After two years, I also give PNoy's administration a passing mark.... No doubt, some important institutional reforms are under way.... But the greatest challenge for an underdeveloped country remains: instituting fundamental 'economic' reforms, which stays forever in Filipinos' memories and the determinant of a national leader's legacy. As Walden Bello rightly asks, "What does 'inclusive growth' mean?". In our 'elitist' development structure, once the economy gains growth, it is only enjoyed by 'the few'.
The workers, the 'informal' labourers, and the poor are all organically included in the system of production and process of accumulation, but they are systematically excluded from the fruits of their own produce and labour, or simply they are inhumanely dispossessed of their collective rights to wealth, resources, nature, social entitlements, and a life of dignity.
At this time when the advanced capitalist countries of the US and Europe are in crisis - with their neoliberal, market-oriented, growth-obsessed development paradigm losing legitimacy - we should be daring enough to explore alternative futures.
The administration's ADB fanboys of 'inclusive growth' should give way to the wisdom of progressives who drafted the 'Blueprint for a Viable Philippines' for PNoy's legacy, for national development, for the good life of hopeful Filipinos....
Four more years left for PNoy's presidency, but there are only three more years left to attain the Millennium Development Goals!
To be for hope.
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