Bam hails Duterte's DTI appointee

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV on Tuesday congratulated President-elect Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte’s Trade and Industry chief pick, Ramon “Mon” Lopez.

Aquino welcomed Lopez’s appointment saying it is truly well-deserved as he believes the incoming Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) head will perform and contribute well for he is a champion of entrepreneurship in the country.  

Lopez is also the executive director of Go Negosyo, the non-profit organization advocacy arm of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.

Deputy presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella announced his appointment to the Duterte Cabinet on Monday evening.

"We have been allies in championing entrepreneurship in the Philippines and I have seen firsthand his dedication to developing our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – the sector crucial in achieving inclusive growth and beating poverty,” Aquino, also the chair of the Senate committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, said in a statement.

“Mon's appointment is truly well-deserved and we are elated that he will be given the opportunity to make an even bigger difference as DTI secretary. Mon will be a big asset to the Duterte administration's drive to boost the country's economy and micro, small and medium enterprises,” he added.

In 2014, Aquino co-authored the “Go Negosyo Act” signed into law on July 15, 2014. It seeks to strengthen MSMEs to create more job opportunities in the country.