Constitutional reform and the Economy

Philippine Ambassador to the UK (2003-2009) Edgardo B. Espiritu wrote the following piece in 2003 during the presidency of Gloria M. Arroyo. In this article, he pointed out the urgency of sharpening the country’s economic competitiveness as the trend toward globalization was becoming irreversible. His call for economic reform and the need for Constitutional leeway to make the economy more accommodating and flexible still rings true and relevant today, thus, the Times is republishing it.

THE current national and international scene is so full of uncertainties. The imminent war in Iraq creates huge instabilities in oil prices, in exchange rates, in stock markets and in our daily lives. The continued fighting in the south, the constant threat of terrorist attacks, and the still high crime rate can give one the impression that it is no longer safe to live in this country. A thousand and one problems call for immediate attention --- from garbage to traffic to drugs to bad roads to high power and water rates. In an environment like this, one cannot really blame government if at times it appears to be engaged merely in firefighting. Our leaders’ energies are sapped just being preoccupied with these immediate concerns.