By BEN R. ROSARIO
For saying that the success of President Arroyo’s economic program is "artificial," former President Fidel V. Ramos became the object of criticisms hurled by Arroyo’s congressional allies who warned that his statements "may amount to economic sabotage."
House Assistant Majority Leader Antonio Cerilles (NPC, Zamboanga del Sur) and Rep. Eduardo Veloso (NPC, Leyte) said Ramos should show more patience and optimism towards the government’s goal of permanent stability in the country.
They stressed that the same faith on the government’s ability to recover was demonstrated by Filipinos when Ramos battled a regional currency crisis that held back the improvements he made on the country’s economy.
Ramos reportedly warned President Arroyo that what she restored was only "artificial stability" for the country, saying that the country could no longer withstand future internal and external shocks.
"I would like to think that statements like this amount to economic sabotage because it might have a negative impact on our economy. It might send a wrong signal to foreign investors and the international community," said Cerilles.
The lawmaker pointed out that as a former head of state, Ramos is expected to act like an "elder statesman."
He should see to it that the gains he started are passed on to the succeeding administrations to improve the lives of the people.
"The intention of all public officials, past and present, must be to work to uplift the lives of the Filipino people," Cerilles told the former Chief Executive.
He admitted that while it is still premature to say that the situation has fully normalized, the government should be credited for quelling a rebellion by anti-Arroyo forces in the military.
Cerilles said Ramos should count himself lucky for not facing "an opposition so driven by obsession to hold power" such as the one the Arroyo administration is facing.
Veloso said there are many factors that Arroyo had to contend to as she pushes permanent progress.
"During the term of President Ramos, we were on our way to a full economic recovery until the regional currency crisis struck and reversed the economic gains. But the people kept their patience and faith that we will surmount this," he added.
In fairness to the President, Veloso said she never said that the situation has fully stabilized after thwarting the conspiracy of rightist and leftist groups with the political opposition to topple the government.
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