Filipino Economists’ Statement of Support for the Presidential Bid of Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo
We, the undersigned economists, express our full support for the presidential bid of Ma. Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo.
At this time when our country is struggling to recover from its deepest economic crisis since the 1980s, we believe that government’s role has never been more indispensable. We are convinced that only a competent leadership can restore the people’s trust and confidence in government enabling it to effectively preside over the collective effort of economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic.
We believe that economic recovery merits priority in the next administration’s agenda. We share the hope of a majority of our people for an economic recovery that does not merely reproduce the inequities in our pre-pandemic society but eradicates their sources and expands economic and social opportunities for all in a level playing field. We understand the deep roots of these problems in the political economy of our society and realize that quick fixes will do little to solve them. That is why we endorse a leadership with a vision for the future; one that understands the protractedness of the economic challenges we face yet appreciates the urgency of providing relief and comfort to the vulnerable. We support responsible use of the various policy tools at the government’s disposal to address the nation’s pressing problems: the lack of gainful employment, inflation, food shortages, an inadequate public health system, the infrastructure deficit, cronyism, and corruption, among others.
We further believe that the country urgently needs a better pandemic response, one that is sound, prompt, informed by science, and evidence-based. This should be the centerpiece of any program for the complete resumption of economic activity: there will be no economic recovery to speak of unless the government focuses its efforts on the health crisis and addresses it systematically. Thus far the burden of adjustment has always been lopsided against the poor and marginalized in the country. Our nation cannot move forward on this basis.
In view of the foregoing, we believe that VP Leni Robredo is our best hope to turn the tide and bring back the people’s trust in government in order to restore and sustain vigor to people’s lives and livelihoods at the soonest possible time:
First, Robredo brings to the table a solid economics and legal background which will be necessary for crafting policies to accelerate economic recovery.
Second, Robredo has shown a genuine concern for the plight of the poor and marginalized through her decades of work as a human rights lawyer for grassroots organizations even before entering politics. This will be crucial not just in bringing back people’s trust in government, but also in making sure that economic recovery improves the lives of Filipinos from all walks of life.
Third and most important, Robredo has a proven track record of hands-on leadership and good governance, as evidenced by the efficient and responsive programs of the Office of the Vice President throughout the pandemic. Her COVID recovery plan released in November also provides a coherent and comprehensive strategy to address the lack of jobs, record hunger particularly in urban areas, and the need to beef up provision of economic aid and education assistance especially among the poor.
Bad governance is a poison that kills both lives and livelihoods. The pandemic made that clear. Robredo’s brand of good governance is the antidote this country needs in order to build back better from the twin crises plaguing our health and economy exacting a huge toll on the different sectors of the country. Her leadership will also lend our country much-needed credibility on the world stage. This will be instrumental in revitalizing our partnerships in the global economy and asserting our national sovereignty in the region, especially where the West Philippine Sea is concerned.
We invite our colleagues in other disciplines and groups to join us in supporting VP Robredo, so that we may begin to rebuild our faltering institutions, restore our faith in government, and rebuild the foundations for shared prosperity and dignity.
Signed:
Aaron Castillo, Instructor, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Ace Marco Neptuno, Economics and Financial Management Consultant
Adrian Agbon, Doctoral Researcher, ELI-UCLouvain, Belgium
Adrian R. Mendoza, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UP School of Economics
Agham C. Cuevas, Ph.D.
Agnes R. Quisumbing, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute
Agustin L. Arcenas, Ph.D, Associate Professor, UP School of Economics
Ailyn Shi, M.Sc., Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University
Al-Habbyel Yusoph, M.A., Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman
Albert Kirby Tardeo, Independent Researcher and Consultant
Albert Lamberte, M.A., Teaching Associate, De La Salle University-Manila
Alejo V. Mayoralgo, Ateneo '76 AB Economics, Asian Institute of Management MBM '79, Vice Chair and Convenor, AIM Alumni for Leni, Makati 1sambayan, Robredo Peoples' Council
Aleli D. Kraft, Ph.D.
