‘SAF clash should be last setback to peace’
By Jose Rodel Clapano (The Philippine Star) | Updated February 1, 2015 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - With the peace process possibly in peril amid calls for retribution against the killers of 44 elite police commandos in Maguindanao, the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels appealed yesterday to the nation to give peace a chance, warning that the alternative is “simply unthinkable.”
Both sides told a press briefing in Kuala Lumpur that two days of talks in Malaysia on disarming the rebels had made progress, and they vowed not to waver in implementing an accord on the voluntary surrender of weapons.
It was announced in the meeting the decommissioning of weapons and forces would begin this month.
The MILF has waged a decades-long insurgency in Mindanao, but an accord signed last year has raised hopes of a lasting peace.
“We want the Mamasapano encounter to be the last ugly turn in the road to peace,” chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in her opening statement at the press conference jointly held with the MILF peace panel.
MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal also expressed his group’s full commitment to the peace process.
Mamasapano is a remote village in Maguindanao where Special Action Force (SAF) policemen clashed with hundreds of MILF fighters for hours last Sunday. Aiding the MILF guerrillas were fighters of the radical Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
President Aquino, who must convince Congress to approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), is under mounting pressure to strike back at the rebels.
“In the next few days we know there will be challenges before us,” Ferrer said.
She said the government would engage with lawmakers to keep the peace process on track.
Ferrer warned of dire consequences if the process is allowed to crumble. “The other alternative is simply unthinkable,” she said.
“It will bring chaos and bring about the rise of other groups (and) even more extremists with very radical ideologies,” Ferrer added.
“That is our message. Please stay the course with us. The road to peace is paved with good intentions but that road too is full of twists and turns. On Jan 25, we all witnessed an ugly turn of events,” she said.
“As in any war situation, civilians were also killed and for them we equally grieve. For them, these nameless, faceless villagers, we also grieve,” she said.
“We know that more than anything they wanted to be remembered in this way – as heroes, as heroes first and foremost,” she said, referring to the fallen SAF commandos.
“This is not the first ugly turn we have endured in this difficult journey to peace in Mindanao, to peace in our country. But we want it to be the last,” Ferrer said.
She stressed the peace panels are doing everything to keep the peace process on track.
The talks in Malaysia marked the first formal sit-down between the two sides since the killing of the 44 SAF men in Mamasapano last Sunday.
At Malacañang, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Jan. 25 incident should not derail the peace process, particularly the passage of the BBL.
“We must remember the important lessons that we learned from the past and ask ourselves as to the best road to take for a brighter future,” he said.
While the Mamasapano carnage has triggered calls for the cancellation of the peace process, Coloma maintained that top government officials like Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno have remained supportive of it.
The MILF signed a protocol agreement on Thursday for disarmament, and both parties said they would go ahead with the symbolic handover this month of 75 high-powered guerrilla firearms.
They also vowed to strengthen existing ceasefire mechanisms to avoid future clashes.
The peace agreement signed last year would create an autonomous region to replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the Philippines’ Muslim minority with locally elected leaders by mid-2016.
The conflict has condemned millions of people across Mindanao to poverty and created fertile conditions for Islamic extremism, with the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group and other hardline militants making remote areas their strongholds.
No terrorist coddler
In an ABS-CBN report, Iqbal denied his group coddled terror suspects Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman, who were the targets of the SAF operation in Mamasapano.
Iqbal said it was the BIFF and not the MILF that was keeping the terrorists.
“The truth will show that we have not been coddling Marwan. Marwan was in the company of the BIFF, not the MILF,” he said in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“You cannot turn over something which is not in your possession,” he added.
The SAF men had just killed Marwan, who was carrying a $5-million bounty on his head, when they ran into an MILF and BIFF blocking force. The MILF said the “misencounter” would not have happened had the policemen “coordinated” their operation with the rebel group.
