ANGELES CITY -- A number of business executives in Pampanga organized themselves into a group to commend Senator Mar Roxas in his staunch advocacy for consumer welfare and sound trade investment policies, particularly small and medium scale development.

The organization’s prime mover, former Central Luzon Regional Governor Romy Yusi of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said many of the businessmen expressed gratitude to Roxas for his advocacy espousing consumer protection of every Filipino to avail of affordable medicines.

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Yusi said the senator’s consumerist crusade in his legislative action seeking the lower cost of medicines has resulted in savings for the poor and better health for all.

The newly organized group called Mar Rocas Club (MRC) also advanced the candidacy of Roxas as Liberal party (LP) vice presidential bet. The organizers described Roxas as the “future of national economic development.”

Yusi was former president of the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators (Padpao), an organization of some 30,000 private guards agencies in Central Luzon.

Some business executives also praised Roxas, who worked for the protection and interest of more than 100 locators inside Clark Freeport after a crisis situation developed there following the relocation or closing of several commercial manufacturing and industrial establishments in the former US Air Force base for failure of the government to protect the investors’ interest.

Roxas was one of the lawmakers and government officials who emerged in the forefront and provided the vital action to pass the duty-free and tax privileges to Clark locators, which now provide jobs and livelihood opportunities to thousands of local residents.

MRC coordinator and Angeles City Councilor Ares Yabut, who is eyeing the first district congressional seat in next year’s May 2010 elections, also led other officials in commending Roxas. (Chris Navarro)