Alellie B. Sobreviñas, Ph.D., Associate Professor, De La Salle University
Alex de Ocampo, B.S. Business Economics, UP School of Economics '99, Business Owner
Alfie Custodio, Ph.D., Dean, Business College, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
Alfonse Lazatin, M.Sc., Lecturer, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Alfredo R. Paloyo, PhD
Aljanet M. Jandoc, Ph.D., Assistant Professor , Nueva Vizcaya State University
Alliana T. Pedrosa, University of Asia and the Pacific
Alma Porciuncula, M.A., Project Team Leader, DAI Global LLC
Alysson Lucas, Master of Sustainability, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Sydney
Ammielou Gaduena, Ph.D. Candidate, UP School of Economics
Ancilla Marie Inocencio, Ph.D. Candidate, State University of New York, Binghamton
Anne Marie Go, Ph.D., Associate Professor, De La Salle University
Anthony Sabarillo, M.A., Teaching Fellow, UP School of Economics
Antonio C. Causing
Antonio L. Panaligan, M.A. '93, B.S. '88
Ariane T. Manlangit, M.Sc., Researcher, Institute for Development and Econometric Analysis (IDEA) Inc.
Arianne May de Leon, A.B. Economics, Adamson University '09; Member (2007-2009), PhiCes
Arjan Paulo S. Salvanera, M.Sc
Arlene Garces-Ozanne (B.Sc. Economics, UP School of Economics), Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, University of Otago (NZ)
Arlene P. Donaire (M.A. Economics, UP School of Economics; M.P.A., Harvard Kennedy School), Development Management Specialist
Asa Jose Sajise, Professor, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Asuncion Sebastian, Ph.D., UP School of Economics '91
Atty. Farah Decano, B.S. Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman
Basilio N. delos Reyes, Former Professor of Agricultural Economics, UP College of Agriculture, Los Banos
Beatriz A. Brondial, M.D.E., Division Head, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation
Benedict Jr. M. Evangelista, Ph.D. Candidate, UP School of Economics
Bernard Ong, M,A., Ph.D. candidate, University of the Philippines
Bertie Lim, M.B.A., M.P.A.
Bienvenido S Oplas Jr, Columnist, BusinessWorld
Brian Jason H. Ponce, M.Sc., University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College
Carlos C. Bautista, Professor, University of the Philippines
Carlos L. Manapat, D.B.A.
Carlos Santiago B. Tabora, Ph.D., Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Carmela Ortiz, Alumna Batch '85, UP School of Economics
Cecilio L. Adorna, M.A. Economics, UP School of Economics; M.P.A. Harvard Kennedy School
Charles John P. Marquez, M.A.
Charlon B. Mayo, M.A., Lecturer, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Charmaine Crisostomo, M.A.
Charmaine G. Ramos, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Utrecht University
Cheryl Joy Fernandez-Abila, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of the Philippines Visayas
Christian Marvin B. Zamora, M.A.
Christian Regie Jabagat, Ph.D. Candidate, UP School of Economics
Christian Rey Notario, M.A.E., Corporate Banking Relationship Manager, Private Financial Institution
Christopher C. Bacungan, M.A.
Cielito Habito, Ph.D., Professor, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Cielo Magno, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman
CJ Castillo, Lecturer, Ateneo De Manila University
Claro Coredro, Jr., M.S. Industrial Economics, University of Asia and the Pacific; Director and Head of Research, Private Institution
Cristina Bautista, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Cristina C. David, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow (retired), Philippine Institute for Development Studies
Cristino R. Arroyo, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Johns Hopkins University SAIS
Cymon Kayle Lubangco, M.A. Candidate, Ateneo de Manila University
Dante B. Canlas, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, UP School of Economics
Daphne Magtibay, Lecturer, Father Saturnino Urios University
Divine Krizza B. Padua, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines
Diwa C. Guinigundo, Member, Advisory Board, Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics, Singapore Management University
Doreen Erfe, M.A.
Duke Donald R. Cotoco, M.A., Lecturer, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Edgardo Madrilejo
Edgardo Manuel Jopson, M.Sc., Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Editha Laviña, M.A.
Edna Espos, M.Sc., M.B.M., Independent consultant
Elaine Grace B. Fernandez, M.A., Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Visayas
Ellen H. Palanca, Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Elyssa Mariel T. Mores, M.A.
Emilio S. Neri, Jr., Lead Economist, Private Financial Institution
Emmanuel Esguerra, Ph.D., Professor, University of the Philippines (ret.)
