A London-based economic research firm’s preference for Vice President Leni Robredo over President Duterte to lead the country is “wishful thinking” and an attempt to interfere in the country’s sovereignty, Malacañang said yesterday.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo hit back at Capital Economics for trying to meddle in the country’s affairs when it projected better economic prospects in the Philippines in case Robredo replaces Duterte.
“Unang-una that is wishful thinking. Pinakikialaman na naman nila ang soberenya at ‘yung tinig ng taong bayan na naghalal sa kanya overwhelmingly,” he said. “Masyado silang nakikialam sa pamamalakad ng ating pamahalaan,” he added.
The research firm reportedly projected there will be influx of investments in the country if Robredo takes the place of Duterte amid his poor health. It claimed that investors might welcome a leadership change in the Philippines given Duterte’s alleged “authoritarian tendencies.”
Panelo, however, pointed out that foreign investments into the coming have actually increased under Duterte’s watch.
“Maling-mali sila doon definitely. Sinasabi ng economic managers na maganda ang investment natin lalong-lalo na sa foreign,” he said.
Amid the latest comment from a foreign entity, Panelo has renewed his appeal to Robredo to be vigilant about the advice given to her as the new anti-drug czar. (Genalyn Kabiling)