Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said public funds are being used appropriately, mirroring President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent statement.

“What is important, the Chief Executive underscored, is there are no irregularities in government spending,” Andanar said in a press statement.

Andanar made the statements in reaction to presidential candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson’s remark that it is “embarrassing” for a country’s leader to leave his successor to deal with trillions of pesos in debt. 

Lacson said on Wednesday that it would be a pity if the future administration had to bear the responsibility of repaying the country’s debt rather than inheriting a “better Philippines.” 

Lacson’s statement was dismissed by Andanar, calling it “part of election campaign rhetoric”.

“Senator Panfilo Lacson’s remarks on the Philippines’ outstanding debt is part of election campaign rhetoric,” he said.

Andanar added that Duterte had already explained why the country has to borrow money.

“Be that as it may, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already addressed this issue saying that there is a need for government borrowing to finance the administration’s programs and projects,” he said.

According to Bureau of Treasury data, the country’s outstanding debt increased to PHP12.09 trillion at the end of February (BTr).  The country’s debt pile as of end-February was 0.5 percent, or PHP63.83 billion, higher than the PHP12.029 billion recorded at the end of January. 

The increase in the Philippines’ debt was caused by “currency fluctuations and net financing from both domestic and external sources.” according to BTr.

Domestic borrowings accounted for around 69.6 percent, or PHP8.41 trillion, of the country’s total debt of PHP12.09 trillion, with external borrowings accounting for the remaining 30.4 percent, or PHP3.68 trillion. 

On March 31, Duterte stated that borrowing is “not terrible” as long as the money is not used for corrupt purposes.