An organization of business groups expressed their support to the country’s soldiers and marines for their service to the nation amid conflict in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement on Friday, June 21, the Philippine Business Groups said it laud the dedication and self-sacrifice of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
They said that the AFP and the PCG play a critical role in achieving a dynamic economy with widest participation of and benefits for Filipinos that span “all socio-economic classes, economic sectors, geographic areas and ethnic affiliations, under the rule of law in order to afford justice for all.”
“We encourage the government to pursue with utmost urgency the necessary capacity-building measures that will successfully transform the AFP and the PCG into modern, responsive and self-reliant defense forces,” they said.
They also denounced the continued harassment of the AFP, the PCG, and Filipino fishermen “who are just trying to earn their livelihood.”
“Since we need peace and security in building a stronger and more progressive Philippines, we call for a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the current threats to national sovereignty and security,” they said.
They also call for unity towards a “non-violent resolution” that respects the country’s rights as a peace-loving nation.
The Philippine Business Groups is composed of Alyansa Agrikulutura, Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference for Human Development, Cebu Business Club, Cebu Leads Foundation, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Institute of Corporate Directors, Investment House Association of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, NextGen Organization of Women Corporate Directors, People Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc., and the Women’s Business Council Philippines.