In front of the European officials, President Benigno Aquino III criticized the Arroyo administration for taking credit of the economic growth attained by his administration.
He said into his speech at the Egmont Institute in Brussels, Belgium that opportunities were wasted by the Arroyo Administration for focusing on political self-preservation instead of laying foundations for growth. He also dubbed the Arroyo Administration to be a ‘’ Period Of Lost Decade’’.
“Before my term in office, the Philippines was marred in a vicious cycle of corruption, deceit and negativism. Some people had grown so apathetic that it seemed that the only ambition left for them was to leave the country to look for any opportunity,” Aquino said.
“Despite this, the previous administration had the temerity to claim credit for the continued growth, which was actually fueled by Filipinos who were working abroad,” he added.
Aquino said that the economic growth raised into an average of 6.3 percent during his term compared to the 4.3 percent of the Arroyo Administration.
He also said that from 2012-2013 of his administration 2.5 million Filipinos were able to uplift themselves from poverty line.
He also proclaimed the achievement of the country in transparency and accountability under his watch. He included the impeachments of former Ombudsman Merciditas Gutierrez and former Chief Justice Renato Corona, officials who were appointed by Arroyo to be one of his governance.
“My predecessor as well is under hospital arrest as she faces two serious unbailable charges with another one still being reviewed by our Ombudsman,” Aquino said that referred to Arroyo.
“In short, we made it clear. Under our administration, one’s position, wealth and influence do not enter into the equation. Justice and the rule of law will be upheld,” he also added.
Aquino also claimed that “good governance is making waves across the archipelago.”
