Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City
October 13, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte spoke before the members of the business sector, industry associations, and diplomatic corps as he graced the closing plenary of the 42nd Philippine Business Conference (PBC) and Exposition of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) at the Manila Mariott Hotel in Pasay City.
During his speech, the President reiterated his assurance to give the Filipino people a clean government enshrined to its mandate of providing law and order.
“I will not allow my country to be destroyed.  I will not allow the next generation to be compromised.  And I will not allow corruption to destroy my government…I can only give you what God has commissioned me to do.  He said, ‘drop the corruption of your country because it will not move.’  Let business tribe stop corruption.  Shorten the procedures for all.  Make it comfortable.  I told everybody, I don’t want Filipinos queuing under the heat of the sun,” he said.  
Likewise, he urged the business sector to file complaints against those in public posts who are taking advantage of them, such as engaging in extortion activities or asking them to give beyond what is required.  In this line, the President wants the government TV station, PTV, to come up with a show that would display public complaints against abusive officials and personnel.
“Just do business and I will protect you and if there’s anybody na humihingi sa inyo, tell me… I assure you.  I will call him immediately.  Explain.  But I will also give him the right to answer,” he stressed before concluding.
Prior to his speech, President Duterte witnessed the turnover of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Advisory Council (BAC) flag from Laos to the Philippines.  He also administered the induction of the officers and directors of the Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce, and the presentation of several awards such as the Testimonial for the 41st PBC Chair, International Chamber of Commerce-PH (ICCP) Global Excellence Award, and the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Award.
PBC and Expo is a two-day event that gathered different stakeholders to discuss updates on lessening the business cost, infrastructures that would harness competitiveness, and open trade opportunities.  The event also became an avenue to talk on the cooperation of the ASEAN, East Asian and Asia-Pacific economies, the legislative agenda promoting inclusive growth, the interventions backing the local economies, generating supply of workforce equipped with skills demanded by the industries, among others.
“This has to take on an even active role in shaping our country’s future as we zoom ahead to an increasingly competitive, integrated global economic landscape. ‘Giant Steps 2016 and Beyond’ encompasses the vision of everyone in this room — that of the inclusive economy where people enjoy quality life of the world-class Philippine business sector,” PCCI President George Barcelon said.
Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez joined the President.

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