CBCP told: It's time for ideas, not criticism

MANILA, Philippines - A senator appealed to the leaders of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) who have gave President Benigno Aquino III a failing mark for his alleged failure to curb poverty despite the country's economic growth.

 

"We all want the poor to feel the effects of economic growth. Personally, I want lower prices, more jobs and higher income for all Filipino families especially the poor, but we should understand that the effects of economic progress takes time," re-elected Senator Alan Cayetano said on Monday.

 

Cayetano said in China and other Asian nations, the effects of economic progress were felt by the poor after more than a decade.

 

"We should be more patient and constructive," said Cayetano.

 

Over the weekend, ​Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action chairman, gave a failing grade to Aquino in his three years as President.

 

Pabillo claimed that poverty and unemployment have worsened in the country while its recent economic growth is not inclusive.

 

"Ang tunay na assets reform ay dapat makinabang yung mga taong sa kanayunan. Nandiyan 'yung land reform kung ang mga tao ang benespiyo ng lupa, sa mga manggagawa nandiyan yung labor against contructualization... Lumalaki ang gap ng mahirap at mayaman,” Pabillo said over Radio Veritas.

 

While Cayetano admits that "a lot more needs to be done," he also said the government has already accomplished a lot in curbing poverty.

 

He said in 2011 alone, the government generated 1.156 million jobs while the number of the Conditional Cash Transfer has increased to 3.8 million under the present administration.

 

The senator urged the CBCP to help in suggesting anti-poverty programs to bring the effects of growth to all Filipino families instead of giving criticisms.

 

"Let's help each other move up the ladder of growth and not be embroiled in endless criticism," Cayetano said.

 

Last April, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported that poverty incidence in the country practically remained unchanged with almost three out of 10 Filipinos living below the poverty line in the first half of 2012.

 

The NSCB said poverty incidence was estimated at 27.9 percent during the first semester of 2012.

 

"Comparing this with the 2006 and 2009 first semester figures estimated at 28.8 percent and 28.6 percent, respectively, poverty remained unchanged as the computed differences are not statistically significant," the agency said.