On late Wednesday, November 23, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he wishes to open the communications, media, and energy sectors to foreign players after his attendance in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru.
Upon his arrival at the Davao City International Airport, the President stated, “My decision now, this moment, is bubuksan ko ang Pilipinas.”
He clarified that he wanted these sectors to be available “to new players to improve quality of service.”
[ads1]
Duterte stated, “I don’t want to have a quarrel with the Ayalas and Pangilinan.” To which he adds that he would change his mind and statement on opening the country for others if these conglomerates decide to drive the prices of telecommunications companies down.
“Kung i-dive ninyo ang presyo ninyo, walang problema. I will forget my statement.”
The President’s comments are in connection with his demand for Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) officials to step down from their posts, following the suicide of director Francisco Villa Jr.
In his suicide notes, the late ERC director disclosed the corruption occurring within the ERC.
The officials of ERC refused to resign from their posts contrary to the President’s request.
[ads2]
As a reply, the President threatened to have the ERC abolished in his speech.
Duterte declared, “Corruption, unahin ko na lang. I’d like just to send this strong message. It’s about time that we share the money of the entire country. To move faster, make the competition open to all.”
Source: (gmanetwork.com)
[ads3]
