|
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Gov't to lead 'Buy Filipino' drive
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo told the Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. (FPII) on Monday to draft an executive order (EO) that would require government agencies to give priority to Filipino products in making purchases.
Arroyo, during a roundtable conference, said the draft EO would be reviewed by Malacañang's legal experts to ensure that it does not violate any law or international agreement that the Philippines entered into.
Arroyo told the FPII to draft the EO, following a request by FPII president Jesus Arranza.
Arranza said the EO would help the local industries because it would enable the country to save on dollars and generate more jobs. "Parang import-substitution e (It's like import-substitution)," he said.
He said the Philippines is not yet a signatory to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on government procurement.
Arroyo noted that she has already issued an EO mandating government agencies to buy materials for office uniforms from local manufacturers.
Arranza said the proposed EO does not ban imports but just to prioritize local products in government purchases as long as the price is reasonable, supply is available, and the quality is good.
"We have all the right to buy locally-made products. It won't send a backlash because we are not prohibiting importation. We are just talking about government agencies. The private companies can import if they want to. We're not banning any importation," he said. (JMR/Sunnex)
(May 24, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
