The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the largest business organization in the country, throws its support behind the newly-appointed economic team of President Simeon Benigno Aquino III citing the group’s track record in managing the country’s foremost economic and business concerns.

PCCI president Francis Chua said the appointment of Aquino’s economic team would boost business and investor confidence as they are noted to have vast experience in providing long term policy solutions and sound advice on addressing issues such as the high budget deficit, improved revenue collection, infrastructure development, bureaucratic red tape, and corruption, among others.

“PCCI is indeed pleased with the roster of the President Aquino’s economic team. It is our great desire to work closely with them to ensure that the interest of the private sector, moreso, the small and medium entrepreneurs are reflected on the table,” Chua said.

The President’s economic team is led by former finance and trade and industry Cesar V. Purisima, who served during President Gloria Arroyo’s team until he led a group of 10 senior government officials called the Hyatt 10 to demand for Arroyo’s resignation.

Economist Cayetano Parenga, Jr., the director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), has served former administrations.

Gregory L. Domingo, now DTI Secretary, used to serve as DTI undersecretary and managing head of the Board of Investments during the Arroyo administration.

Kim Henares, now chief of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, used to hold the same position during the presidency of Joseph Estrada.

The PCCI also lauded the appointments of Lito Alvarez to the Bureau of Customs, and Proceso Alcala to the Department of Agriculture.

It could be recalled that PCCI has submitted to President Aquino a list of policy and action agenda it hopes to be addressed in the first one hundred days of his office. Among these include: addressing the deficit problem, curtailing smuggling, assuring consistent investment and business policies to attract and maintain foreign investors, and total eradication of corruption at all levels in government.
“What PCCI submitted to the President is reflective of our strong desire to elevate public-private partnership to a new level. We hope to further elaborate these specific measures once we jumpstart our discussions and meetings with the economic team,” Chua added.