MANILA, Philippines – Saying he was “humbled” by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, President Rodrigo Duterte has apologized to businessman Manuel 'Manny' V. Pangilinan (MVP) and the Ayalas for his “hurtful words.”
During a public address Monday night, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to big businesses in the country for assisting the government and aiding the people cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID humbled me. That with the kind of response that you gave, showed to the public, it’s a humbling experience also for me that, you know, baka kailangan mo rin sila balang araw,” the President said.
“Iyong mga masakit kong salita to the Ayalas and to — si Pangilinan, I apologize for the hurting words.”
Although there’s a lot of legal issue, the President said he is ready to talk with Pangilinan and the Ayalas promising he will “be reasonable”.
The President labeled the current concession agreements with Maynilad and Manila Water as “disadvatangeous” to the Filipinos and ordered the crafting of new concession deals.
He also threatened a government takeover of water distribution services if the concessionaires refuse to accept the new water agreement.
Pangilinan thanks for the sincerity of the president
Pangilinan immediately reacted on the statements of the president and assured that the Metro Pacific Group is a partner of the government in this battle against COVID-19.
"I would like to thank the President for his remarks tonight, most especially for his sincerity and kindness," the business mogul tweeted.
"I wish to assure him that our Group is fully committed to being a partner of Govt in addressing the heartbreaking moments of Covid 19 on our people, in building a better tomorrow for them. We are, and have always been here, for the country," he added.
— The Summit Express
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| C for his "hurtful words." Photo Credit: PCOO |
During a public address Monday night, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to big businesses in the country for assisting the government and aiding the people cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID humbled me. That with the kind of response that you gave, showed to the public, it’s a humbling experience also for me that, you know, baka kailangan mo rin sila balang araw,” the President said.
“Iyong mga masakit kong salita to the Ayalas and to — si Pangilinan, I apologize for the hurting words.”
Although there’s a lot of legal issue, the President said he is ready to talk with Pangilinan and the Ayalas promising he will “be reasonable”.
The President labeled the current concession agreements with Maynilad and Manila Water as “disadvatangeous” to the Filipinos and ordered the crafting of new concession deals.
He also threatened a government takeover of water distribution services if the concessionaires refuse to accept the new water agreement.
Pangilinan thanks for the sincerity of the president
Pangilinan immediately reacted on the statements of the president and assured that the Metro Pacific Group is a partner of the government in this battle against COVID-19.
"I would like to thank the President for his remarks tonight, most especially for his sincerity and kindness," the business mogul tweeted.
"I wish to assure him that our Group is fully committed to being a partner of Govt in addressing the heartbreaking moments of Covid 19 on our people, in building a better tomorrow for them. We are, and have always been here, for the country," he added.
— The Summit Express
