Pacquiao backs proposed Save the Industries Act

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao has pledged to help the Philippines convince the United States Congress to pass the proposed Save the Industries Act.

The Philippine government has been asking the US to pass the Save Act because it will revive the dying garments industry by allowing tariff free export of garments to the US.

“We are getting Manny Pacquiao to endorse this. We need somebody who can champion it. We have asked his help to have this bill pass into law,” Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Cristino L. Panlilio said in an interview.

Panlilio said that Pacquiao would be a big help because he can raise awareness for the bill. If the Save Act is not passed during the session it will be re-filed next year.

Aside from the Pacquiao endorsement, Panlilio said they will be using the social media. “We will use Facebook and Twitter. Filipino Americans can help convince their congressmen and senators to pass the bill.”

“This is worth fighting for. We are putting our resources together to help this bill pass,” Panlilio stressed. He said the government has already spent around P150 million for the lobbying of this bill.

BOI Executive Director Lucita P. Reyes, who is in the US now to follow up on the bill, said that it may be more difficult next year because there is a new majority in Congress. Reyes said during the lame duck session congressmen usually don’t take up trade related bills. “We really need to follow up.”

Should the Save Act be approved, Panlilio said that the local garments industry will be able to regain lost ground. He said that for four decades until the 90’s, garment was one of the leading exports of the country. He said that in the 70’s the local garments industry exported P3 billion worth of goods and employed 600,000 people. –Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)