Over 100 economists, 5 ex-NEDA chiefs express support for Robredo

More than 100 economists, including five former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) directors-general, have thrown their support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

In a statement, the Economists for Leni said that “at this time when our country is struggling to recover from its deepest economic crisis since the 1980s, we believe that the government's role has never been more indispensable.”

The economists were convinced that only a competent leadership could restore the people’s trust and confidence in government, thus enabling it to effectively preside over the collective effort of economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic.

“We, the undersigned economists, express our full support for the presidential bid of Ma. Leonor ‘Leni’ Gerona Robredo,” they said.

Robredo said it was a huge honor to receive the support of the economists.

"Maraming salamat po to the more than 100 economists who are standing with us in this fight! Isang malaking karangalan po para sa akin na makasama kayong manindigan para sa pangarap nating #AngatBuhayLahat," Robredo said on Twitter.

Among the signatories of the statement of support for Robredo were former NEDA chiefs Ernesto Pernia, who served in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte; Solita Monsod, who was Socioeconomic Planning secretary during the administration of late former President Corazon Aquino; Cielito Habito, who served during the Ramos administration; Dante Canlas, who served as NEDA chief during the Arroyo administration; and Emmanuel Esguerra, who served during the administration of the late former President Benigno Aquino III.

Also signatories were former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo and economist-lawmaker Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo.

The economists, 137 in total, said that 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 economists said that the vice president brought solid economic and legal backgrounds to the table, which were necessary for crafting policies to accelerate economic recovery.

“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. This will be crucial not just in bringing back people’s trust in government, but also in making sure that economic recovery improves the lives of Filipinos from all walks of life,” they said.

The economists noted that Robredo had 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 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.

Furthermore, the country urgently needed a better pandemic response, one that was sound, prompt, informed by science, and evidence-based.

“This should be the centerpiece of any program for the complete resumption of economic activity: there will be no economic recovery to speak of unless the government focuses its efforts on the health crisis and addresses it systematically,” they said.

“Thus far the burden of adjustment has always been lopsided against the poor and marginalized in the country. Our nation cannot move forward on this basis.” — DVM, GMA News