Manila: World Bank president Jim Yong Kim on Tuesday described the Philippines as the next "Asian miracle" and a global model in fighting corruption, as it emerges from decades as a regional economic laggard.
Kim said President Benigno Aquino should take much of the credit for the turnaround, highlighting his anti-corruption campaign, efforts to build transparency in government and focus on "inclusive growth".
"Can the Philippines be the next Asian miracle? (After) coming here, I think there is no question that is the case," Kim, who was on a two-day visit, told a forum at the presidential palace.
Kim heaped praise on Aquino`s anti-graft fight, which has seen the president`s predecessor and three sitting senators charged with corruption, as well as the impeachment of a Supreme Court chief justice.
"Among the most important things you can do is tackle corruption and... that is one of things that the (Aquino) government is doing frankly better than any government in the world," Kim said.
"Around the world, the spread of information technology is converging with grassroots movements for transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment.
