By Vicente B. FozInquirer News Service Editor's Note: Published on page C3 of the August 3, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer THE RECENT appointment of Peruvian Hernando de Soto, a renowned social science expert, as one of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's economic advisers, is a significant step in the government's continuing effort to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth.Known as the "poor man's capitalist," De Soto has been successful in carrying out economic reforms that empower the poor. His specific advocacy: granting the poor legal rights over lands they occupy so these can be used as collaterals to borrow...