In Europe, Aquino slams Arroyo for taking credit for Philippine progress

MANILA, Philippines - Before an audience of European officials, President Benigno Aquino III criticized the past administration for taking credit for the economic growth attained by the country during his term.

In a speech at the Egmont Institute in Brussels, Belgium, Aquino said the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was a "period of lost decade" when opportunities were squandered by the government that was "focused on political self-preservation" instead of laying foundations for growth.

"Before my term in office, the Philippines was mired 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.

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Aquino said that from 2006 to 2009, the Philippines' average economic growth was only 4.3 percent. But from 2010 to 2013, the economy grew by an average of 6.3 percent.

He also reported that 2.5 million Filipinos had lifted themselves from the poverty line from 2012 to 2013.

Aquino also trumpeted the country's achievements in transparency and accountability under his watch, including the impeachment of former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and former Chief Justice Renato Corona, officials who were appointed by Arroyo.

"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, referring 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," the President added.

Aquino also claimed that "good governance is making waves across the archipelago."