Speaker hails more investment pledges

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday said the surge in investment pledges in the first quarter of the year is a clear vote of confidence in the Philippine economy’s potential and validates the soundness of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s policies.

According to the Board of Investments, investment approvals more than tripled in the first semester, buoyed by pledges from abroad. At P698 billion, the planned investments were 203 percent higher than the previous year's P230 billion.

“It is a clear vote of confidence in the Philippine economy's potential and prospects and affirms the soundness of the economic and fiscal policies of President Bongbong Marcos geared towards the attainment of his vision to bring our country to upper-middle income status by 2025,” Romualdez said.

“Likewise, this development signals that the world is responding positively to the President’s vigorous campaign to promote the Philippines as a prime destination for investment and a recognition of our steadfast pursuit of sustainable and inclusive growth,” he added.

He cited the statement of Department

Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Marcos expressed confidence that Brawner’s leadership would lead to a safer and more secure nation with rebels returning to the fold of the law and becoming productive citizens.

He also urged the entire AFP to be prepared for “any contingency” as he assured them that the military organization will be modernized.

“At this juncture, allow me to urge you all to work towards an Armed Forces that is agile and prepared for any contingency. As your commanderin-chief, I assure you that this administration is firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit by modernizing the AFP,” he said.

With the efforts to boost the country’s external defense capacity, Marcos asked the military to keep working with government agencies and civilians to form an “archipelagic consciousness” among Filipinos.

“This will help champion our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said.

“I have faith that under the supervision of General Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure

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