At a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda maintained that “real growth” is being experienced by Filipinos in the low income level.
“I’m not sure if that [report] is correct. There has been a growth even in the lowest levels and if you notice the growth, for instance, there’s a growth of eight percent in the lowest level,” he said.
Lacierda was reacting to an NSCB study that revealed that Filipinos from the high-income class enjoyed a 10.4-percent growth in income in 2011, while those in the low-income group only experienced an 8.2-percent growth.
Lacierda pointed out that these figures are still above the 3.2-percent inflation rate, which means that growth is being experienced in all levels of society in the Philippines.
He added that the Aquino administration is determined to achieve inclusive growth before Aquino’s term ends in 2016.
“From the very start of our administration, we have said that we are going to bat for inclusive growth and it’s not gonna happen overnight. We are continuously doing and making sure that no one would be left behind,” Lacierda said.
Last April, the NSCB reported that poverty incidence in the country during the first half of 2012 was at 27.9 percent, which was almost the same rate six years ago. — Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News
