5 ex-NEDA chiefs back Robredo for president

More than 160 economists, including five former socioeconomic planning secretaries, on Friday endorsed Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo for president, saying she is best positioned to lead the country’s economic recovery amid a coronavirus pandemic.��

In a statement, they also said the Philippines needs a better pandemic response — “one that is sound, prompt, informed by science and evidence-based.” “This should be the centerpiece of any program for the complete resumption of economic activity.”��

“Vice-President 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,” they added.��

Among those who signed the statement were Ernesto M. Pernia, President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s former socioeconomic planning chief and his predecessors Solita G. Collas-Monsod who served under the late President Corazon C. Aquino, Cielito F. Habito under ex-President Fidel V. Ramos, Dante B. Canlas under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Emmanuel F. Esguerra under the late President Benigno S.C. Aquino III.��

The former chiefs of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Ms. Robredo has a solid economics and legal background needed to craft policies to quicken economic recovery.��

She has also shown genuine concern for the poor as a human rights lawyer before she entered politics, they said. “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.”��

Former central bank Deputy Governor Diwa C Guinigundo and economist-lawmaker Stella Luz A. Quimbo also signed the statement. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza