Binay: Why are there still poor Filipinos?

MANILA - A spokesman of President Benigno Aquino III said Vice President Jejomar Binay should just ask people around him if they are not yet feeling the economic growth.

"Pakitanong na lang ang 3.1 Million families na beneficiaries ng [conditional cash transfer], pakitanong sa 82.15 Million families or 86 percent ng populasyon ay covered na ng Philhealth at free rotavirus vaccines para sa 5.2 million poorest households, pakitanong na lang sa mga communidad sa [Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao] kung hindi sila nakikinabang sa programa ng gobyerno,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

In his speech during the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) proclamation rally in Cebu, Binay said: “Growth has to filter down - kailangang umabot sa karamihan, lalo na sa mga naghihirap, ang benepisyo ng pag-unlad.”

Lacierda, however, noted that soldiers and fireman have benefited from 21,800 housing units.

He said: "Pakitanong na lang sa MILF kung bakit malaki ang pag-asa nila na aangat ang antas ng kanilang buhay. Ito ay iilan lamang sa mga nagawa ng ating Pangulong Aquino."

The Philippine economy grew by 6.6% in 2012. While some economists credited President Benigno Aquino III for the “fast” growth in economy, some find it wanting in terms of inclusive growth. They said the number of jobless Filipinos is still growing.