DTI chief: Martial law won’t affect economy, tourism

MOSCOW – The Duterte administration is confident the martial law declaration in Mindanao to combat Islamic extremists would not impact heavily 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 here Wednesday night.

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

Lopez also apologized to over 200 participants of the Philippine business delegation for President Duterte’s sudden return to Manila.

“Unfortunately, we can’t be with the President but I know you are here really to help the country by looking into many opportunities,” Lopez said during the welcome reception for the business delegates at the World Trade Center on Wednesday.

“Thank you for staying behind,” he added.

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

The President 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 abuses.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said any negative effect would be “very short-lived.”

He told The STAR investors “have confidence in the President, that he can put this under control.”  

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said 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 its vigorous campaign to attract foreign visitors.

“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 martial law in Mindanao would be short-lived.

“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 be (for) a short period and as 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. 

 In a statement, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said martial law does not pose a threat to economic activities in the affected areas.

“The economy is in no way threatened by the imposition of martial law,” Dominguez said. –  With Iris Gonzales, Mary Grace Padin, Richmond Mercurio, Czeriza Valencia