Two major Philippine business groups said they will fully support President Duterte’s ongoing campaign against drugs, criminality and corruption even as the country faces closer scrutiny from the international community. The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) on Monday voiced support for the campaign to stamp out drug activity in the country after the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) vowed to back the Duterte administration’s fight against drugs and crime last week.
“FPI, representing the voice of the manufacturers and producers in the country, expresses its full support for the government’s unrelenting campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption,” the group said in a statement.
FPI also dismissed the increasing scrutiny being faced by the Philippines from Western countries, such as the European Union and the United States, due to the increase in the number of people being killed following the government’s roll out of its antidrug campaign.
“We understand the concerns of those challenging the declaration, especially in terms of the protection of our inherent rights under the Constitution. Their sentiments are our concerns, as well,” the group said. “But ruthlessness has to be addressed with equally unrelenting and strong enforcement of the law. Otherwise, we will allow ruthlessness and lawlessness to rule the country,” it added.
The PCCI issued the same pronouncement in a news conference to announce that the 42nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo will be held in October.
PCCI honorary Vice Chairman Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. voiced full support for the war against drugs, and downplayed the alleged extrajudicial killings. “We have declared a war on drugs. I think we’re going to win this, and there will be collateral damage. Unless we accept that fact, then we’re not going to win. I think we’re doing well and in a lot of ways it may be overdone.”
Ortiz-Luis Jr. added that the war on drugs will likely have “little effect” on foreign direct investments as the fight against crime and corruption sends a “positive signal” to potential investors.
PCCI Chairman emeritus Francis Chua echoed the sentiment of Ortiz-Luis, saying President Duterte’s “strong-man rule” is a source of inspiration for other Asean countries.