MANILA, Dec. 11, 2009—Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo blamed corrupt politicians for the extensive poverty in Southern Philippines.

Bishop Bagaforo said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is poor definitely not for lack of resources but because of irregularities in local governance.

He said everything has its roots in graft and corrupt practices and the never-ending hunger for political power.

“Government leaders should look into its own economic policies and see what needs to be done,” Bagaforo said.

He said if government officials cannot rid the country of graft and corrupt practices and the evils of narcopolitics, more people are bound to suffer.

The government, he added, should upgrade its infrastructure program in the regions because the lack of standard roads and bridges directly affect local residents.

The church leader also cited the problems brought about by unstable peace and order situation because it hinders the inflow of investors to the area.

He noted while the region is rich in natural resources, there are less businessmen who invest in the area for security reasons. (CBCPNews)