He said they also suffered casualties in the encounter, counting 18 dead on their side and 14 others injured, the ABS-CBN report said.
Iqbal released the names of the dead MILF men and expressed his condolences to the families of all those killed in Mamasapano.
“Rest assured that no amount of obstacles along the way can stop us from pursuing the path of peace in Mindanao,” he said.
He also appealed to the media not to fan the emotions of hatred.
“Bangsamoro have also suffered a lot as a result of several massacres. The encounter in Mamasapano wasn’t intended by either side – from side of government and MILF. It was a pure and simple misencounter,” he said.
ABS-CBN News also quoted Ferrer as saying that the investigations into the Mamasapano incident would continue, with members of the International Monitoring Team on a field verification mission in the areas concerned.
“We managed to come up with concrete solutions soberly. The results will not become immediately evident. We will remain under scrutiny. We will have to regain the people’s trust. Let our actions then speak louder than our words in due time,” she said.
Accountability
In the ABS-CBN report, government peace panel member Senen Bacani has urged those behind the botched Mamasapano operation to come out in the open and take responsibility.
“The ongoing investigation should bear out facts in terms of accountabilities on both parties. Whoever are accountable should be held responsible for their actions. In their heart of hearts, they know who they are. It doesn’t have to wait for results of investigations,” Bacani told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.
“I think people know what to do when you’re accountable for something... You don’t need to wait for facts. Whoever is accountable should take necessary steps,” he added.
“Whoever he or she is, he or she must know what truth is. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t wait for the results of investigation,” he said.
Ferrer, for her part, maintained that the issue of amnesty and pardon would have specific parameters.
“Such will depend on the case. Even though you grant amnesty, we know under international humanitarian law, there are exceptions. Amnesty and pardon has always been part of reconciliation. We’re still discussing parameters,” she said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations and Switzerland issued separate statements expressing sadness for the Mamasapano tragedy and extending condolences to bereaved families.
“The United Nations team in the Philippines joins in mourning those who lost their lives in the tragic incident of 25 January in Mamasapano in Mindanao, and expresses its condolences to the affected families.”
Switzerland it was “concerned and saddened” by last week’s violence in Maguindanao that left scores dead and the peace process in peril.
“It is Switzerland’s hope that this tragic event will not destabilize the ongoing peace process. More than ever, peace is needed now and under no circumstances should it be the ultimate victim of Sunday’s event,” the Swiss embassy said.
With Pia Lee Brago
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‘SAF clash should be last setback to peace’ | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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2 PAF pilots die as SF-260 plunges into sea
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) | Updated February 1, 2015 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - Two pilots of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) died when their training plane crashed in the waters off Nasugbu, Batangas yesterday morning.
Reports reaching the PAF headquarters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City identified the fatalities as Capt. John Bayao and 1st Lt. Nazer Jana.
The pilots were conducting air exhibition for the scheduled celebration of Nasugbu’s Liberation Day when their SF-260 plane crashed 150 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Bucana at 9:45 a.m.
Nasugbu police head Chief Inspector Pablo Aguda said the bodies of Bayao and Jana were retrieved about 20 meters deep and brought to Manila.
PAF spokesman Col. Rico Canaya said they have yet to determine the cause of the plane crash.
The PAF leadership, under Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, dispatched a team of air force probers to Nasugbu to conduct an investigation.
– With Arnell Ozaeta
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2 PAF pilots die as SF-260 plunges into sea | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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Palace against ‘Truth’?
Coloma: Proposed Truth Commission to probe Mamasapano carnage needs thorough study
by Madel Sabater - Namit
February 1, 2015
Malacañang yesterday called on the Senate to reconsider its proposal of creating a Truth Commission to investigate the massacre of 44 police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, saying there is already a Philippine National Police (PNP) Board of Inquiry that is tasked to investigate the incident.
Last Friday, administration ally Sen. Teofisto Guingona III called for the creation of a Truth Commission to “conduct a thorough and impartial probe” on the killing of 44 members of the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) in Mamasapano.
