreme Court in connection to the Disbursement Acceleration Fund and Priority Assistance Development Fund.

If elected, the senator said that her administration would have a better and stronger nation compared to the current administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

"In 2022, I will turn over to my successor a nation that is more prosperous, a people more united and prouder of their leaders and political institutions that are more stable," Santiago said.

Santiago said that she will commit to invest in public infrastructure and political institutions and assured that country's economy will grow faster.

Despite concerns about health, the senator earlier affirmed her commitment to win the 2016 presidential race.

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