BUSINESS leaders in Cebu are looking forward to woking with the Marcos administration. They’d like to see a healthy relationship between the government and the business sector.

“The election is over, the voice of the people has been heard and majority has spoken. It is now time to focus our attention on what our country needs moving forward. The new administration will be faced with challenges stemming from the effects of the pandemic and economic impact of geopolitical, global affairs,” said Melanie Ng, Visayas governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“We hope that the incoming administration will continue to work with the private sector and share its plans in making our country more progressive, especially plans that will positively impact our region,” Ng said.

As of 12:17 p.m. on May 12, 2022, partial unofficial results showed Marcos leading the presidential race with 31,103,761 votes, according to the Comelec Transparency server. Total election returns processed stood at 98.35 percent.

“We commend the Filipino people for the generally peaceful election and the Comelec for the relatively faster count of election returns. Our democratic process is working and the voice of the majority has spoken in favor of Bongbong Marcos (BBM)-Duterte tandem. We look forward to his economic program and chosen economic team as our country faces many challenges. We are hopeful that the overwhelming choice of the majority of the people will translate to economic progress for all,” said Charles Kenneth Co, president of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Presumptive President BBM can prove his critics wrong and show everyone why he deserves to be our chosen leader,” he added.

Kelie Ko, president of Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), hopes a smooth transition of the new administration. He also looks forward to the new administration’s economic plans.

“May they build upon the foundation laid down by previous administrations. The pandemic and the current geopolitical situation continue to pose a challenge to business. We need a healthy dose of optimism. It is in this spirit that we eagerly anticipate the new administration’s economic plans,” said Ko.

MCCI past president Steven Yu said the business sector is highly optimistic and positive on the future prospects of the Philippines under the BBM administration.

“Prior to his candidacy for the presidency, BBM had always touched base with the Cebu business community. Based on our interactions, we are totally impressed by his intelligence and sincerity to uplift the lives of the Filipinos. He has always listened intently to our issues and concerns, and provided solutions and support,” said Yu, adding that Marcos was elected by the majority of the voting population, the first majority president in the Philippines.

“Even amid the Covid pandemic and other natural disasters that we went through, we still see many bright spots with our future, especially with our solid fundamentals and a new administration who is not only capable but also embraces unity for all,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) wishes the new administration well in addressing the current economic challenges

“We have a generally peaceful and orderly election that is positive for the economy,” BAP president Antonio Moncupa Jr. said.

“On the other hand, there are considerable headwinds facing the economy – geopolitical uncertainties, inflation, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. We wish the new administration well in meeting these challenges,” Moncupa added.

The BAP said it looks forward to working with the incoming administration to ensure a strong, stable, and well-functioning financial system to support the nation’s development goals.