‘Ending corruption is best way to maximize economic potential’

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Oct 10, 2019 said ending corruption is the best way to maximize the economic potential of the Philippines.

Lacson made the statement in a forum dubbed “Promoting Business Partnerships and Good Governance in the Visayas Region” organized by Logic Network at the Negros First Hostel here.

“Corruption siphons our economy with billions of pesos we cannot afford to lose… It leads to the erosion of public trust and integrity, and with regards to economic consequence to losses in possible investments and trade,” Lacson said.

The forum was attended by more than 100 participants all over Visayas, representing local government units and business sector.

Other speakers were Marcelo Cacho, Head of Public Engagement and Government Affairs of Panay Electric Company; Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Vice President of the Visayas of the League of Provinces of the  Philippines; and Governor Samuel Gumarin of Guimaras.

Lacson said that from the point of view of investors corruption and low integrity discourage honest companies from investing in the country.

“Aside from the moral degradation it causes, corruption has a lot to do with unsatisfactory economic performance making countries poorer and less attractive to investments.”

The governor also said that “we need not only pursue honesty and integrity but we must also pursue discipline and efficiency.”

“It is in this context that the crucial role of Local Government Units is magnified.”

He also said that good governance and development going hand in hand has long been acknowledged and recognized.

“I believe that the city and municipality’s competitiveness is the basic element for overall national competitiveness,” he said, adding that LGUs must give importance to the factors that are seriously examined by investors.

Lacson  further said that  “given the  thrust  of our  national government to shift investments away from Metro Manila to other parts of the country we must take  advantage of our growth drivers – tourism, IT-BMP, manufacturing and construction and explore other industries in order to sustain the economic growth of our region.”