SEN. MARCOS SAYS THE GOV'T SHOULD ERADICATE CORRUPTION TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESSMEN TO CREATE JOBS

THE government should show results in its efforts to eradicate corruption so that the business sector would have the confidence to expand and hire more people.

This was stated by Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. on the heels of alarming unemployment reports, showing that the number of jobless Filipinos has swelled to 10.5 million from 9 million in the first quarter of the year, based on the Social Weather Station survey conducted from June 5 to 8.

Marcos, member of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, said that businessmen would have to see that the government is earnest in its efforts to eradicate corruption.

"How can we encourage investors to risk their money putting up businesses and hiring workers if they could see that corruption persists, crime happens left and right? I think the government should address these problems so that the businessmen, the employers will be inspired," he said in a statement.

Marcos noted that because of the scarcity of jobs in the country, 3,700 Filipinos leave daily to work abroad.

"Nearly one in 10 of us are already abroad in a noble desire to give a comfortable life and a bright future for loved ones. It is even disturbing to see that the most desperate of our people fall victim to sexual or other forms of exploitation simply because of lack of opportunities to earn decently in their own country," he said.

Marcos said it would be difficult for the government to just request the business sector's help if it does not show results in cleaning the bureaucracy of dishonest and corrupt officials and employees.

"The government should shape up first because it is understandable if the business sector is reluctant in creating jobs because of corruption. The government should do its part and I'm sure the businessmen will do its role in nation-building," he said.