Guingona nominated former Chief Justices Reynato Puno and Hilario Davide Sr., and former Sen. Wigberto Tañada to his proposed Truth Commission.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that while the Executive branch respects the Senate as a separate and co-equal branch of government, the creation of the Truth Commission should be reviewed.
“I think a thorough study is in order since there is already a Board of Inquiry and an Executive Commission for the MILF side. Even members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the CCCH (Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities) have knowledge on the incident and they offered their assistance and inputs,” Coloma said.
He said there should be a dialogue between the executive and legislative branches to build a common ground.
“We should review thoroughly the proposal so there would be a unified view of the situation in our goal to seek the truth on the incident,” Coloma said.
HOUSE DIVIDED
While Malacañang is cool on the idea of creating Truth Commission, some lawmakers from both houses of Congress will join forces at the Senate Monday to drum up calls for its creation.
The united appeal will be made in a press conference at 10 a.m. in the Senate’s Sumulong Room, to be attended by Senators Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV.
Joining the three senators in the discussion are Reps. Sitti Turabin Hataman (AMIN party-list), Leni Robredo (3rd District, Camarines Sur), Teddy Baguilat (Ifugao), Jorge Banal (3rd District, Quezon City) Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands), and Mars Teodoro (1st District, Marikina).
All six lawmakers are part of the Liberal Party (LP)-led administration coalition that dominates the 16th Congress.
Also supporting the proposed Truth Commission are ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Samuel Pagdilao, Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas, and Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo.
But Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and several House leaders said they have faith in the Board of Inquiry formed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II to ferret out the truth behind the Mamasapano carnage.
I go with that proposal. The Truth Commission must be peopled with men of probity, impartiality, and integrity. And be given the mandate to either dig into the deepest bowels of the earth or go up even to the highest echelons to determine gaps, responsibility, and accountability and be able to provide answers and remedial measures,” Pagdilao, a former police general, said in an interview.
Treñas and Quimbo also rallied behind Guingona’s call “so that those responsible for the debacle will be called upon to account for the same.”
But Belmonte and other House leaders do not find it necessary to form such commission to investigate the death of the “Fallen 44,” explaining it would only replicate the PNP Board of Inquiry, formed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). ”The President has already ordered a thorough investigation of it, I’d await the results of it,” the House Chief said in a separate interview.
Akabayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello and AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe agreed with Belmonte, saying that the Board of Inquiry should be given leeway to do its job.
“That’s a good idea but my question is how the Commission will dovetail with the proposal for a Board of Inquiry. There might be duplication of work,” Bello said.
“Let the Board of Inquiry finish its job first before we conduct all kinds of investigation to save time and resources of the government,” Batocabe pointed out.
For his part, Deputy Majority Leader and Citizens Battle against Corruption partylist Rep. Sherwin Tugna welcomed Guingona’s proposal, but he said, “The prudent thing to do is to wait for the results of the investigation of the Board of Inquiry.”
Albay Rep. Francis Bichara, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, rejected the creation of a Truth Commission, explaining that the “Senate and House can do separate investigations.”
SURPRISE SUPPORTER
Rallying behind Guingona’s proposal, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares suggested that it should be headed by “independent and credible persons” like former Chief Justice Renato Puno “to assuage fears that the investigation will not be whitewashed to favor President Aquino and suspended PNP General Alan Purisima while putting the blame on the SAF forces themselves.”
“The Commission must have the independence and the courage to summon members of the US forces in the Philippines and investigate their involvement,” he said.
