Cabinet execs confident martial law in Mindanao will not affect economy, tourism

MOSCOW – The Duterte administration is confident that the martial law in Mindanao, which was declared because of threats posed by Islamic extremists, would not have an impact on the country’s economy and tourism.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, who was part of President Duterte’s official delegation during his visit here, said officials have assured investors that the incident in Marawi was “isolated.”

“The Marawi incident was unfortunate but quite isolated… The Philippines is still a good investment destination,” Lopez said in a press conference Wednesday night here.

"We want to project that the Philippines has this growth momentum; that the incident will not, in any way, counter the growth momentum we have," he added.

Duterte placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial law last May 23 after members of the Maute terrorist group occupied parts of Marawi and held hostage several civilians.

READ: Duterte to fly back to Manila with Mindanao under martial law

He said he is ready to expand the scope of the declaration to cover the entire country if the threats posed by the terrorists spill over to areas outside Mindanao.

The president also promised to be harsh against terrorists but assured the public that he would not allow any abusive practice.

READ: Mindanao martial law to be like Marcos', says Duterte

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia is optimistic that the martial law declaration would not dampen investor confidence in the country.

“This will be very short lived. I don’t think (it will have a significant impact). They (investors) have confidence in the president that he can put this under control,” Pernia told The STAR in a chance interview.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo claimed that tourists remain interested in the Philippines despite the martial law declaration. She said her office, which aims to lure eight million visitors this year, would continue to sell the Philippines to tourists.

"We will continue to promote the Philippines as a destination in spite of the martial law. I am confident tourists will still come to the country," the tourism chief said.

Like Pernia, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano believes that the martial law in Mindanao would be short-lived as government forces are now working to address the security issues in the area.  

“Despite the declaration of martial law, I think there will be still a lot of tourism activities, investments and a lot of people will even feel safer,” Cayetano said.

“But we’re all praying that it will (just) be (for) a short period and the President said, as soon as the problem is solved, he will lift it. Let us help each other to solve the problem,” Cayetano said.

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