President-elect Bongbong Marcos during an interview with Press Secretary-designate Trixie Cruz-Angeles. Screengrab from Facebook / Bongbong Marcos
MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will continue the war against illegal drugs “within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights,” Swedish Ambassador Annika Thunborg said Friday.
Thunborg said the war against drugs was among the topics discussed during her courtesy call on Marcos in Mandaluyong City.
Citing Marcos, Thunborg said the president-elect vowed to “focus on rehabilitation.”
“We also touched upon political affairs and the importance and the strong commitment that has been expressed by the President-elect to conduct the war on drugs within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development,” she said in a press briefing.
“[It is] something that is very much appreciated on my government’s side as well,” she added.
Marcos earlier said outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte told him to continue his controversial war against illegal drugs.
READ: Bongbong Marcos says President Duterte told him to continue drug war
Duterte, according to Marcos, said he can combat the country’s drug problem “in his own way” as long as it is continued.
The outgoing Chief Executive is facing a complaint before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in connection with the killings under his bloody drug war.
Meanwhile, Thunborg likewise expressed that the socio-economic and financial reforms that were put in place during the Duterte administration will continue.
“Many Swedish companies have arrived in the Philippines… that employ many people. Altogether, Swedish companies employ 17,000 people in the Philippines,” Thunborg said.
“We hope to provide more job opportunities and areas of collaboration including in green technologies, smart mobility, smart cities,” she added.
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