Malacañang said on Saturday the approval of the $434-million grant by the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC), a US aid grant body, attests to the “growing confidence” of the US government in the Aquino administration’s campaign to crack down on corruption and alleviate poverty in the country.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Philippine government will “do its best” to prove that the Aquino administration is sincere in its campaign to eradicate corruption and alleviate poverty, citing anti-corruption measures being undertaken by the new administration, including its program against tax evaders and smugglers.

“That shows the growing confidence of the MCC in the new administration,” Lacierda said over government-run Radyo ng Bayan.

“We will do our best, we will exert all our efforts to make sure that what we have campaigned for will bear fruit,” he added.

Lacierda also said the Aquino administration does not feel any pressure in the confidence being given by the US government as the new grant approval shows how the US government sees the sincerity and determination of the Aquino administration to eradicate corruption and poverty through its poverty alleviation programs, among others.

“Linggo-linggo, may sinasampahang kaso (Every week there are cases filed) against alleged tax evaders and smugglers, which shows really the sincerity of the Aquino administration to really plug the leakages in the revenue agencies and to really remove corruption from within,” Lacierda said.

On Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the MCC has “unanimously approved” a five-year US$434-million grant to fund three projects in the Philippines.