GOV'T SHOULD REVERSE OVER-EMPHASIS ON DOLE-OUTS --ANGARA

In a recent interview, Senator Edgardo J. Angara reiterated his stand on what he observes as a "prioritization of dole-outs" by the national government, citing the overall theme of the newly approved budget by the House of Representatives, .

"I believe that we must reverse the over-emphasis of this proposed budget on giveaways, dole-outs and on lump sums, which in effect understates the need for activities that will sustain the country's growth," he said.

According to Angara, vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, the current budget uses band-aid solutions to some of the country's biggest problems.

"There seems to be a strong bias in favor of short-term solutions. If we don't implement proper spending, we would not attain economic growth and we won't be able to create new jobs -- all the more that we cannot uplift the living standards of the common Filipino."

Faced with the beginning of the Senate plenary debates on the 2011 budget this week, Angara suggested focusing on three major sectors.

"We need to prioritize better infrastructure, training and application for our professionals, as well as research and development for our industries. Focusing on those three areas will ensure that the growth will be continuous and sustainable," he explained.