The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the single voice of business in the country, welcomed the appointment of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos’ economic managers who will be taking a critical job for the next several years as the government faces fiscal woes brought by the pandemic and other economic issues.

 

PCCI President George T. Barcelon said that the business community is delighted to learn about the appointment of Central Bank Chief Benjamin Diokno as Secretary of Finance, BSP Monetary Board Member Felipe Medalla as Central Bank Chief, Arsenio Balisacan as Secretary of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and former University of the Philippine President Alfredo Pascual to lead the trade and industry department.

 

“They are all seasoned and competent economic leaders. We believe they would do good in managing our fiscal affairs. As you know, we are faced with critical issues such as the huge debt deficit, and the need for post pandemic reforms and programs to sustain recovery, among others,” Barcelon said.

 

The PCCI head is optimistic that their appointment would bring confidence to local and foreign businesses.

 

“We are fortunate that we have a strong foundation and we remain among one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. There remain some policy issues that needed to be addressed to accelerate our growth momentum,” Barcelon added. --- Donna Brazas Angulo