THE COUNTRY’s biggest business chamber yesterday dusted off its wish list and presented it to President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who in turn appeared to hit the right notes as he pledged to improve peace and order and rid the government of corruption.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) identified top 10 resolutions under its GIANT STEPS advocacy that stands for good governance, infrastructure, agriculture, new era of manufacturing, tourism, as well as science, technology, education, people and skills.
Released on the second and last day of 42nd Philippine Business Conference (PBC), the list revived a number of last year’s resolutions.
“With the handing of the resolutions, we hope the government would truly see the need of the business sector to be able to obtain many fruits in competitiveness,” PBC Chairman Angelito E. Colona said in his speech after giving Mr. Duterte the list.
“This turnover of resolutions signifies our fervent desire to take part in the change of the government.”
Addressing the audience afterwards, Mr. Duterte admitted he knew little about the economy, but promised to rid government of corruption -- drawing sustained applause from the crowd.
“Just do business and I will protect you,” Mr. Duterte said.
Turning to his preoccupation, the President added: “Those who are into drugs, you are now destroying a generation of Filipinos. Go out because I will kill you.”
PCCI President George T. Barcelon had said on Wednesday that the group’s wish list has been recycled over the years because Mr. Duterte’s predecessors did not address all business concerns.
The list presented to Mr. Duterte consisted of statements supporting efforts to further ease doing business, make taxes more progressive and easier to pay, enhance competition in telecommunications, give the Energy department “a strong leadership role” in “achieving sustainable and reliable power supply at a competitive cost” and for government “to make a definitive decision on opening other major international airports in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao within the next six years,” among others. -- Roy Stephen C. Canivel
source: Businessworld
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