Aquino asks Filipino-Chinese businessmen to help empower workers

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno S. Aquino III today urged Filipino-Chinese businessmen to help further empower the Filipinos to achieve inclusive growth.

In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 30th Biennial Convention of the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Aquino hailed the members of the federation for always reaching out to help in the communities, whether it is through scholarship funds, or medical missions.

"Today, however, I am inviting you to do even more to help us empower the Filipino people," he said.

He recalled that when he was in the legislature, he had proposed a measure which called for businesses to share part of their net new profits with their employees.

"I do not expect such a bill to be passed anytime soon, but perhaps your companies can take the initiative: make the effort to give your employees a little more, and it will serve to drive them to be even more productive, while at the same time spurring a virtuous cycle of trust, confidence, and sustained growth in terms of our economy," said Aquino.

"Thus, I am hoping for your continued, if not increased, participation in the grand task of nation building," Aquino added.