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Group gives PNoy ‘lower than expected’ grade


President Benigno Aquino III got a “lower than expected" grade from a reform-oriented group evaluating his performance during his first year in office. The Movement for Good Governance (MGG) gave Aquino an average score of 4.69 out of the possible 10 points, indicating that “many challenges need to be addressed" as yet for the next five years of his administration. “It is relatively easy to elect a President. The difficulty lies in supporting him so that he succeeds in governance," MGG chair and former Socioeconomic Planning chief Solita Monsod said in a statement released Friday. Aquino got the lowest score in the field of public health, where he received a grade of 3 out of a possible 10. The group graded the President in terms of his campaign promises on healthcare, particularly the provision of universal health care and the improvement of hospital facilities in the country. “The implementation of the health agenda remains as one of the most serious concerns of the administration… All critical stakeholders, down to the local level, should participate in the development and implementation of all policies and programs," MGG said in its assessment. The President, meanwhile, got the highest score in his management of public finance, where he garnered a 5.8. The Aquino administration even got a perfect 10 for implementing zero-based budgeting in government financial planning where agencies do not get any budget without submitting first a budget plan for programs. Aquino also got a passing 5.68 score in the field of education. In particular, MGG lauded the President for implementing the 12-year basic education program and its assistance to private schools. The group also noted how the President has exemplified clean and honest governance during his first year. “The initial gains of the Administration in implementing its platform are well recognized. The President sets an example of honesty and good intentions. Many of his Cabinet members are competent and strongly committed to public service," the group said. The MGG describes itself as a group of Filipino citizens “gathered together to build a constituency for change." — MRT/KBK, GMA News

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