Noy assures local traders of level field

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino has reiterated his commitment to level the playing field in business to attract more investors to the country.

At the culmination of the economic managers briefing and dialogue held in Malacañang during the weekend, Makati Business Club president Ramon del Rosario Jr. pointed out the need to sustain the record high stock market index and the strong peso-dollar exchange rate achieved in the first days of the Aquino administration.

Del Rosario also said the government should have a clear direction for the economy for the duration of the Aquino administration.

He said vacancies in key government positions, especially those in government financial institutions and government owned and controlled corporations, should be filled up as soon as possible.

The administration plans to fill up all the vacant positions in government on or before Sept. 25, the start of the appointment ban for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections set on Oct. 25.

“So be assured that we are trying our best. We have a lot of successes, but getting the right people to all these jobs obviously is not easy, given that there are very, very few perks and benefits that we can give them,” Mr. Aquino said.

Businessmen also pointed out the need to address wage-setting issues and amend several provisions of the Labor Code which have become obsolete.

They also asked the government to implement an open skies policy and to work towards making the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 the country’s main gateway.

Mr. Aquino also promised to convene the legislative-executive development advisory council to discuss tax measures when he returns from his US trip.

He also assured the business community that government agencies running after tax evaders and smugglers have promised to file at least 26 tax cases every two weeks.

The Aquino administration has promised to increase internal revenue by plugging leaks in tax collection.  –Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star)