ILOILO City – The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Iloilo (PCCI-Iloilo) is urging local political leaders to work toward unity, because political discord — both nationally and locally — may dampen investor confidence in the country in general, and in Iloilo City in particular.
PCCI-Iloilo chairman Felix Tiu said Iloilo once enjoyed a highly progressive business climate during the period when then-mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and then-congressman Jerry Treñas, together with the support of then senator Franklin Drilon, were aligned – a time marked by strong investor interest.
“Before, Mabilog and Treñas were united, and during that time Iloilo’s political and business climate was very progressive,” Tiu said, citing Megaworld’s entry into the city as among the investments encouraged by the stable environment. “Even investors were really eager to come to Iloilo because of that. That was one of the reasons they invested here.”
Tiu contrasted that period with the present national landscape, saying ongoing political squabbles and issues of graft and corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways have already prompted some investors to reconsider their plans.
“Damo ang mga problema, and that’s why there are many investors who are planning not to go on with their investments in the Philippines,” he noted.
He emphasized that the business sector remains non-partisan and avoids involvement in political disputes, but hopes local leaders can find common ground for the sake of economic stability.
“We are businessmen — we are neutral, we are non-partisan. What I am praying is that the political climate of Iloilo will unite so that they can collaborate with the business sector,” Tiu said, adding that unity among political parties would help sustain the city’s economic momentum./PN