CEBU business leaders have warned that criticism against President Duterte and his war on drugs may slowly erode the political stability the country enjoys.
The Cebu business community, the Cebu and Philippine Chambers of Commerce, the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation and the Philippine Exporters Confederation in Cebu “are still confident that transparency and the rule of law in administering sanctions and legal proceedings against individuals who have violated the ideals of the Constitution will be held accountable for illegal activities regardless of stature in the society and government”.
“In consideration of the national interest of the country, we, the business leaders of Cebu, are calling on the political leaders and the public to act in sobriety and vigilance,” the groups said in a statement over the weekend.
These leaders agreed that the continued attack by a few elements of society in this part of the country and elsewhere on the war on drugs, which has been linked to so-called extrajudicial killings now reaching international concerns, puts other Duterte-initiated programs at risk.
The business leaders, nevertheless, agreed the country’s economy is still robust and continues to show significant improvements.
Cebu business leaders have joined together and pledged unconditional support over the weekend to Duterte, Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña and Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III, believing that, although there are still threats to alleged economic sabotage, Cebu and the country are still winning in efforts to fast-track economic developments.
“Our economic gains under these three leaders are still achieved, not derailed, as some sectors would like people to believe,” the business leaders said.
Financial institutions still have high respect on the performance of the Philippine economy, despite calls for political upheavals, thus business confidence in Cebu and elsewhere in the country is still very transparent, they added.