DTI chief defends Aquino’s Marawi trip

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) is warding off false accusations against Sen. Bam Aquino regarding his recent visit to Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.

“The DTI would just like to state the fact that Sen. Bam Aquino, along with our other stakeholders in the military, the business sector and the local government, were in Marawi to attend the launch of ARMM’s first Negosyo Center in Marawi, the 508th Negosyo Center in the country,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said yesterday.

The senator is the author of the Go Negosyo Law which promotes inclusive growth by encouraging the establishment of MSMEs. The law directs the DTI to establish Negosyo Centers in all municipalities, to give micro and small entrepreneurs access to entrepreneurship education, mentorship, money and market.

“Sen. Bam has been our partner in empowering the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector for years, from his time as a social entrepreneur until he was elected senator,” Lopez said.

Several fake news sites have speculated about the senator’s visit to Marawi City before the clashes between government troops and the Maute Group, which began Tuesday afternoon.

“It is unfortunate that his visit is now the subject of false news and reports,” Sec. Lopez said.

”We call on our countrymen, during this time of crisis, not resort to spreading lies and conspiracies as these may worsen the situation.”

Lopez further urged Filipinos to unite for our country and against our common enemies.

“All our thoughts and prayers are with our men in uniform and our countrymen in Mindanao,” Lopez concluded.

President Duterte has declared martial law in the whole of Mindanao on Tuesday evening, following clashes between government troops and the Maute group.