Duterte鈥檚 Israel trip yields 21 deals

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told Israeli business that he would find more ways to curb bureaucracy and corruption, and make it easier for investors to set up businesses. (AFP)

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte鈥檚 visit to Israel yielded 21 deals worth a total of $82.9 million, including six related to defense and security.

He witnessed the ceremonial signing of the deals at the King David Hotel on Tuesday.

In a speech to hundreds of Israeli businessmen who attended the event, Duterte said he would find more ways to curb bureaucracy and corruption, and make it easier for investors to set up businesses in the Philippines.

鈥淚 tell everybody, if you are into business in the Philippines, there are rules to be followed 鈥� I give you my guarantee (that) if anyone of you here would do business in the Philippines and you are given a hard time, especially if you are being milked or extorted鈥� tell me,鈥� he added.

鈥淚 will grant you an audience even in the middle of the night and hear you out.鈥�

Duterte said he would not tolerate any corruption in his government, telling the businessmen: 鈥淛ust remember the official with whom you are transacting. You name him, I will call him and鈥� I will say to you, 鈥楽lap him. Slap him twice on both cheeks鈥欌€� He is insulting your character, and for me he puts my country to shame.鈥