THE business sector expects new policies and programs from the new president this year as had always been the case here in the Philippines.
Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated (DCCCII) newly-elected president Engineer Roberto Quinto said the country's business sector is highly affected by policies and priorities of the country's executive. In effect this will mean "realigning of strategies" down at the local level.
"It's a sad reality in our country that business is very much dependent on the policy on whoever sits as president of the country. Expectedly, many changes comes when a new president comes," Quinto said at Kapihan sa SM media forum.
Quinto said the business sector "is naturally taking a 'wait-and-see' position" on how the next president's new policies will affect the business sector.
"Our strategy will also realign dependent to what are the new policies of the new president. So now we have to wait," Quinto said.
Asked if he shares the same opinion with Mindanao Business Council chair Vicente Lao on a potential boom in Mindanao's agriculture sector this year, Quinto said the next president's priorities will affect this too.
"Here in Davao, talking about agri-business, on whether it will have a rebound, I'm not sure if that will really be that good. Still it depends on the new president," Quinto said.
Quinto and elected DCCCII board chair lawyer Bienvenido Cariaga refused to name their presidential bets. He however gave a general view in representing the local business sector.
"As the chamber's wishlist, of course ayaw natin ng corruption. Ayaw natin ng partisan-politics, mga kamag-anak kamag-anak. As to pump-priming activities, this would be to have yung farm-to-market roads, infrastructure for farmers, and facilities," Quinto said.
"I would also advise other businessmen not to focus on the benefits for the good of their own business but for the good of the whole country or for the good of Davao City. You know doing good is doing good business that's my principle," Quinto said.
Quinto said he wants DCCCII to conduct fora inviting national and local candidates to help the public know their candidates better.
"Hindi pa namin ito napapag-usapan ito, since we are still in the first weeks, but if I have my way we will organize forums and invite politicians and let them talk about their issues. It's how we can size up our politicians and not base our opinion on what we see on the streets, banners that have their faces on them," Quinto said.