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Wednesday, 10 June 2009 |
FFCCCII supports charter change The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) has thrown its support to charter change but only to amend certain economic provisions of the constitution.
“ The Chinese-Filipino community supports the move to amend the Constitution to enhance economic development and prosperity of the country,” FFCCCII president Alfonso Uy declared in a forum today, Wednesday (June 10, 2009) at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.
Dr. Uy made the declaration in his welcome message at the double celebration of the 8th Filipino Chinese Friendship Day and the 111th Philippine Independence Day at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel.
Uy conveyed their stand on charter change to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who was guest of honor and speaker during the double event.
Citing the need to keep pace with globalization and to enhance economic development, Uy noted that the World Trade Organization regime has brought rapid changes to world trade and opened doors to all goods and services from all countries, “thus there is need to amend the Constitution to improve the country’s competitiveness and economic prospects.”
Uy later told reporters there is an urgent need to “change the cost of doing business, the cost of power, the cost of land and other factors directly affecting business and investment so that the Philippines can keep pace with the rapid changes in the world economy.”
He explained, however, that whatever changes in other social or political aspects of the country that are being sought “must depend on the political leadership” of the country.
Asked if the opposition to charter change will affect the business environment, and the Chinese businesses in the Philippines, Uy said “that is what we will watch carefully.”
The FFCCCII support for charter change is deemed significant. Aside from its financial muscle and pervasive influence, the Federation has a network of 170 member organizations nationwide.
These organizations play vital roles in the various sectors, industries and communities where they are involved.
Uy said the Chinese Filipinos remain optimistic about the Philippines and the continuing friendship and trade relations between the two countries.
He stressed that the “Philippines is as much our home as China is since we live, work and do business here with our families.” (PND) |
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