The issue of corruption in the country worries the business community as it might surface in term of the nations leadership in the 2026 ASEAN says the delegation from the private sector which are currently in Malaysia for a Business Investment Summit organized by the latter as they head the current leadership transitioning to the Philippines.

Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III, the Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines and the incoming Chair of ASEAN BAC, according to his speech at the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBCE) that was he’s worried about last tuesday October 21, 2025 this is when he was just a member of the ASEAN-BAC PH with him are George Barcelon and Michael Tan are getting ready for the largest event of the Marcos Jr. administration.

it was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Concepcion refer to it as the “largest hurdle” and a corruption scandal. “it antagonizes the image of the Philippines,” he says. “I know that the private sector has an important role to play for economic growth but the important thing is our lawmakers should understand that we cannot do it alone” he added.

“while we head ASEAN in 2026, we need to show that the Philippines has a bright future,” he says. “we need to show that this country is an honest nation. and we do not steal from the people,” he added.

coincide to this he thanked government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Office of the First Lady, in helping the micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Go Negosyo, a non-profit organization established by Concepcion last 2005 aimed to defend small businesses of the country. he also thanked the PCCI, by which regular members do mentoring for free for MSMEs and free event for entrepreneurs organized by Go Negosyo nationwide.

the MSMEs are going to be the main agenda of the leadership of the ASEAN-BAC along with agriculture and food security, creative industries, digital technology, and human capital, women and children in particular. “we need to get this country inclusive, and not only a few people reap the bounties… the key that would unlock a much larger progress for all Filipino,” he says. -30-

Concepcion nangangambang maging isyu ang korapsyon sa ASEAN 2026