I shall seek to fully maximize economic cooperation and realize trade potential with both Israel and Jordan.
A business delegation from different sectors of the Philippine economy will be there in order to explore the diverse trade and investment opportunities that makes Jordan and Israel more tempting to offer.
Of course, we will invite their business leaders to look at our own rich market potential.
With more than two million Filipinos [working] in that region, I intend to emphasize the great importance that the Philippines attaches to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
In my meeting with the Filipino communities, I shall renew my pledge to do my utmost to bring the change we desire in our country, in ourselves as a people. I will ask them to continue to be our partners for growth, progress and change.
In these Official Visits, I shall continue to be guided by my mandate to uphold and protect the national interests of the Philippines.
The Philippines shares with all countries the desire for a stable and secure world.
In our efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship and amity with our partners around the world, we shall be guided by our Constitution and laws as well as our international commitments in support of efforts and initiatives, including the two-state solution, towards the attainment of just and lasting peace.
Salamat po. I can maybe — you do not waste my time. I do not want to disappoint your time so I can have one or two. Secretary if…
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
PRESIDENT DUTERTE: I can’t hear you. Why don’t you just stand beside me?
Q: Good afternoon po, President. Cliezl Pardilla po from PTV-4. Isinusulong po ni Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol na gawing legal po o pa-dokumentuhan po ‘yung mga smuggled rice naipinapasok po sa Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, at Tawi-Tawi. Ano po ‘yung take po natin doon?PRESIDENT DUTERTE: Well, those smuggled rice have not paid any taxes or tariff or whatever.
So they are confiscated at disposal of the government and maybe I shall distribute it for free or go down to the last prices — prevailing market prices.
Q: So, President, pabor po kayo na i-legalize ‘yung smuggled rice?PRESIDENT DUTERTE: [Hindi, hindi ko makuha ‘yung…]
PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON HARRY ROQUE JR.: Kung pabor ka po Mr. President doon sa sinabi ni Secretary Piñol na i-legalize ‘yung smuggled rice?
PRESIDENT DUTERTE: No, I’m… The smuggling itself? No, of course not. That would bedestructive to the economy.
You’d put down on the market in turmoil. Smuggled rice unrestrained, that would promote disorder in this country.
Maybe we can import and lose. I-import natin, ipagbili natin at a price that… Malulugi tayo. Pero we’ll peg it at the price that the Filipino can afford.
