One indication that the Philippine society is exasperated and desensitized in the face of the highly toxic state of local politics and the economy is when the business community talks as one in urging the government to do what is right, and immediately.
For whatever reason, the Executive department headed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cannot see, or refuse to see, that some of his officials’ fixation in making “asar” with China is eroding the gains already made in the areas of friendship, cooperation and trade with our biggest trading partner and giant neighbor.
I say biggest trading partner because the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) separates the figures of our exports to China and exports to Hong Kong, as if these are two separate nations, when in fact when you combine the two numbers, it would make China our biggest trading partner, not the US.
We have been saying that defense secretary Gibo Teodoro and Jay Tarriela should be chastized for their belligerent statements and actions against China, and just leave foreign policy to the President and his Department of Foreign Affairs.
But it seems the two officials have other bosses (Americans?) that they defy Bongbong’s guidelines towards a reset of relationship with China toward a more friendly and sane one.
And thus, the business community had to take a stand.
A total of 23 business groups and counting, have urged Gibo and Tarriela and their ilk to stop. These are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, its rival Federation of Philippine Industries to the Philippine Exporters Federation to even the Foundation for Economic Freedom, a pro-US self-styled guardian of neo-liberalism.
The group included the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, and even the organization of Overseas Filipino Workers of my friend Marissa del Mar. The voices of OFWs should be heard because Gibo and Tarriela are endangering the jobs, opportunities and lives of thousands of Filipino workers in China, Hong Kong, Macao and even Taiwan.
The group of business, labor, OFW, educators, economists, farmers and youth, have appealed for sobriety, restraint, statesmanship and renewed diplomatic engagement amid heightened exchanges between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Philippine government officials.
The continued: “Amid global uncertainties, we urge measured diplomacy that advances Philippine interests. All parties should avoid inflammatory rhetoric, public recriminations and social media exchanges that could further strain bilateral relations. Diplomacy is best pursued through established channels, coordinated institutions, informed dialogue, mutual respect and a clear understanding of national interests.
“The Philippines needs a foreign policy that is principled yet pragmatic, resolute yet diplomatic, and anchored in protecting sovereignty, economic security and long-term development.
“Whatever our political differences or maritime disputes, constructive diplomacy and stable economic relations are essential to protecting livelihoods, maintaining investor confidence, controlling costs, accelerating clean energy adoption, and sustaining development.”
The business associations should have gone one more step further and demand from Bongbong Marcos the resignations of both Gibo Teodoro and Jay Tarriela for activities greatly detrimental not just to the service, but to the nation.
#OpinYon #WeTakeAStand