Colmenares gave in to Guingona’s call, believing that the PNP Board of Inquiry, composed of PNP Generals, “is not expected to objectively investigate the killing of the 44 SAF personnel, considering that they will investigate not just the involvement of US forces but also President Aquino and suspected PNP Chief Alan Purisima who are their superiors.” (With reports from Ellson A. Quismorio and Charissa M. Luci)
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Palace against ‘Truth’? | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines
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Lawmaker fears whitewash in Mamasapano clash probe
Aries Joseph Hegina | INQUIRER.net 1:26 PM | Sunday, February 1st, 2015
MANILA, Philippines—A militant solon has expressed doubts about the government-led investigation into the bloody clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, that resulted in the death of 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF).
In a statement, Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares said the probe by a PNP board of inquiry would not be objective.
“The PNP Board of Inquiry, composed of PNP Generals, is not expected to objectively investigate the killing of the 44 SAF personnel considering that they will investigate not just the involvement of US forces but also Pres. Benigno Aquino III and PNP Chief Alan Purisima who are their superiors,” Colmeranes said.
He added, “President Aquino has practically pre-empted the Board of Inquiry during his televised speech by washing his hands of any responsibility and blaming the SAF forces for failing to coordinate with other units until it was too late. There is no way that the Board will find President Aquino accountable for the botched operation after that speech.”
The lawmaker added that he favored the formation of an independent commission composed of “credible” persons such as former Chief Justice Renato Puno to lead the probe.
An independent probe, the lawmaker said, could “assuage fears that the investigation will be whitewashed to favor President Aquino and General Purisima, while putting the blame on the SAF forces themselves.”
Also, “the Commission must have the independence and the courage to summon members of the US forces in the Philippines and investigate their involvement,” the House Deputy Minority Leader added.
He urged other PNP officials to come out and reveal what they know about the operation dubbed as “Operation Wolverine.”
“Members of the PNP and other security forces who know what really happened in Mamasapano and in the preparations leading to the operation should come forward and tell the truth about those accountable for the botched operations. Otherwise, the case could be whitewashed with the blame mainly pinned on the hapless SAF,” Colmenares added.
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Lawmaker fears whitewash in Mamasapano clash probe | Inquirer News
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Toyota to double PH production by 2020
Amy R Remo | 1:50 AM | Saturday, January 31st, 2015
TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) is gearing up to sustain its strong performance over the next five years, as it targets to almost double its vehicle sales to about 200,000 units by 2020 and retain its market leadership in the local automotive sector.
For 2015, however, TMP has opted to be more conservative in its performance, forecasting only a 4 percent growth in vehicle sales to 110,000 units from the 106,110 units sold in 2014.
TMP president Michinobu Sugata said the automotive firm wanted to focus more on its after sales service, given the growing number of Toyota vehicle owners in the country.
“We will try to focus on after sales service this year because last year, we received 737,000 units for after sales. So in order not to sacrifice our customer satisfaction, we decided to put more focus on after sales enhancement this year rather than sales,” Sugata explained. “There are nearly one million Toyota vehicles on the road due to [rising] car sales, expansion of dealer network, and attractive products and services.”
“This is a transition year for Toyota. Looking at growth, at our midterm goal for sales by 2020, we’re going to aim for 200,000 units, and that’s more or less 40 percent of the market. In order to reach that number, we have to strengthen our fundamentals. Of course, after sales service capacity expansion first. We’re going to expand the dealer network with 10 new dealerships. Last year we had 45, and this year we are aiming for 55 dealers nationwide. Most of the expansion will be done on the provincial side,” Sugata further noted.
The TMP chief admitted that by having this focus, vehicle sales will be affected this year, and most likely the company’s market share, which may see a slight decline this year.
There will also be a lesser number of launches for model changes, the first of which was held Thursday night, for the all new Alphard. Sales for the third generation Alphard, which retails for over P3.2 million, is expected to average about 20-35 units a month, up from 17 units for the previous generation. Initial orders are seen reaching 40-50 units, Sugata added.
Profitability, however, will not necessarily be affected because sales of parts are likely to increase and will make up for the lower volume of cars sold.
Sales of automotive parts are projected to increase by 15 percent this year. Last year, auto parts sales comprised about 20 percent of the company’s P100 billion in revenues.
