Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Thursday lauded President Bongbong Marcos for his performance on his first 100 days in office.
In a press conference at the Senate, Zubiri, who was elected as Senate chief on the day Marcos delivered his first State of the Nation Address, was impressed with the latter’s performance.
“I think he is doing a good job. First of all, he jump-started it with several Cabinet hearings on a daily basis,” he said.
“He chose a very good Cabinet team, an outstanding economic team and he’s the best salesman for the country,” he added.
Zubiri cited recent visits of Marcos to Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States, where he brought home business commitments amounting to $18.92 billion or over P1 trillion.
“Right now, he is our top salesman. He went to Singapore, and Indonesia, as well as the United States, selling our country to foreign direct investors or possible foreign investors that have not been done in how many years,” he said.
The Senate chief said the last time the government was aggressive about roadshows was during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“In fairness to the former president, whether you like her or hate her, during her term, so many investors came to the country’s economic zones,” he said.
“After that, the government roadshows slowed down. What they did is only skidding. All the investors went to Vietnam,” he added.
Zubiri noted that the chief executive is targeting foreign investors as an apparent move to take advantage of the political climate in China.
“Now what the president wants to do is get these investors because right now there is a tightening of policy in China,” he said.
“Many European and American companies are leaving China. They are looking at Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. We should prioritize them,” he added.
Marcos’ recent trip to Singapore with his family last weekend to watch the Formula One Grand Prix was heavily criticized by the public.
However, the Malacanang said the chief executive’s trip with his son Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and his cousin House Speaker Martin Romualdez, was “productive.”