Manila Hotel, Manila
October 19, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the concluding ceremony of the 43rd Philippine Business Conference (PBC) and Exposition of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Manila Hotel, Manila.

In his keynote address, the President imparted a few points of his administration’s approach in addressing crime and corruption in the country, particularly the illegal drug trade. He explained his order on the law enforcers withdrawing their duties in leading drug-related operations, and giving the authority solely to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the law mandates.

Additionally, pertaining to the ‘extra-judicial killings’ that have been emerging alongside government’s war against illegal drugs, the Chief Executive stressed that such violence is “simply homicide or murder”.

“I will do what I have to do and I will just follow the Constitution. I have never ordered the killing of anybody, kneeling down or with his hands up. I said arrest them if it’s possible, but if they refuse then you have to overcome their refusal,” he said.

On the recent liberation of Marawi City from Islamic terrorists, President Duterte extended his gratitude to countries that gave their support, particularly China, in providing additional arms for the Philippine military. “The rifle that killed Hapilon was a sniper rifle made in China,” President Duterte added.

Prior to his speech, he led the presentation of awards to individuals and groups who have greatly contributed in the business community. The awards are as follows — Testimonial for the 42nd PBC Chair; International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Excellence Award; Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Award; and Most Outstanding Chamber Awards (MOCA).

The 43rd PBC and Exposition is a two-day event that convenes business and government leaders both local and worldwide to exchange strategies in creating a more competitive business environment towards the projected economic transformation of the Philippines by 2022.

Also present in the occasion were Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, PCCI President George Barcelon, 43rd PBC and Exposition Chair Jose Leviste, Jr., and other invited guests from the business sector.

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