Emmanuel P. Lopez Dee, M.A.D.E., Independent Consultant
Emmanuel R.B. Madarang, University of Asia and the Pacific
Emmanuel S. de Dios, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines
Enrico L. Basilio, D.P.A., M.A., Associate Professor, University of the Philippines
Enrico P. Villanueva, B.S. and M.A. Economics, University of the Philippines Los Banos and University of the Philippines Diliman, Chief Risk Officer of a foreign bank
Enrique Lozari, Ph.D., Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Erlinda Medalla
Erlinda Morales-Capones, B.S. Business Economics, University of the Philippines, M.A. Economics, Thammasat University
Ernesto Bautista, Ph.D.
Ernesto M. Pernia, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines
Ernesto O. Cordero, Ph.D., Post-Doctoral, University of Ottawa
Erwin E. Torres, Associate Professor, Bicol University
Esther J. Capistrano
Ethylyn Reyes, Graduate of UP School of Economics and Hong Kong University MEcon
Felixberto U. Bustos, Jr. , D.B.A., C.F.A., Retired Full Professor, Asian Institute of Management
Fernando Aldaba, Ph.D., Professor, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Filomeno Sta. Ana III, Action for Economic Reforms
Frances S. Amado
Francisco M. Largo, M.A.
Froland Tajale, Lecturer, University of Santo Tomas
Gabriel Angelo B. Domingo, Ph.D., Consulting Economist
Gem B. Castillo, Ph.D., President, Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies, Inc.
Genesis Kelly S. Lontoc, M.A., M.B.A., M.S., Associate Chair, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Geoffrey Ducanes, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Georgiana Gamboa, M.A. Economics, University of the Philippines graduate
Germelino M. Bautista, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Ateneo de Manila University
Gerwyn P. Enerlan, Instructor, University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College
Gilberto Llanto, Ph.D., Former President, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (ret.)
Gilliane Angela De Gorostiza, Economic Analyst, ADB; M.S., University of Asia & the Pacific; M.A., Fellow, UP School of Economics
Guillermo L. Francisco II, M.P.A. Candidate, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
Hanny John P. Mediodia, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Visayas
Hazel Ann Brosas, B.S. Business Economics, UP School of Economics '10
Ian Nicole A. Generalao, M.A.
Irene Jo Arzadon, Fellow, UP Diliman School of Economics
Irwin Cruz, Ph.D., Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Isella Drezden P. Tagura, Ph.D. Candidate, UP School of Economics; Lecturer, University of the Philippines Baguio
Jahm Mae E. Guinto, M.A., Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University School of Economics
Jan Carlo Punongbayan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UP School of Economics
Jan Lorenzo Alegado, M.S.
Janica Magat, Ph.D. Candidate, Texas A&M University
Janice H. Aguilar, M.D.E., Corporate Banking Relationship Manager, Private Financial Institution
Jason Alinsunurin, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for External Affairs and Lasallian Mission, DLSU School of Economics
Jay Torrenueva, UP School of Economics
Jeanne Frances I. Illo, M.A., Former Research Associate (ret.), Institute of Philippine Culture, Ateneo de Manila University
Jeannette Niña N. Claveria - Delos Reyes, M.A., Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Jefferson Arapoc, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Jerik Cruz, Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Jermy Prenio, Principal Advisor, Bank for International Settlements
Jessica Ann C Jola, M.S., Lecturer, University of San Carlos
Jessica Reyes-Cantos, President, Action for Economic Reforms
Jhon Louie B Sabal, M.A., Chairperson, Department of Economics, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan
Jo-Ann Diosana, M.A., Action for Economic Reforms
Jocelyn Gigantone, M.A. HTW-Berlin Germany; International Impact Investment Consultant
Johannah Mariz J. Lumanog, Project Development Officer III
John Faust M. Turla, Ph.D. Candidate, Teaching Fellow, UP School of Economics
John Lourenze Poquiz, Ph.D. Candidate, King's College London
Jonathan Ray A. Alforte, M.S., Former Faculty Member and Research Associate at School of Economics, University of Asia and the Pacific
Jose Carlo S. Fernandez, UP School of Economics
Jose Frederick Y. Basa, UP School of Economics
Jose R. Rueda IV, Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Joselito T. Sescon, Assistant Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Joseph Anthony Lim, Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Joseph Edward B. Alegado, M.A., M.P.M., Lecturer, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Joseph El Roy B. Cassion II, M.A., Assistant Professor, Father Saturnino Urios University - Butuan City
Joshua Arsenio V. Espiritu, III, Lecturer, Department of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University; Business Enterprise Development Division, University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries
Jovi Clemente Dacanay, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Business Economics Doctoral Program Director, University of Asia and the Pacific
Joy Abrenica, Professor, University of the Philippines
Joy Chavez
Jude David Roque, M.Sc.
