CEBU CITY – A Cebuano analyst who was made to comment on last month’s presidential forum held here noted the need for the next President to assure a level playing field for the country’s business sector.

“It cannot be denied that opportunities in jobs and positions in Government are given on the basis of political patronage,” observed Joel Mari Yu, Managing Director of the Cebu Investment and Promotions Center, an organization tasked to promote the viability of Cebu’s business climate.

Yu made this comment following the appreciation night last Monday of the “Choices and Voices 2010” forum, which gathered forum analysts, organizers, media, and members of the three local chambers — Cebu Business Club (CBC), Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), and Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

“Candidates should have discussed how they intend to promote meritocracy, level the playing field and fix outdated policies or processes,” noted Yu.

He expressed fear that only those business entities, organizations and individuals which are close to whoever emerges victorious in the May polls will enjoy an edge in business. “This is a situation,” pointed out Yu, “that will surely put off potential investors; interest from foreign investors will be greatly diminished and will not help change the perception of foreign investors with regard to rampant corruption in the Philippines.”

Yu added that the candidates who participated in said Forum should have “discussed how they wanted to make the business environment fairer.”

He recommended organizers of similar events in the future to give more time for the presidential bets to explain in concrete, realistic terms how they plan to wipe out corruption in Government.

“More discussions should be encouraged and the candidates should be given more time for our candidates to elaborate on the issues raised because the debate, in a way, constrained the candidates from explaining their answers,” noted another analyst, Roderic Poca of the University of San Carlos.

The just held Presidential Forum was organized to seek answers to questions from the business community in Cebu about how the candidates intend to contribute to the growth to the local economy.

“The three business chambers have already brought the candidates closer to Cebuanos. It is now up to the Cebuanos who they will support,” said Eric Mendoza, MCCI president.
Following the success of the forum organized by Cebu’s business groups with the Presidential aspirants, CBC President, Dondi Joseph said they intend now to organize similar interactions with local political candidates.

“It is important for the business sector and the entire society to know the platforms of these local candidates on Cebu,” Joseph said.