Sugata further noted that a bigger focus on after sales service was meant to ensure that the company will be equipped with the expected growth in the Philippine automotive sector, where sales are expected to reach 500,000 units by 2020.
To cater to an expected surge in sales, TMP plans to roll out a P2.5-billion capital outlay program this year to prepare for a model change of the Innova. This expenditure will be similar to the over P2 billion spent for the model change of the Vios, Sugata said.
The planned capital budget, which has yet to be approved by TMP’s parent firm in Japan, will be used to speed up the assembly line. Last year, TMP was able to produce a record 41,644 units, and expects further increase in production to 43,000 units. However, the actual capacity of the plant was only 35,000 units, which meant that workers worked overtime or on double shifts.
“Our production capacity was not enough at 35,000 units. But we produced 41,644 units last year by rendering two [additonal] hours each day. So as we expect a moderate increase this year, we have to expand production capacity a bit to accommodate [the increase]. Otherwise, our workers will have to work three or four hours overtime or two shifts. We may hire more workers. At the moment, we have 1,500 people at the factory,” he added.
On another development, Sugata said they are still awaiting the issuance of the Philippine automotive industry roadmap, which he stressed was “indispensable” for setting the company’s mid-term manufacturing goals.
“We are optimistic that the Department of Trade and Industry’s comprehensive program for auto manufacturing industry will jumpstart broad based industry growth, especially in the parts manufacturing sector and auto supporting industries,” he said.
“The passage of the Philippine Auto Roadmap comes at an opportune time when regional competition is expected to be more intense as the Asean Economic Community integration commences this year. Under a highly competitive economic region, the auto roadmap will be vital in stimulating higher growth and expanding the domestic market,” Sugata added.
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Toyota to double PH production by 2020 | Inquirer Business
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United Airlines seeks to grow PH business
by Emmie Abadilla
February 1, 2015
Almost half a decade after the United Airlines merger with Continental Airlines, which created the world’s largest airline, United is re-introducing itself to the Philippines.
United has been operating in the country for over 30 years, with a 4 percent share of the Manila to the USA. flights.
But is quandary is being a high-fare carrier in a low-yield market. United’s market growth depends on the availability of seats in the country, where the bulk of passengers fly economy class.
Hence, for 2015, United is expecting its capacity growth here to be flat, confirmed Jake Cefolia, Vice President for Atlantic and Pacific Sales.
“We need higher fares and more seats. We allocate inventory on the basis of fares. Our growth is demand-based, not price-based.”
Still, “The Philippines is very important to us, it’s a great feeder,” noted Maria Perdon, Country Sales Manager.
While the Manila to the US route is a high volume market, high price seats constitute only a small portion of the demand. “In order to be profitable, we need a good mix between business class and economy class seats,” she explained.
But inasmuch as the first and the business class seats will not sell as fast as the economy seats, “The way to sell higher fares is to prove we have more value for that price,” Cefolia stressed.
This year, United is making Wi-Fi available on more than 370 of its aircraft, with more planes being outfitted at the rate of one per day.
It has also invested millions of dollars in domestic premium-cabin food and beverage service as well as personal device entertainment which will enable passengers to stream content from a library of music, TV and movies into their own gadgets.
So far, United is the only American airline to offer premium-cabin flat-bed seats on every long-haul international flight to and from the continental USA.
This year, the airline is investing more in service, technology and reliability.
Overall, United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,055 flights daily to 373 airports in 60 countries across six continents. Last year, they operated nearly 2 million flights carrying 138 million customers.
In 2014, United netted $1.97-billion earnings, posting 89 percent increase year on year.
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United Airlines seeks to grow PH business | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines
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Philippine growth seen topping 6.1% this year
By Kathleen A. Martin (The Philippine Star) | Updated February 1, 2015 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine economic growth would likely accelerate this year from the strong 6.1 percent expansion in 2014, fueled by poll-related spending in the run-up to the 2016 national elections, the research arm of Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. said.
