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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider FFCCCII commends PBBM's foreign trips

FFCCCII commends PBBM's foreign trips

Published Mar 19, 2024 10:47 am

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) commended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for promoting the country's tourism and convincing investors to do business in the Philippines during his foreign trips.

 

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FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro speaks during the 'MACHRA Balitaan' at the Harbor View Restaurant. He defended President Marcos, Jr. against those criticizing his trips abroad. (Photo from Bong Son/MANILA BULLETIN)

During the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) "Balitaan sa Harbor View” forum on Tuesday, March 19, FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro defended the President against his critics' accusation of globe-trotting.

Contrary to the accusation of Marcos' critics, Pedro said the foreign travels made by the President are good for the country.

"I see the intention to generate investments. Pero kung kalaban, iba ang tingin. Sa akin, nakikita ko 'yung advantage (But for his opponent, it looks different. For me, I see the advantage). How many Presidents are traveling like him? Everywhere he goes, he brings in investments ,” he said. 

Pedro said that he joined the President in at least two of the trips abroad, and saw for himself all the investments being brought into the country by Marcos every time he traveled. 

"I have been with the President on his two trips abroad, China and Malaysia. The President is working hard to promote the Philippines, and he is inviting investors to come in. He is traveling all over to entice investment. 'Yan ang legacy na gusto n'ya ma-establish over his term -- to bring in more people to help this country move forward, and I give it to him (That's the legacy he wants to establish over his term -- to bring in more people to help this country move forward, and I give it to him),” Pedro added.

Issue on West Philippine Sea 

Pedro also took the opportunity during the forum to discuss the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

He said that the issue is just a small part of the great relationship between the Philippines and China. 

Pedro said that he believes that if only the two leaders of the countries would talk exclusively about WPS, then the issue would be resolved. 

He also set aside the idea of involving other countries in the issue, saying that getting other parties involved is not the solution.

"Dapat, tayo-tayo lang. Habang may buhay, may pag-asa. There is light at the end of the tunnel (It should be just us. As long as there is life, there is hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel),” he said. 

He added that the business sector is hoping and confident that the WPS issue would be resolved diplomatically, as he emphasized that business investors want long-term stability and not conflicts.

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