Renew 'Buy Pinoy' policy - Zubiri

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri today appealed to government agencies to exercise the Filipino First policy in projects to be funded under the proposed P330 billion economic stimulus package.

Zubiri's call came following the appeal made by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) asking the government to implement a "Buy Pinoy, Buy Local" products policy as a move to safeguard the local manufacturers.

The senator said the inflow of domestic capital would encourage local manufacturers to increase their capacities which would translate in additional job opportunities.

The FPI in a statement said, that by mandating the use of locally-made products in projects that will be expended from the stimulus fund the government would be able to really stimulate the country's economy because the money will be circulating domestically.

Zubiri added, "with or without a law mandating or urging Filipinos to 'Buy Pinoy' products those in the government including the national and local leaders should lead the public in patronizing and promoting local goods."

He likewise echoed the challenge issued by the FPI that "policy makers should not hesitate in supporting government's renewed 'Buy Pinoy' policy because even the so-called economic superpower like the United States saw the need to include 'Buy American' in its stimulus law."

"The Philippines is not yet a signatory to the Sustainable Public Procurement Initiatives therefore seeing no conflict with the country's allegiance to international agreements."