Press Release
March 3, 2009

Press Statement of Senator Loren Legarda

On P132.1-billion budget deficit seen in 2010

The Arroyo administration says it plans to bow out in 2010 with a P132.1 billion budget deficit, adding that it will increase spending in the coming months in order to stimulate the economy.

I warn, though, against a senseless spending binge. Whatever funds are allotted as part of the multi-billion-peso stimulus package should be used judiciously to really jumpstart economic activities, create jobs and ease poverty.

The outgoing administration must not get off the driver's seat leaving the next steward of our nation with an empty gas tank.

On 500,000 job vacancies abroad

Government help in matching the skills of Filipino workers with those needed in the global labor market is needed. The jobs in demand should be immediately identified by government agencies like the POEA so our qualified countrymen can apply for them posthaste.

We have to understand that other nationals are pining for those jobs, thus our dilly-dallying is not an option for us. Having identified the needed jobs, TESDA must continuously update the courses it offers to make sure that they are relevant and not outdated.

At the same time, government must help create more sustainable local jobs, especially in the field of agriculture, food processing, manufacturing and the like. It must not give our countrymen false hopes on claimed large job vacancies abroad.

On impeachment raps vs Ombudsman

I would rather not comment on it because we, the senators, would sit as judges on such an impeachment complaint if it would reach the Senate.

But speaking in the abstract, anything that would bring forth the truth and serve the ends of justice should be most welcome, even to the accused who will then have the chance to defend and clear himself or herself.

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