Business groups: Prioritize nation’s welfare over politics

MANILA, Philippines — Business groups are urging government leaders to make the nation’s welfare a priority and to uphold the rule of law, as the rift between the Marcoses and Dutertes deepens.

“As organizations committed to the rule of law, we the undersigned organizations express profound concern over recent statements and actions that threaten the stability of our constitutional order and country,” the groups said in a joint statement yesterday.

The statement was issued by the Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Justice Reform Initiative, Ateneo de Manila Law Alumni Association, Energy Lawyers Association of the Philippines, Filipina CEO Circle, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Institute of Corporate Directors, Integrity Initiative Inc., Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines and The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service.

The groups said political disagreements must be resolved in a way that adheres to legal and democratic processes.

“Resorting to threats, incendiary rhetoric or any form of violence has no place in a nation founded on the rule of law,” the groups said.

“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 added.

The organizations also called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government institutions to remain firm in performing and upholding their mandate.

The AFP plays a critical role in safeguarding the Constitution, as well as in protecting the nation from both domestic and external threats, they said.

“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 pointed out.

The organizations also urged investigative agencies, including Congress, to ensure fairness and transparency in the conduct of their inquiries.

In addition, the groups underscored that accountability must be pursued within the bounds of due process to ensure justice.

“In these challenging times, we the undersigned organizations call on our people to remain vigilant and steadfast in upholding the rule of law amidst political tensions. 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,” the groups said.