Press Statement Senator Loren Legarda

On RP slipping in competitiveness list

With the Philippines falling three notches in the World Competitiveness Yearbook, from 40th in 2008 to 43rd this year, our government and the private sector must consider the four factors considered in coming up with the list - economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.

We should strive to improve on them not just for the sake of ranking higher in succeeding competitiveness lists, but because improving on them would redound to the good of Filipinos.

Our current ranking exposed the hollowness of the administration's claim that it has made inroads in improving the economy, government efficiency and in putting up much-needed infrastructures.

On church speaking out on Pandacan depot issue

The safety of at least 80,000 Pandacan and Sta. Ana residents should be the primary concern of city officials of Manila, on top of the fact that letting the Pandacan oil depot continue operating would go over a Supreme Court decision ordering its closure.

The Church pressing for a veto of Ordinance 7177 was to be expected because the Church takes care of its flock and protects the sanctity of life above all else. Local officials of Manila should ask whether they themselves would want to live within the Pandacan depot danger area, knowing that a veritable sword of Damocles would hang over their heads.