Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia Malacañang Palace. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC
SOME Filipinos view the recent surge in drug-related killings as a “necessary evil in pursuit of greater good,” according to President Duterte’s chief economic adviser.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia on Tuesday admitted that the impression of the international business community on Mr. Duterte’s approach in stemming illegal drugs may affect the country’s business environment.
The economics professor from the University of the Philippines urged the media to interview individuals who were supportive of the President’s war on drugs.
“We should also try to get the view of others who approve of what’s happening and see it as … maybe a necessary evil … in the pursuit of greater good,” Pernia told a news briefing.
“We need to counter the negative effect (and) the negative perception (of) those observing what’s happening here from afar,” he said. “When you are from a distance, then you see the thing … more serious than what it really is because it’s localized.”
Pressed to elaborate, he said the killings of drug personalities could be “a byproduct of you know … self-defense thing,” which, he said, was “legitimate.”
Asked if the killings would do any good to the economy, he said: “It’s better that there are no killings, of course. And also, we have to realize that our justice system is dysfunctional. I think that should also be made known.”
“People know that our justice system is dysfunctional and so the justices, the Supreme Court, should know that. They have to shape up before we can really follow due process,” Pernia said.
He said foreign visitors should be reminded that they would be safe in the country as long as they follow the law.
“In fact, the crime rate has gone down substantially because of this fight against the drug menace. These are the kinds of things that we need to do to counter the perception from afar,” he said. Marlon Ramos