Cabinet members quizzed on drug war, EJKs at WEF forum

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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Members of the Cabinet had to answer questions on the controversial drug war in the Philippines during a briefing here meant to drum up support for Dutertenomics.

Several Cabinet members, including Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, were in attendance at the World Economic Forum on Asean on Thursday to entice foreign investors and to support President Rodrigo Duterte, who is representing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

After a brief presentation on how the Duterte government aims to achieve a high middle income status for the Philippines in the next six years, the Cabinet members were asked about how they will respond to businessmen worried about the rule of law in the country.

A German journalist said businessmen from his country are concerned with the war on drugs and that it might affect foreign direct investment.

Incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano assured the room of journalists that “the protection of human rights is paramount” for the Philippine government and that “the campaign against drugs is a campaign to protect the human rights” of the Filipino population.

Cayetano blamed the international media for not showing the full picture in their reports. Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez claimed that the anti-illegal drugs campaign has resulted in Filipinos feeling safer in their communities.

READ: Bloody PH drug war catches eye of int’l media

He also said the business and consumer confidence went up. JE/rga

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