Big business cites BBM SONA hits, misses

The influential Makati Business Club (MBC) said the failure to comment on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and the impact of the United States’ (US) tariff policy on local industries was among the biggest “misses” of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

- By DEXTER BARRO II

In an analysis more than a week after the SONA on July 28, MBC said it welcomes Marcos’ order to audit the country’s flood control projects amid allegations of corruption.

On the flip side, the business group said it was hoping that the President would provide an update on the fate of Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Days before Marcos’ SONA, the Supreme Court ruled that the impeachment complaint against the Vice President was unconstitutional, putting a stop to the impeachment trial in the Senate.

MBC was one of the many prominent business groups that demanded the upper chamber to start the impeachment trial of Duterte, citing the need to uphold accountability to maintain investor confidence.

To recall, Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on the grounds of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.