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Arroyo Speaks Highly of Filipino-Chinese Community
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who made history as the first Philippine President to formally visit Chinatown in Manila on Monday, spoke highly of the contribution of the Filipino-Chinese community.
Speaking before the Filipino-Chinese community at a restaurant in Chinatown in Binondo district of Manila, Arroyo said she came to Chinatown to personally assure the community that she holds the Filipino-Chinese community in high esteem.
"I will serve you rather than harass you," Arroyo said.
The president noted that Filipino-Chinese businessmen have become favorite victims of certain criminal syndicates, unscrupulous politicians and corrupt public officials.
"I am aware of the many problems you have had to deal with through successive changes in government for having new set of rules, new problems and adjustments," she said.
Before delivering her speech, Arroyo walked the stretch of Quintin Paredes and some other prosperous streets in Chinatown amid the noise of dragon dances and cheers and fiesta-like atmosphere.
Earlier Monday, the president swore in members of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI) at their headquarters in Dasmarinas, Binondo district.
Arroyo also held a meeting with publishers and editors of the several Chinese newspapers at the FFCCCI headquarters.
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