Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
March 2, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the induction of the newly elected officers and trustees for 2017-2018 of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at the Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

“I just fired a close associate of mine. I asked him to go quietly because of suggestions of corruption. The first whiff of corruption or suggestion, maghiwa-hiwalay na tayo. I want to give a respite to the Filipino people…” said the President as he showed the administration’s resolve against a corrupt government.

President Duterte continued, “Ang Filipino kasi, hindi assertive,” and added that if Filipinos knew their rights, they should be more assertive against corruption.

“Sabihin mo lang ang pangalan… Name him, do not be afraid of libel,” said the President and encouraged his audience to call 8888 to report corrupt government workers and officials.

President Duterte also reiterated, “We have to solve the problems that beset Mindanao,” and spoke of the government’s commitment to a safer and progressive Mindanao.

The ongoing war against illegal drugs was also tackled by the President. “I will not allow my country to produce slaves to a chemical that make the drug lords rich. I will never allow that,” he stressed.

He added that the President’s duty is “to protect — to obey the Constitution and to protect the Filipino people.”

Some of the newly inducted officers of the CCCI include Ms. Melanie Ng (President), Mr. Antonio Chiu (Finance and Administration Vice President), Mr. Teodoro B. Locson Jr. (External Affairs and Relations Vice President), Mr. Virgilio Espeleta (Business Development Vice President), and Mr. Christian Paroan (Membership Development Vice President).

The CCCI is non-stock, non-profit organization of businessmen, merchants, professionals and entrepreneurs based in Cebu and nearby provinces that aims to strengthen the capabilities of its members through advocacy, linkages and synergy towards the global competitiveness of Cebu and its people.

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