Duterte finds businessmen’s ten proposals ‘doable’

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte finds the recommendations of the business leaders that gathered in Davao City "doable" and ought to be implemented "right away."

The incoming Chief Executive, nonetheless, said that the proposals—including tax reform measures and a review of the conditional cash transfer program—will still undergo evaluation.

"I was given a copy ahead of today the ten recommendations socio economic programs of the government. And I assure you, we will study and review it," Duterte told the businessmen after being presented with the ten proposals.

"And for now, I would say I see nothing wrong with this. These are all doable. It's a matter of just doing it, implement it right away," he added.

Concluding the two-day Sulong Pilipinas, a two-day consultative meeting by Duterte's economic managers with the business leaders in Davao City, the business community presented its recommendations generated from the summit.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) submitted the following ten recommendations:

• Adoption of Comprehensive Tax Reform Package;
• Implementation of national ID System;
• Automation and streamlining of government business permits and licensing system;
• Improvement of telecommunication services;
• Support services to farmers;
• Implementation of responsible mining;
• Development and implementation of national strategy;
• Improvement of transport network across country to improve connectivity;
• Review of the conditional cash transfer program; and
• Reduction in infrastructure bottlenecks.

Duterte admitted on Tuesday that he was not an economist.

“I am a lawyer. I never pretended to be an economist. I barely passed economics in college,” he  said.

"You must understand that I am a lawyer... Do not expect me to discuss with you these economic provisions especially taxation," he said.

But Duterte promised that the economic experts of his team will study the recommendations.

This is Duterte’s first public appearance since he decided to stop granting media interviews and direct access to his activities. All of his announcements have been coursed through RTVM and People’s Television Network. —NB, GMA News