Investor confidence in the Philippines remains high amid the recent carjacking-slay incidents and the deadly passenger bus bombing, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said Thursday. Domingo said at a press briefing in Malacañang that the impact to investors of these bloody crimes remains "limited." At least five people were killed and a dozen others were injured when an improvised explosive device exploded inside a passenger bus in Makati last Tuesday.
In the past weeks, two car dealers were kidnapped together with the vehicle they were selling. Emerson Lozano and Venson Evangelista were found charred in different places in Luzon.
Still, Domingo said these incidents affect the "perception of peace and order in the country. Pero mukhang maliit lang ang mga incident na 'to."
Domingo pointed out that effects of these crimes to investors or tourists will likely subside after two months. "We had a similar [bombing] incident five years ago. But after a few months, nawala rin. 'Pag fresh pa sa minds 'yung incident, may concerns. Pero makakalimutan rin 'yan eventually," Domingo said.
Domingo said investors are satisfied with how the government resolves the carjacking-slay incidents and the bus bombing. In fact, investors have expressed desire to continue their businesses in the country, he added.
He pointed out many foreign businessmen have expressed their interests to pour their money into the Philippines. "Maraming interested investors. Ang gusto nila level ang playing field, pantay, hindi sila iniisahan. May kumpiyansa sila na sa ngayong panahong ito na patas ang labanan. Malakas ang loob nila maglagay ng pera, magtayo ng planta, at maglagay ng bagong operasyon," Domingo said. Domingo refused to name the potential investors as he still have to conduct a series of meetings with them. — Amita Legaspi/JE/RSJ,
