MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, October 18, vowed to the businesspeople that he would give them “100 percent satisfaction” as long as they would not give in to corruption.
During his remarks at the 44th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) Concluding Ceremony at the Manila Hotel, the Chief Executive said that he would make sure to give businessmen an audience for their complaints. “I’m advising foreign investors, you have to tell me the truth. If you have something to complain especially about corruption, please talk to me and I will give you 100 percent satisfaction.”
“Yan ang pangako ko sa inyo. And you will be protected. Kung magsumbong ka sa akin, then I will just tell him in front of you ‘better be sure that nothing happens to this guy.’ Maski napako lang ito doon sa hagdanan nila, magdasal ka kasi ikaw pupuntahan ko,” he continued.
The President then emphasized his administration’s commitment to impose law and order and combat graft and corruption in the country.
He, however, cited that this thrust is not solely the government’s responsibility, but the entire Filipino people.
“So I promised you that corruption would be dealt with severely and I am doing it. That’s a campaign promise which I’m doing now. What is utterly lacking is the assertiveness of the Filipino people of their constitutional, civil, and political rights,” President Duterte said.
“Ang Pilipino… ‘yan eh because you surrender, you give in to people in government who are into graft and corruption. Ang makatulong niyan, magsama tayo. Isumbong mo lang at sinabi ko nga, anybody who is complaining about graft and corruption, I will give you an audience any time,” he added.
In the same event, President Duterte spearheaded this year’s business conference awarding ceremony.
He also accepted the baton which was transferred to him by former Philippine Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada. Passing the baton signifies national leadership and good governance.
Meanwhile, the 44th PBC&E Chairman Ramon Ang also submitted to President Duterte the business sectors’ list of resolutions that would alleviate the predicaments the investors are experiencing in the country such as flooding, traffic, and airport congestion.
The President, on his part, promised to discuss these concerns in the next cabinet meeting. “I will do everything to really address the things that you have mentioned. I will place it in the agenda, first agenda during the next meeting,” he said.
“And with that, I’d like to thank the PCCI (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and everybody who’s interested and for your patience for me to end the prob.” President Duterte said.
