Statement of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Business Optimism and Investor Confidence in the Philippines

Recently Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda stated that “newfound trust in our government… remains positive.”

Certainly, he is not commenting on increasing investments by Filipino corporations abroad like Manny Pangilinan’s purported interest in the Sacramento Kings or Century Tuna investing in the Marianas Islands.  Surely Pangilinan have his own reason why he plans to spend $250 million upwards of his own money in a basketball franchise rather than invest it here in the Philippine and help boost local economy.

And the Lacierda’s statement that public-partnership projects are “well on their way to fruition” despite the fact that none of the PPP projects lined up since last year have been signed (note to mention implemented) reveals far more on the “communications problem” that is the Communications Group.

The National Economic Protectionism Association (NEPA) believes that more than bandying about business optimism, the Aquino Administration must address the disconnect on why Filipino corporations and individuals are investing abroad (from profit created doing business locally) while the government continues to wrack its brains on how to increase foreign investments.

One thing is certain though, only Mr. Lacierda is optimistic about business optimism.