May polls ‘crucial’ over Pampanga, country's biz gains

STA. RITA -- Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) vice chairman Rene Romero said Monday that the results of the upcoming May elections would be very crucial in maintaining the country's economic gains.

Romero said the elections, whether peaceful or bereft of cheating, would spell of much the investor confidence and economic development would continue for the rest of the year.

The business leader added that the local business community will be looking on Pampanga politics in particular with much interest.

"The local economy has been doing well and there has been much business development and investor confidence and that would go through this year. But politics also plays a role on how further these gains would be enjoyed for the rest of the fiscal year," Romero added.

Romero said that businessmen like him are advocating for clean and honest elections this year. He urged voters to scrutinize their political choices this year and shy away from partisan politics, vote buying and traditional politicians.

He added that local voters have the responsibility to look into the quality, accomplishments and qualification of the candidates in this year's elections.

He also said that the business sector here will surely be affected of the results of the elections.

Romero said that PamCham, for one, is planning to host a series of business forum with local candidates on business issues to give the business community and the people in-depth information on the programs of the political aspirants and their respective parties.

He said the business sector here is thankful for the efforts of the local police and the religious community in spearheading covenant peace signings with various political groups to urge politicians to observe peaceful elections.

As for the local economy, Romero said much money would be made by local business and enterprises catering to campaign related materials and paraphernalia.

He added the local economy will be vibrant with the sheer number of election-related expenses boosting economic activity until after a few weeks after the election season.