Despite fund scams, US not 'disappointed' with Phl gov't

MANILA, Philippines —  How does an observing United States see the Philippines as it deals with national political issues such as the "pork barrel" scam and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) controversy?

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said significant political problems such as those of corruption that seem to divide the country may result in favorable outcomes that strengthen a democracy.

"I know that the Philippines is going through a difficult political moment with the different scandals that have been brought out," he said in an interview with Radyo Singko on Wednesday.

"But in some ways those are good things to try to help a country as it  improves itself and its governance."

He said reforms ensuing from the controversies will also aid the anticipated economic integration of the Philippines with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and in the future, with the US and Pacific Rim countries through the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership on regional free trade.

Goldberg said Washington, as Manila's defense ally and "friend," is "not disappointed" with the country's slowdown in the past decades as progress has picked up in recent years.

"I think the Philippines is doing better. One of the reasons that I think we're all enthusiastic and more optimistic about is ... the quick growth rates that are taking place,' Goldberg said.

The Philippines has posted growth above-6 percent growth rates the past years, making it among Asia's fastest growing economies.

Goldberg said that the country's improvement does not go unnoticed in the global stage.

"There's a lot of optimism about the Philippines," he said. "In fact I went to several sessions of the World Economic Forum [East Asia] and it was held here in recognition of the advances the Philippines is making, so I think it's a continual work in progress."

"I don't think we're disappointed," he added.

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