Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
August 23, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte swore into office the board of directors and officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace.

In his message, the President called on the newly appointed officers to help him in turning over a government that is in order and corrupt-free to his successor. He also underscored the government’s stern stance to obliterate illegal drugs and corruption in government, and support in installing lasting peace with the leftist groups, except for the Abu Sayaff group he vowed to destroy.

Quoting Abraham Lincoln, “If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how – the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what’s said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference,” the President said.

“I cannot answer everybody basta ako trabaho, this fight against drug will continue to the last day of my tie, the fight against corruption will continue for six years. Maybe, many will be unhappy but I think, the bigger picture, I will have something to leave by for my country,” he added.

The PCCI is the oldest and largest business organization in the Philippines that considers itself as the “voice of Philippine business,” advocating the advancements of grassroots entrepreneurship, chamber development, international trade relations, business innovation and excellence.

Meanwhile, PHILEXPORT is the country’s umbrella organization of exporters, mandated to strengthen the country’s export industry through its export promotion and development programs. It currently has about 4,000 members.

The ECOP, on the other hand, stands as the umbrella organization of employers nationwide. They represent employers in the country on labor and social policy issues.

Lastly, PFA is considered as the country’s premier and only internationally recognized franchise association that backs government efforts towards building inclusive growth among regions.

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