Cabinet official says media, ‘oligarchs’ conniving vs Duterte

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET, Philippines — Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. yesterday accused media and “oligarchs” of banding together to hit President Duterte “left and right.”

“For the first time, this government was able to say (to these oligarchs), ‘pay your taxes now’,” Evasco stressed, noting that rich families also own and control media companies.

Evasco added that these individuals are attacking Duterte because their business interests are affected by the President’s order for the Bureau of Internal Revenue to accelerate tax collection.

“There is an existing connivance between the oligarchs and the media who are now hitting the administration by reporting mostly negative news against the President,” said Evasco.

Last year, Philippine Airlines paid its P6-billion debt to government while cigarette firm Mighty Corp. settled for P30 billion its tax delinquency.  

Meanwhile, the Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee in the country faces tax evasion charges.

The Cabinet official keynoted the launch of “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” at Benguet State University here.

Evasco assured those who attended the launch that the Duterte administration is promoting their interests.

“Biyaya ng Pagbabago” is the flagship poverty alleviation program under the Office of the Cabinet Secretary being managed by the Office of Participatory Governance.