Jude Esguerra
Julian Thomas B. Alvarez, M.A., Lecturer, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Julio Galvez, Research Economist, Banco de España
Jun Morfe, Ph.D., Senior Biosecurity Economist (ret.), Agirulture Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Australia
Justin S. Eloriaga, Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University
Kenneth Isaiah Ibasco Abante, Research Faculty, Ateneo de Manila University
Kristine Joy S. Briones, M.A. UP Diliman; M.Sc. University of East Anglia; Former Research Analyst, University of Oxford; Independent Consultant
L. Jerome C. Guevarra, University of the Philippines
Laarni Escresa
Laurence Go
Leo Jaymar Uy, Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Leonardo A. Lanzona, Jr., Ph.D., Professor, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Liberata M. Talusan
Loreli C. de Dios, M.A.
Lourdes S. Adriano, Ph.D.
Lucia C. Laquindanum
Luis F. Dumlao, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Luis Reyes Jr., University of the Philippines
Luisito Cagandahan Abueg, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Luzeta Adorna, Ph.D.
Lylve Maliz L. Zeller, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Visayas
Lyrna L. Esmeralda-Hewitt, M.B.A.
Ma. Angelica B. America, Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Ma. Clarisse L. Agbay, M.A., Ateneo de Manila University
Ma. Cristina F. Asis, M.A.
Ma. Kresna Navarro-Mansueto, M.A. Economics, Faculty of School of Management, UP Cebu
Ma. Lourdes Lacson, Ph.D. Candidate and Teaching Fellow, UP School of Economics
Ma. Paz Felyn B. Cruz-Tayag
Ma. Piedad Geron, Ph.D., Independent Consultant
Madeleine Balane-Estabillo, M.A., Assistant Professor, De La Salle University-Manila
Maedel Lara, University of the Philippines Diliman
Majah-Leah Ravago, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Manuel Goseco, M.A., Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Maria Alicia P. Libo-on, M.A.Economics
Maria Angeles O. Catelo, Associate Professor, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Maria Estela Varua, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Western Sydney
Maria Kristina G. Alinsunurin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Maria Socorro Gochoco-Bautista
Maria Teresa B. Tumbali
Maria Tricia Yvonne E. Villanueva
Marian S. delos Angeles, Ph.D., Board Member Emeritus, Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies, Inc.; Senior Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (ret.)
Marianne C. Sibulo-Arce, B.S. Business Economics, UP School of Economics '10
Marie Nathalie Ting-Ouano, M.A., Part-time Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University
Marife Lou L. Bacate, Consultant (Economist)
Marilyn Beltran Pizarro, UP School of Economics '82, Anticorruption and Capacity Development Consultant
Mario B. Lamberte, Ph.D., Former President, Philippine Institute for Development Studies; Director of Research, ADB Institute (ret.)
Marites M. Tiongco, Ph.D., Former Dean of the School of Economics, De La Salle University
Marvic Dale Wong, A.B. Economics (Honors) '15; B.S. and M Applied Mathematics in Financial Math '15, '16; Faculty and Researcher, Ateneo de Manila University
Mary Grace D. Hemedez-Hain, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Mary Jane V. David, NA, Batch '91, University of the Philippines Diliman
Melina Tinio Arreza, B.S. Business Economics '79
Miah Maye Pormon,M.A., University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College
Michael Alba, Ph.D.
