Stability top priority amid growing political tremors — analyst

A political analyst said Monday that stability is the most important factor for the country amid recent political tremors, warning that any destabilization will hurt the economy.

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said institutions — including the business sector, the military, the police, the Catholic Church and other Christian groups — are united in calling for a stable government to avoid harming economic performance.

Manhit said destabilization weakens the economy, and when the economy weakens, it is the people who suffer.

“I think what prevailed among various large, respected institutions in our country — including different religious groups and those who stand for accountability, as well as businessmen — is that they want stability,” he said in Filipino during an interview with DZRH on Tuesday.

“The pressure on our president is not for his resignation, but for him to hold someone accountable,” he added.

The think tank chief said major business groups support efforts to stabilize the economy, warning that further unrest will damage growth.

“Most of what’s happening now is not good for the economy. If the economy weakens, who will be affected? The people,” he said. “Their livelihoods will be affected. Who will provide jobs? Not the destabilizers — it’s the private-sector businessmen and groups.”

He warned that additional instability would create chaos for both local leaders and the broader economy, noting that many overseas Filipino workers rely on industries tied to the global market.

“One of them is the large business process outsourcing sector — call centers. If they suddenly pull out, workers will lose their jobs and go hungry,” he said, adding that the government should provide solutions and ensure accountability.

Senator Imee Marcos, speaking Monday night during the second day of Iglesia ni Cristo’s anti-corruption rally, alleged that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Family use illegal drugs — claims that Malacañang and presidential son Sandro Marcos have denied as untruthful and “dangerously irresponsible.”