“Research sees 2015 to be a better year especially with spending for the 2016 elections expected to be kick-started in the second half of 2015,” Metrobank Research said in its latest The Economic Weather Report.
“The increase in government spending is seen to cause a rebound in investment spending and will also further boost consumption spending. The industry sector will still be a top performer this year amid the solid expansions in the manufacturing and construction sectors,” the bank added.
Metrobank Research has forecast gross domestic product, a measure of economic output, to grow 6.4 percent this year, below the government’s seven to eight percent target.
“Risks to the domestic economy however remain amid the persistent port congestion issues, looming power supply crisis, uneven global economy, and impact of financial market volatilities,” Metrobank Research said.
GDP growth surged to 6.9 percent in the last quarter of 2014 after a dismal 5.3-percent pace in the third quarter. This brought full-year economic growth at 6.1 percent, still short of the government’s 6.5 - 7.5 percent goal.
However, Philippine economic growth last year remained the second fastest in Asia, after China’s 7.4 percent expansion. This also marked the third consecutive year the country achieved an above six percent growth.
“2014 growth can be attributed to the rebound in external trade, robust industry sector, and still solid consumption,” Metrobank Research noted.
The foreseen strong economic growth this year will be matched by a manageable inflation, which Metrobank Research expects to average 2.8 percent.
“Expect low inflationary pressure this 2015, as stable food prices and soft oil prices remain. The high 2014 base will also dampen pressures to the index,” the bank said.
“Possible upside risks may come from power costs given shortages in the Luzon grid this summer and a sudden reversal in oil price movements,” Metrobank Research warned.
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Philippine growth seen topping 6.1% this year | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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US group exploring opportunities in Philippines
By Louella D. Desiderio (The Philippine Star) | Updated February 1, 2015 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - The US Philippine Society (USPS) will continue to promote opportunities in the Philippines to the American business community as it expects the country’s economic gains to be sustained.
In a press conference Friday, USPS co-chairman and former US Ambassador to the Philippines John Negroponte said amid expectations of sustained positive economic conditions, the group intends to encourage US firms to consider business opportunities in the country.
Officials of USPS, a non-profit organization which seeks to raise the Philippines’ profile in the US, were in the country for a series of meetings with government leaders and the business community to know about the business environment and opportunities available here.
“The most important takeaway of this series of meetings is that the progress of the Philippines particularly growing economy and reforms is positive. We expect the positive trend to continue and the important thing we will do when we go back to the US is spread that message and the opportunities it represents for the US business community,” Negroponte said.
USPS president John Maisto said the Philippines has made improvements not just in terms of economic growth but also in governance and security, making it a desirable investment partner.
He added that the Philippines’ available young talent pool, which can speak the English language well, also makes the country an attractive location for business.
While there is already interest from the US in opportunities in infrastructure, energy and modern technology, he said USPS is committed to further promote opportunities here.
As the investment environment is becoming even more competitive, he said the Philippine government and private sector, however, will also have to do its part in drumming up investor interest in the country.
“What we have seen is interest of the government to do smart policies. We know Philippines businesses are interested in partnering and we know the growth record and ability of Filipinos to carry work. You have to take advantage of these opportunities,” he said.
“Investments should be seduced and attracted. This is the challenge of the Philippines in Southeast Asia,” he added.
For his part, Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. said the government is aware of the challenges that remain such as making the country’s economic growth more inclusive and reducing the poverty level which remains high and such are already being addressed.
USPS is a private sector initiative organized in 2012 to broaden and expand interaction and understanding of the US and the Philippines in the areas of security, trade, investments, tourism, the environment, history, education and culture.
It is collaborating with the Philippine Embassy to achieve its objective of increasing awareness on the Philippines in the US.
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US group exploring opportunities in Philippines | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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