Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is not worried about the possible economic impact should the Philippine government decides to cut ties with any Chinese company and impose a ban on their products.
Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri (Senate PRIB Photo)
The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCI), however, is.
FFCCI has warned about the possible economic impact if the government decides to do so in the aftermath of another incident in the West Philippine Sea.
Asked to comment, Zubiri said that “if the Chamber is worried about the economic impact a boycott would bring, then they should help convince their benefactors and Chinese state owned contacts to get out of Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).”
“May we hear a condemnation from them please on the water cannoning of our troops and personnel that happened last week?” he asked.
In an interview on Radio DZBB, FFCCCII President Cecilio Pedro cautioned senators against making such calls as this would have a negative impact on both China and the Philippines, considering that China is the country’s largest trading partner.
The FFCCCII chief said Philippine politicians should calm down and look for other ways to address the issues in the WPS.
The Senate earlier adopted a resolution condemning China’s incursions in the WPS and has urged the government to bring the issue before the United Nations and other international bodies.
After the adoption of the resolution, Zubiri, in a privilege speech, urged the government to consider banning Chinese companies from taking part in state-funded projects.
Zubiri also called on Filipinos to start boycotting products from China as some countries in the region have already done.