Abandoning projects started by their predecessors is one reason why the country has not prospered and has continued to be mired in deep foreign debt.
Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao said a presidency under him should be expected to pursue programs initiated by his predecessors if the projects would indeed benefit Filipinos and not result to further wastage of public funds.
Interviewed during the Presidential Candidates segment of the On The Spot radio program over DZMM, Pacquiao was asked about his opinion about the past presidencies.
“Pinakabilib ako sa mga (lider) na hindi pinababagsak ang bansa. Nagsa-suffer ang mga tao kasi mas malaki ang utang at gastos natin keysa sa kita. Dapat mas malaki ang kita keysa sa utang. (I am impressed by leaders who are able to keep the country afloat. People suffer because of the huge debts and expenses incurred . Earnings should be higher than borrowings,” he explained.
He focused on the propensity of previous leaders to resort to borrowing money, saying that such decisions had sunk Philippines deeper into debt.
Pacquiao lamented that there are programs funded from foreign or domestic loans but such projects are quickly abandoned by the succeeding leadership.
He said some leaders do this mainly because of politics and without first fully evaluating the benefits that can be derived from the projects.
“Meron akong long-term plan para sa bansa. Pag long –term plan hindi 3 or 6 years lang. Dapat 30 to 50 years. (I have a long-term plan for the country. When you say long term plan it is not just for three or six years only. It should be 30 to 50 years),” he said.
(Ang problema kapag nagpalit ng administrasyon hindi na itinutuloy ng susunod ang mga proyekto. (The problem is when there is a change in administration, the project is discontinued),” Pacquiao lamented.
The international boxing icon said: “Kaya dapat may concrete long-term plan at institutionalize natin iyan para tiyak na itutuloy ang mga programa (para sa kabutihan ng tao) ng mga susunod na administrasyon. (It is important that there should be a concrete, longe term plan to be institutionalized in order that the program will be for the welfare of people and the future administrations to come.).”