ARROYO ATTENDS DAVOS 2009

It's the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland where 41 heads of state attend to discuss world economy and the global financial crisis.

Here's what Amando Doronilla shares in his column:

"President Arroyo is among the world leaders attending Davos. It is not clear what contribution she can make to the forum, except that revealed by her spokesman, who said, “We would like to tell the world that there is a big potential to invest in the country because we have already laid down the foundation to have good business relationships here.” The spokesman also said the President would share Philippine strategies in place, as solutions to the crisis. “The theme is rebooting the economy,” he added.

What’s that, again? What strategies can we share with other world leaders? Masking patronage distribution as stimulus plan?

The costs of attending the forum are such that many executives of big corporations have backed off and withdrawn sponsorship of some of its events. The annual corporate membership required in order to send executives to the meeting is $36,768, plus 18,000 Swiss francs, not including accommodations.

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Critics consider this as just a waste of money and time.

Perhaps, our President have no idea that BIG Governments now are more concerned solving the rising problems of their local economy, finance and swelling unemployment in their own countries to pay attention to a Third World Economy's invitation to invest in the Philippines.

This will not work at the moment.

Again, what a waste of OUR money.

What if she just concentrates at home where a lot of urgent fixing requires a President's attention?

Instead of lobbying for support of nations who are in turmoil and sharing her unsolicited advice on their economies which only puts the country in shame, stay and fix the problems in the Philippines. And stop pretending we're in the big leagues.

Obama understands this. He is not attending. He is busy convincing the US Congress of his stimulus plan. Gloria has the same stimulus package and does not even bother telling us the details where the money will go.

Or perhaps, it's all been settled in dark.