Angara gives Arroyo a 6, tells Aquino to focus on economy

On a scale of one to 10, outgoing president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo got a six, at least in Sen. Edgardo Angara's book. "In terms of improvement and progress of the nation, marami naman siyang nagawa. Masipag at talagang focused sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa natin," Angara said in an interview on dzBB radio Sunday. Angara believes the Mrs. Arroyo has had more achievements than failures, despite her "political mistakes." On the P340-billion budget deficit left by the Arroyo administration, Angara said it was not fair to criticize Mrs. Arroyo harshly. When it comes to the economy, the country's growth has never been negative, according to the senator. President-elect Benigno Aquino III should focus on implementing the Arroyo administration's livelihood projects instead of going on a witch-hunt for criminals, as certain groups would have him do, Angara said. "Let’s follow the legal process. Let’s prioritize livelihood. It is the president's judgment call, not whoever whispers in his ear. We might have a civil war if he listens to all kinds of whispers," Angara said in Pilipino. This year's budget cycle has started in February and the president-elect should focus on reviewing proposals and continuing projects that are already on the table, according to Angara. Angara said he has faith in Aquino. "He likes to study, he’s full of details. We were holding debates with him in the Senate up to the wee hours of the morning." Angara says the No. 1 challenge to Aquino is how to improve the people’s livelihood and the economy. While Aquino promised he would not impose new tax increases, circumstance might force the president-elect to do so, Angara said, adding that no country was able to solve its financial position without resorting to taxes. "The deficit may exceed by P20 billion or P30 million but this can be addressed through the barreling program and the step up collection of various revenue-generating agencies, like the Bureau of Internal Revenu, Land Transportation Office, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, among others. There are many ways to fill up the deficit," the senator said. —VS, GMANews.TV