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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez: No 'xenophobia' in preferring PH-made modern jeepneys

Romualdez: No 'xenophobia' in preferring PH-made modern jeepneys

Published Jan 28, 2024 03:27 am

At A Glance

  • While the House of Representatives is committed to prioritizing Philippine-made jeepneys as part of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), House Speaker Martin Romualdez vehemently denied any notion of dislike or discrimination against foreign-produced modern jeepneys.

IMG-672e19b97fdf4cb985caeee78122e7fc-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

 

 

 

 

 

While the House of Representatives is committed to prioritizing Philippine-made jeepneys as part of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), House Speaker Martin Romualdez vehemently denied any notion of dislike or discrimination against foreign-produced modern jeepneys.

“Of course, hindi ito yung sinasabing xenophobic, yung takot sa foreign na produkto, hindi, (Of course, this is not what is said to be xenophobic, the fear of foreign products, no) we welcome that. We welcome innovation, we welcome technology, we want to learn the best practices,” the Speaker explained in a dialogue with local auto manufacturers on Friday, Jan. 26.

Romualdez said “there’s nothing wrong with foreign products” since they can be an influential tool that could inspire innovation from Philippine auto manufacturers.

“Wala namang problema sa China products, basta mas maganda, mas mura,” he explained.

(There is no problem with China products, as long as they are better and cheaper.)

The House leader gave this assurance during Friday’s discussion with Sarao and Francisco Motors. During the dialogue, he said that the lower chamber will give its “full support” to local manufacturers in their modern jeepney initiatives.

“Kung yung lokal ay mas matipid, mas maganda presyo, dapat dito tayo. Common sense lang naman iyan,” Romualdez stressed. 

(If local is more economical, better price, we should prefer this. That’s just common sense.)

“That is the policy of our President. That is the policy of your Congress. We always want to prioritize the Filipino,” he added.

Related Tags

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez modern jeepneys PUV Modernization Program xenophobia
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