MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has promised a corruption-free business environment as he enticed Israeli businessmen to invest in the Philippines.
“I’m going to make it simpler and simpler the rules when I go back. And I want it really to be graft-free,” Duterte said in his speech during Tuesday’s signing of at least 21 agreements between Filipino and Israeli businessmen in Jerusalem.
Duterte assured them that rules will be followed and that he will not tolerate extortion activities.
“I tell everybody, if you are into business in the Philippines, there are rules to be followed. And if there is anyone of you here now, and I give you my guarantee, if anyone of you here would do business in the Philippines and you are given a hard time, especially if you are being milked or extorted, tell me. I will grant you an audience even in the middle of the night and hear you out,” Duterte said.
“Just remember the official with whom you are transacting. You name him, I will call him, and in front of me I will say to you, ‘Slap him.’ ‘Slap him twice on both cheeks,’ because he is insulting you. He is insulting your character and for me, he puts my country to shame,” he added.
He said he will not allow money in politics to stain his hands, reiterating his policy not to entertain government transactions, particularly on public infrastructure projects.
“My standing order to all of my Cabinet members who are here is — no transaction of any kind, any contract, any agreement between the Philippines and a private person or even a government office-to-government office. They will not reach my table,” he said.
Duterte’s resolve to fight corruption has resulted in the dismissal of government officials, including his own appointees.
He took the opportunity to invite Israeli investors to invest in his hometown in Davao City.
“We would be happy. Somebody like you, gentlemen and ladies, doing business in my city, contributing to the nation-building of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.
He also defended his relentless fight against illegal drugs and criminality.
“So it is really of our national interest to protect my young people. And when I became President I said, ‘Do not destroy my country and do not destroy our young. Otherwise you go kaput,’” he said. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
