137 economists back Robredo’s presidential bid

MANILA, Philippines — At least 137 Filipino economists have expressed support for Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential bid.

“We believe that VP Leni Robredo is our best hope to turn the tide and bring back the people’s trust in government in order to restore and sustain vigor to people’s lives and livelihoods at the soonest possible time,” the group, comprising at least seven former socio-economic secretaries and heads of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said in a statement.

The economists said Robredo would bring to the table a solid economics and legal background which will be necessary for crafting policies to accelerate economic recovery.

They said Robredo has shown a genuine concern for the plight of the poor and marginalized through her decades of work as a human rights lawyer for grassroots organizations even before entering politics.

The economists listed the country’s most pressing concerns – the lack of gainful employment, inflation, food shortages, inadequate public health system, infrastructure deficit, cronyism and corruption.?Among those who signed the statement of support were T Solita Monsod, Ernesto Pernia, Emmanuel Esguerra, Dante Canlas, Cielito Habito and Diwa Guinigundo.?They said that economic recovery merits priority in the next administration’s agenda, a recovery that eradicates inequities and expands economic and social opportunities for all in a level playing field.?Robredo earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of the Philippines School of Economics in 1986. From 1986 to 1987, she worked as researcher and economist at the Bicol River Basin Development Program Office. She also taught economics at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel in her hometown Naga City while studying law at the University of Nueva Caceres.

Robredo, they said, has a proven track record of hands-on leadership and good governance, as evidenced by the efficient and responsive programs of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) throughout the pandemic.

“Her COVID recovery plan released in November also provides a coherent and comprehensive strategy to address the lack of jobs, record hunger particularly in urban areas, and the need to beef up provision of economic aid and education assistance especially among the poor,” they said. – Louise Maureen Simeon, Robertzon Ramirez