We take note of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard 2018 where the Philippines is rated on ruling justly, investing in our own people, and encouraging economic freedom.
One of the highlights of the MCC Scorecard 2018 is our failure to hurdle the control of corruption indicator / criterion.
We have to understand that for this year’s Scorecard, the ratings in the various indicators were based on their methodologies in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The findings, therefore, may not completely reflect the reform initiatives of the Duterte administration in the area of fighting corruption and good governance.
The President has fired government officials from their posts, including those who were perceived to be close to him, due to reports of corruption. He has moved towards restoring people’s faith and trust in the government by making government services accessible to the public through the implementation of the Freedom of information in the executive branch, cutting red tape and streamlining the delivery of frontline services, such as in applying for business permits and licensing systems, and establishing hotlines such as 8888 for public complaints and 911 for emergencies and government centers to receive public concerns. The current government is likewise serious in its revenue-collection efforts, including running after big-time tax delinquents, such as Mighty Corporation, Sunvar Realty Development Corporation and Philippine Air Lines.
We are hopeful that the MCC Board would take into account these initiatives and see our commitment to further reforms in the areas covered by the compact assistance.
