Here’s a classic example of how the executive branch of government treats Foreign investors compared to our Senators. In a recent party held by Malacanang Palace in celebration of Independence Day, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave a full speech praising the Joint Foreign Investors, even saying that they were part of the “Philippine Economy Success Story”. This is the same group of investors that were totally humiliated by the Philippine Senate during one of their hearings led by Senator Enrile. While I don’t usually side with the administration, I can’t totally say I’m for the senate because they were really rude and it showed that whoever goes to the senate will keep on getting humiliated. There was no hint of professionalism in how our Senators talked and made their points. They should enroll in speech power or PR classes so that they will learn to speak with manners.
Here’s an excerpt from the article on Inquirer:
“You, together with the Philippine business community, Philippine labor and Philippine farmers are part of the Philippine economic success story. We are grateful for your contributions and your commitment to our nation and our people,” said Ms Arroyo.
On June 6, during an emotionally charged hearing of the Senate energy committee chaired by Santiago, Enrile told investors to “get out of the country” if it did not like the way business was done here.
Riled by the refusal of Hubert D’Aboville, president and spokesperson of the European Chamber of Commerce, to answer certain questions, Enrile said foreign businessmen should “get out of the country if you can’t live with us.”
The JFC—representing investors from the United States, Australia-New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Europe and Korea—later apologized to the committee for earlier writing a letter to Ms Arroyo opposing amendments to Epira.
What further angered Senators Enrile, Santiago and Sen. Joker Arroyo was the refusal of the JFC to specify the proposed amendments that it was objecting to.
Enrile dominated much of the proceedings with his strong language, telling the JFC at one point: “You wanted to make a profit. Because you are forcing the government to sell [its generation and transmission assets] for a song. My goodness … get out of this country if you can’t live with us.”
I understand where the Senators are coming from – however the are really scaring off potential investors with their offensive and strong language. They really need better communication and people skills if you ask me.