By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday said the government is closely monitoring the possible economic effects of its ongoing anti-corruption campaign, noting that no immediate disruptions have been reported.
“Sa ngayon ay wala pa pong naiuulat sa atin. At malamang by tomorrow siguro or next week, aalamin po natin sa economic team kung ano po ang maaaring naging epekto nito (So far, nothing has been reported to us. Likely by tomorrow or next week, we will consult the economic team to determine any possible impact),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate alleged multibillion-peso irregularities in flood control projects and recommend possible charges against implicated government officials and private contractors.
Meanwhile, the Palace attributed the recent 1.7 percent inflation rate in September to rising vegetable prices caused by consecutive typhoons, but said the increase remains manageable.
“Pero according to Secretary Go and Secretary Balisacan, ito pong 1.7 percent ay hindi po ito nakakapagpabagabag sa gobyerno dahil ang pinaka-projected bond ay 2 to 4 percent this year, at malayo pa po ito. At nakikita po nila na slow po ang pagtaas po ng inflation rate (But according to Secretary Go and Secretary Balisacan, this 1.7 percent does not trouble the government because the projected bond is 2 to 4 percent this year, which is still far off. They also see that the inflation rate is rising slowly),” Castro said.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, rose to 1.7 percent in September from 1.5 percent in August, the highest reading since March, when it stood at 1.8 percent.
Economic managers said the rate remains within manageable levels and is unlikely to derail growth.
The Palace emphasized that the government remains committed to sustaining economic stability while pursuing transparency and accountability in public projects. (PNA)
