By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
President Duterte vowed to give businessmen, particularly foreign investors, 100 percent satisfaction as long as they do not give in to temptation and report corrupt government officials.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graces the concluding ceremonies of the 44th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) at the Manila Hotel in the City of Manila on October 18, 2018. (PCOO/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Duterte gave the assurance during the concluding ceremonies of the 44th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel Thursday evening.
In his speech, Duterte said that he is doing his best to fulfill his campaign promise to rid the government of corruption. He, however, asked them to help by informing him if they encounter government workers trying to extort from them.
He said he will give businessmen an audience at any time of day as long as it is about corruption, and to protect them.
“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,” Duterte said.
“That is my promise to you, and you will be protected. I will just tell him in front of you, ‘Better be sure that nothing happens to this guy... You better pray because I will go after you’,” he added.
In the same speech, Duterte also assured businessmen that he will address their concerns and assured them that it will be tackled during 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.
Peace leads to improvement
Meanwhile, Duterte reiterated that the Philippines will never improve as long as there is no peace, and law and order in the country which hinders foreign businesses from coming in the country. He said that groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group, which he claimed know nothing but kill and destroy, stop investors from coming in.
“I know that you are the stakeholders here in this country and you have so many... But one thing I will tell you, and that is my advice, if we do not have law and order in this country,” he said.
“And if we do not stop corruption, this country will never... I don't know how, but corruption might really be a good start,” he added.
According to the President, the Philippines will never reach the level of some of its Southeast Asian neighbors as long as corruption in government exists.
“If corruption will not stop, then we will not get anything. Believe me. I've been to so many places. We cannot even reach the level of Indonesia and Malaysia even if we are given five extra miles, at the present of Indonesia and Malaysia, and Brunei are now in,” he said.