(Eagle News)– President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday (September 22) fired his critics anew, saying his tough talk doesn’t scare off investors and cannot floor the country.
“Do not keep complaining about my mouth because my mouth is not the problem. It cannot bring down a country,” Duterte stressed.
“Ang issue dito hindi ang bunganga ko. And they are saying the ratings sa business, sa economy. Eh ‘di so be it. Lumayas kayo. Then we can start on our own. I can go to China. I can go to Russia. I had a talk with them. They are waiting for me. So what the hell,” he added.
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings, a credit rating agency, earlier released their statement that investors are worried to do business in the Philippines due to the political climate.
“International investors may be getting worried about potential diplomatic complications and short-term law and order issues on the ground,” S&P said.
Palace officials, however, welcomed the comment of the agency.
“We welcome S&P’s decisions as it gives government greater resolve to make our economy growth robust, sustainable and inclusive. The fundamentals of the economy are solid and strong,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.
“We are the fastest growing economy in the second quarter of 2016 and we shall seize this economic momentum to bring about inclusive developments to our people. Any hiccups to slow down growth will depend on the overall performance of the global economy,” Andanar added.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez added that the government is not changing macroeconomic policies.
“Kasi ho si President Duterte tingin po naming even sa business sector, siya po talaga determined lang to help the Filipino people, to ensure peace, security, drug-free, illegal drug-free. Iyon din po ang pangako sa ASEAN nagkasundo doon at siya po talagang he is just after our welfare.”
Duterte has drawn international notice because of his profanity-laced tirades that have been directed at critics from the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States.
