President Rodrigo Duterte assured Chinese businessmen of his support as long as they pay the right taxes and help him in his reform initiatives.
In his speech during the opening of the 31st Biennial Convention of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) on Friday, March 24, the President said he has taken a strong stance against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality, just as he did in Davao City when he was mayor.
“So this country needs to perk up. Corruption will stop. Kayong mga negosyante, you businessmen, one of those who can really stop corruption,” he told Chinese businessmen.
“You know what? You just pay the right tax. And if somebody tinkers with your return, mentioning or suggesting anything, I should be the first to know. You report to me,” he added.
President Duterte also told the Filipino-Chinese businessmen not to be afraid of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BoC), adding that Filipinos need to be assertive of their rights to eliminate corruption in government.
The President also reported about the improving economic condition of the country, particularly with the assistance of China.
“I would like to thank China again. Our exports in banana have doubled and the pineapple increased by 50 percent. And China says, ‘you sell to us what you have in your country and we will teach you how to improve on the quality before you send it there,'” he said.
Duterte also said he is going to China again following the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding China’s One Belt, One Road initiative.
The President also reiterated his willingness to enter into a compromise with big companies not paying the right taxes, stressing that he needs money to fund social welfare and development projects.
Duterte said another hospital he wants to rehabilitate is Fabella Hospital.
He said if he could raise millions through PAGCOR, he’ll give it directly to Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial to start the project.
“She built a very good hospital sa Marawi for the Moro people. It’s a good one, it has a complete… I intend to build one also. Kaawa ang Moro eh,” the President said of Ubial’s project. ###PND
