After honoring the July 2016 Arbitral Ruling victory, the Stratbase ADR Institute (ADRi) hosted a commemorative virtual town hall discussion (vTHD) to highlight the achievements and legacy of the late President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

Entitled “Looking Back to Build Forward: Lessons from Aquino’s Reforms”, the vTHD set sail on the discussion of the economic, good governance, and foreign policy accomplishments of the Aquino Administration.

In terms of the economy, there is no doubt that the Philippines had resurgent economy under the Aquino Administration, where an enabling business environment flourished together with the garnering of commendable investment rating upgrades from international organizations and institutions. Further, the PNoy Administration laid the groundwork for the development of the country’s physical infrastructure to boost job creation and attract more foreign investments, as evidenced by a steady inflow of foreign direct investments during his term and the many PPP projects that are only now being completed.

PNoy’s initiatives against corruption was also felt. The corruption perception index, for instance saw the Philippines rise 45 spots during his term. His contribution the Peace Process and AFP Modernization were also part of his achievements that cannot be overlooked, e.g., the acquisition of military equipment and weapons and the forging of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Last but not the least, his principled leadership has brought governance closer and direct to the public in his effort of promoting transparency and accountability, and in combating corruption.

In terms of foreign policy, his administration set the tone for the strengthening of and forging of new security alliances and agreements, and the affirmation of a rules-order where the rule of law is the prevailing practice rather than the exception. In this aspect, the PNoy Administration demonstrated how a government should protect its territorial jurisdiction and promote the respect for international law.

This virtual event brought former Cabinet members of the PNoy Administration to present evidence-based discussions about its key accomplishments and legacy. The objective here was not only to recognize the accomplishment of the late President Noynoy Aquino, but also to remind us of what the leadership qualities that our prospective leaders should possess.

Program

Opening Remarks
Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Foreign Policy, Security, and the West Philippine Sea
Amb. Albert del Rosario
Chairperson, Stratbase ADR Institute;
Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs

The Lasting Infrastructure Projects of the Aquino Administration
Sec. Rogelio “Babes” Singson
Former Secretary of Public Works and Highways

Economic Policy Reforms and the Philippine Economy’s Acceleration during the Aquino Administration
Sec. Emmanuel “Manny” Esguerra
Former Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority

Anti-Corruption Reforms, Transparency, and Accountability in the Aquino Administration
Atty. Florencio “Butch” Abad
Former Secretary of Budget and Management

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships to Advance Infrastructure and Development in the Philippines during the Aquino Administration
Sec. Jose Rene Gregory Almendras
Former Cabinet Secretary; Former Secretary of Energy

Milestones of the Peace Process: The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro
Sec. Teresita “Ging” Quintos-Deles
Former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

Moderator and Closing Remarks
Dr. Francisco Magno
Trustee and Program Convenor, Stratbase ADR Institute;
Full Professor of Political Science, De La Salle University