The factors cited for suspension of the US8.81 billion fund were the same reasons critics cited when they opposed it – that it had no “transparency and accountability” safeguards.
February 25 was made a holiday in 2000 by then-president Joseph Estrada. Rights activists typically hold rallies that day to commemorate the return of democracy.
The new government slogan evokes memories of the president’s father Marcos Snr, whose regime was saddled by crony capitalism and a deep economic crisis.
Activists, opposition figures question the need for a sovereign wealth fund in the poverty-plagued country, raising concerns over potential corruption.