BUSINESS groups, along with other private sector organizations, on Friday raised concerns over a worsening feud between the country’s two top officials given the risks to stability.
“The resolution of political disagreements must adhere to legal and democratic processes,” 13 groups said in a joint statement, adding that “resorting to threats, incendiary rhetoric or any form of violence has no place in a nation founded on the rule of law.”
“To this end, we strongly urge all public officials and political leaders to demonstrate restraint, uphold the dignity of their offices and prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people above political interests,” they said.
Signatories to the statement were the Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, Filipina CEO Circle, Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Justice Reform Initiative, Ateneo de Manila Law Alumni Association, Energy Lawyers Association of the Philippines, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Integrity Initiative Inc. and The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, who had teamed up in the 2022 elections, are now at odds due to differing political agendas. Among others, Marcos has aligned with the United States, reversing from the China-friendly stance of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who is Sara’s father.
Sara Duterte, widely expected to run for the presidency in 2028 after having scaled back her ambitions for the 2022 polls, has faced criticism over her use of confidential funds as education secretary, a post she resigned from earlier this year. She also refused to attend legislative hearings for the Office of the Vice President’s budget, leading to a budget cut by the House of Representatives.
Adding fuel to the fire, the former president has called for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police to take control and correct what he described as Marcos’ “fractured governance.”
The private sector groups called on the AFP to focus on its mandate to protect the constitution and the country from threats. All institutions, it added, should serve the nation, act within the legal framework and be impartial.
“Deviations from their mandate will definitely erode confidence in our country’s business environment and worse, it could endanger the very foundations of our democratic society,” they said.
Investigating agencies including Congress, meanwhile, were asked to also be impartial in conducting their probes. Among others, the House of Representative continues to hold hearings on allegations that Sara Duterte misused funds at the Office of the Vice President.
She has also been summoned by the National Bureau of Investigation for saying that she had contracted someone to kill Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez — Marcos’ cousin — in case she ends up being killed.
“Ensuring public trust requires investigations to be conducted fairly, transparently, decently and free from political biases and influence,” the private sector groups said, “Accountability must be pursued within the bounds of due process, ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.”
Filipinos, they continued, should remain vigilant and keep upholding the rule of law.
“The strength of our institutions and the resilience of our democracy depend on our collective resolve to remain loyal to the Constitution and reject efforts to erode public trust in good governance.
Earlier this week, MAP President Rene Almendras said the government should reassure investors of continued policy regularity amid political differences. He added that the country’s competitiveness was determined in part by its image and reputation, and that consistency and regularity of policy was most important to investors.