Michael John M. Barsabal, M.A., Senior Lecturer, University of the Philippines Baguio
Miguel De Jesus, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, CUNEF Universidad
Miharu Kimwell, M.D., M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, University of the Philippines School of Economics
Millicent Q. Pangilinan
Mitzie Irene P. Conchada, Ph.D., Professor, De La Salle University
Nico Ravanilla, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of California San Diego
Nina Ashley Dela Cruz, M.A., De La Salle University Alumnus
Noel B. Del Castillo, Senior Lecturer, UP School of Economics and Miriam College
Noemi C. Bautista, M.A., UP School of Economics
Orlando Roncesvalles, Former Assistant Treasurer, IMF; Visiting Lecturer, Silliman University
Paolo Abarcar, Ph.D., Research Economist, Mathematica
Paolo Kris Adriano
Paolo Lorenzo Tejano, M.P.P., University of Oxford
Patricia Marcella A. Evite, Chief Economist, Ekonsepto; B.S. Economics (2018) UP Los Baños; Master’s in Economic Science (2024) Roma TRE & University of Paris
Paul Gian I. Montero, M.A., Ateneo de Manila University
Paul John M. Peña, Professional Lecturer, DLSU School of Economics
Pauline C. Dangaran, M.A. Student, Ateneo de Manila University; Lecturer, Mapua University
Paulo Martin M. Mercado, M.A.E., Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University
Perpy C. Tio, M.A., Mindanawon
Philip Arnold Tuano, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Precious Grace Bugayong, M Applied Economics, DLSU School of Economics
Prince Christian R. Cruz
R. D. Roderos, M.B.A., M.A. Candidate, Faculty, Graduate School, Manuel L Quezon University, Fiore Del Carmelo School
Rafael Alejandro Solis, University of the Philippines
Rainier Ric B. de la Cruz, M.A., Senior Lecturer, University of the Philippines Baguio
Ralph Nestor Paredo, M.A. (cand), Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan
Raymond Gaspar, Independent Researcher
Renato de Guzman Pizarro, UP School of Economics '83, Economist
Renato Reside, Ph.D., Professor, University of the Philippines
Rene Cuartero, Assistant Professor, De La Salle University - Manila
Rene Marlon Panti, M.A.
Rene Suarez, Lecturer, University of Santo Tomas
Renz Adrian T. Calub, M.A., Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University
Rep. Stella Quimbo, Ph.D., Former Professor, UP School of Economics; Congresswoman, House of Representatives
Reycel Hyacenth Nacario Bendaña
Reymond Denver Q. Buenaseda, Instructor, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of the Philippines Los Banos
Rikka S Cervantes
Rina Maria P. Rosales, M.A., Consultant on Environmental Economics
Rj Angeles, M.A. Economics, UP School of Economics; Former Teacher, UP School of Economics and De La Salle University
Rodelio F. Subade, Ph.D., Professor and UP Scientist, University of the Philippines Visayas
Rodolfo Q. Aquino, Ph.D., Lawyer, Professor, University of the Philippines (ret.)
Rolando A Danao, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines
Rosalina Palanca-Tan, Ph.D., Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Rosario G. Manasan, Ph.D., Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (ret.)
Rose Fres Fausto, Behavioral Economist, Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University
Roy Ybañez, M.A., Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines
Ruth B. Dilao, A.B. Economics, M.B.A., Analyst/Advisor, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Ruth Francisco, Ph.D.
Sandra P. Herrera, M.A., Strategic Planning and Projects Manager, San Miguel Foods, Inc.
Sarah Kathrina Gomez, M.A.
Sarah Mae A. Manuel
Scott Lee Chua, B.A., Yale-NUS College; M. Economics, National University of Singapore
Severino Luis M. Lovero III, Lyceum of the Philippines
Shanti Aubren T. Prado, Ph.D. Candidate, UP School of Economics
Sheila Marie M. Encabo, M.A.
Solita Collas-Monsod, Professor Emerita, UP School of Economics
Susan Castrence Lara, UP School of Economics
Tea Jalin C. Ty
Teresa Jayme Ho
Tirso Raymond S. Gutierrez, A.B. Economics, De La Salle University '89; M.A. Development Studies (ongoing), Independent consultant and former bank executive
Tomas Molina, M.A.
Tristan A. Canare, Ph.D., Ateneo de Manila University
Veronica Castillo, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines
Vickee V. Quimbo, Senior Lecturer, University of the Philippines
Viking Logarta, Advisor, CEED
Vincent Jerald Ramos, Ph.D. Candidate, Hertie School Berlin and Humboldt University Berlin
Virginia de Guia-Abiad, D.B.A., Associate Professor, University of the Philippines Baguio (ret.); Associate Professor, University of Maryland Global Campus
William Bayona, B.S. Economics, MAppFin
Winfred Villamil, Ph.D., Former Dean, DLSU School of Economics
Zenaida M. Sumalde, Adjunct Professor, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Zy-za Nadine N. Suzara, Executive Director, Institute for Leadership, Empowerment, and Democracy
Updated as of 26 April 2022 (4:00 PM).
The list will be updated daily at 4:00 PM.