Tourism chief: Robredo, media making it hard to market PH
‘Not sanctioned’
VICE remarks on extrajudicial killings are making it hard to sell the Philippines as a tourist destination, the country’s tourism chief said on Wednesday.
In a press conference in Thailand, Tourism media to “tone down” reports on extrajudicial killings as they raise security and safety concerns among tourists. Teo echoed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chief Andrea a gaming conference in Manila on Tuesday.
United Nations meeting, criticized the sharp increase in extrajudicial killings and human rights violations under the administration of
“I have a great respect for VP [Vice President] Leni. Philippines is now becoming an alternate destination in Asia and Europe. Statements like that make it hard for us to sell the Philippines as a tourist destination,” Teo told reporters.
“This does not only refer to VP Leni but also to media. Let’s tone down on those statements - cause I’m always asked wherever I go, even in Asia and Europe, ‘Is this true’? And I would say it’s safe in the Philippines and I would always ask them to come,” she added.
tourist arrivals.
“I still see that more tourists are coming to the Philippines especially from China, Europe and Asia,” she said.
the March 16 showing of the video message of the Vice President was of the 60th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcot governments like the Philippines.
said the Philippines participated in the event by sending officials from the Philippine Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in Vienna.
Alongside the session were around 100 side events and numerous exhibitions organized by nongovernment organizations (NGOs).
“On 16 March 2017, one such side event sponsored by an antidrug network featured the videotaped remarks of Vice President alleged drug-related extrajudicial killings in the country,” the state
“In the UN context, side events, or activities organized outside the formal program of official UN meetings, provide an opportunity for Member States, UN entities and NGOs to discuss themes in parallel - ferences where the NGOs are not involved,” the statement added.
The same video was shown before the EU Parliament, which voted to direct the Philippine government to release Sen. Leila de Lima, who is accused of drug
respects fundamental freedoms, including the right of everyone to speak freely on any topic.
However, the department said freedom of expression is a right that comes with the responsibility and unfounded allegations from questionable sources are avoided.
“In this regard, elements in the Vice President’s side event state earlier stated by the Presidential Spokesperson on the matter,” the statement said.
- ernment was investigating the veracity of allegations of drug-related extrajudicial killings, which it said were being undertaken precisely in strict adherence to due process and the rule of law.
“This was conveyed by the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in Vienna in a statement delivered at that same side event after the Vice President’s remarks
“The Philippine Government has pursued a balanced and holistic approach to the drug issue in all enforcement, rehabilitation, and supply reduction, demand reduction, alternative development, civic awareness and regional and international cooperation inform the Philippines’ mission against illicit drugs,” it added.