By Billy Begas
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez highlighted the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) and the proposals amending the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution during a luncheon meeting with ambassadors of Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF)-member-countries.
Romualdez said the two measures, both already approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading, seek to further stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and provide better health care services for Filipinos.
He also stressed that the Philippines is ready to receive foreign visitors, prospective investors, and parliamentarians.
“Our dear Ambassadors, please extend our warmest invitation to our peers in your countries and let them know that the Philippines is very much open for business, and we have a lot to offer,” Romualdez said.
He added, “This year, 2023, in Manila, your parliamentarians will rediscover another unique and rich culture, reflecting all three of our heritage – our island nation ancestry, our deep Southeast Asian roots as well as our Latin American kinship.”
The Speaker also cited the foreign policy declaration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the Philippines “is a friend to all, enemy to none.”
“Our country extends the open hand of friendship to our neighbors as we host the Asia Pacific Parliamentarians Forum this year. We are excited to have your legislators here. I am sure that the Senate President shares this sentiment,” said Romualdez referring to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri who is also present at the event.
Zubiri chairs the 31st APPF with Speaker Romualdez as co-chair.
Among the ambassadors and diplomats who attended the luncheon meeting were those from Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Laos, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, United States of America, and Vietnam; Deputy Chiefs of Mission from Japan and Korea; Charge d’ Affaires from Malaysia, Mexico, and Brunei; and Honorary Consuls from Fiji, Marshall Islands, Peru, and Mongolia.
