BY EDISON JOSEPH GONZALES
Six Philippine business organizations warned that acts of intimidation and hatred risk undermining investor confidence, discouraging tourists and disrupting trade, saying the incidents could damage the country’s international reputation at a time when the economy faces subdued growth, weak foreign investment inflows and the need to further revitalize tourism.
In a joint statement, the groups expressed full support for the Department of Foreign Affairs’ condemnation of the recent use of caskets as instruments of intimidation and hatred.
They likewise strongly condemned the acts, saying they violate the standards of decency, civility and respect expected in a democratic society.
The organizations said such actions seek to sow fear, inflame divisions, unfairly tarnish the Philippines’ reputation as a nation committed to democracy and the peaceful expression of differing views, and undermine confidence in the country as a safe, stable and welcoming destination for investments, trade and tourism.
“At a time when the Philippine economy continues to face serious challenges – including subdued economic growth, weak foreign investment inflows, and the need to further revitalize tourism – our nation cannot allow reckless acts that damage our international image or seek to undermine our diplomatic and economic relations with our largest trading partner.”
“Such irresponsible actions risk undermining investor confidence, discouraging tourists, disrupting trade, and ultimately affecting the livelihoods and future opportunities of millions of Filipinos.”
The groups said differences should not be expressed through threats, intimidation or acts that incite hatred.
“Differences must never be expressed through threats, intimidation, or acts that incite hatred. Our democracy is strengthened not by fear or provocation, but by reasoned dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful engagement.”
The organizations called upon the Philippine National Police and other appropriate authorities to swiftly investigate the incidents, identify the perpetrators and all those responsible, and hold them fully accountable to the full extent of the law.
“Decisive action is essential to uphold public order and reinforce confidence in the Philippines as a safe, stable, and welcoming destination for investments, trade and tourism.”
The joint statement was signed by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Chairman Eduardo Lacson; the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), President Victor Lim; the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), Chairman Elizabeth Lee; the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), President, 2026, Dr. Donald Lim; the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), President Ferdinand Ferrer; and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.
The organizations urged all Filipinos to reject hatred and intimidation; uphold civility and mutual respect; preserve peace and national unity; safeguard the Philippines’ international reputation; strengthen the Philippines’ economic partnerships with all nations; and work together toward sustainable and inclusive Philippine economic recovery, greater investments, more jobs and shared prosperity for all.