A tsunami of interest and commitments.
That's what President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has had to handle so far in his ongoing visit to Japan, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said.
Romualdez, in a press briefing with Manila-based reporters on Friday night, Feb. 10, was asked about Marcos' reaction so far to how he has been received by the Japanese business community.
"I think he's thrilled. I think in fact he's overwhelmed because there's this--I don't know what's the word. Parang may ano (There like a), tsunami of interest eh. Not just interest but commitments. Not just from existing Japanese investors and businesses but even new ones.," said Romualdez, who is part of Marcos' delegation.
The House leader and Leyte 1st district representative further said that Marcos, through his economic team, has been able to build confidence in the Philippines among the potential Japanese investors.
"So we met with various sectors in business community. And the whole length and breath of the industry. The President had engagements with them. He was fielding all questions on all their concerns, whether they be on tax issues, incentives, tariffs, anything that mattered. And we have the economic managers in tow. So they were immediately available to address these concerns.
"And it gave a lot of confidence and you know, it brought about a lot of clarity, and that brings about transparency. And that's business," explained Romualdez.
But how to visualize this tsunami of interest from the Japanese? Romualdez said that during one event, some businessmen had to be turned away because the ballroom couldn't take in more people.
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"There were more businessmen from the Japanese side. They wanted to attend but they couldn’t kasi ganun lang kalaki yung ballroom (since the ballroom, is only that big), I think there were 1,500 applicants or registrants but hindi nakaya ng ballroom (the ballroom couldn't accommodate everyone).
"So nagbibiruan sa susunod siguro dapat stadium na lang to accommodate it (So we're joking around that next time, it should be done in a stadium to accommodate it). It was actually quite reflective of the high interest and I spoke to a number of Filipino businessmen who were here, they say maganda, may momentum talaga (it's good, there really is a momentum)," narrated Romualdez.