AmCham raises concern about rule of law, Duterte's recent statements

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) on Thursday voiced its "growing concern" about supposed uncertainties clouding the rule of law in the country, as well as the recent pronouncements of Philippine leaders which could strain bilateral relations.

"The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines voices growing concern over developments that could harm the long-standing optimism of American business to invest in the Philippines," it said in an emailed statement.

"While the country's economic concerns that some basic American values – which Filipinos have long shared – may be weakening in the current environment," it added.

Investors are now wary of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the country, given the increased number of killings, according to the group.

"Certainly, the illegal drug menace is a serious threat in the Philippines, as it is in the US and elsewhere. However, the increased number of killings during the heightened anti-drug campaign is harming the country's image, as portrayed by international media, and some investors are now asking whether this campaign reduced the rule of law," it said.

According to the Philippine National Police, 1,046 drug suspects have been killed since the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte unleashed a campaign against illegal drugs in July.

AmCham cited the recent spat between Duterte and US President Barack Obama, which may have strained relations between the two countries.

"In addition, traditionally excellent bilateral relations between the United States and the Philippines have recently been strained by language from Philippine leaders," it said.

In a press briefing in Davao City before flying to Laos for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, Duterte exclaimed that nobody can lecture him about extrajudicial killings and human rights, including Obama.

As a result, Obama canceled their bilateral meeting on September 6.

Duterte expressed his regrets that his tirade "came across as a personal attack on the US president."

The United States is the oldest ally of the Philippines. Net foreign direct investment from the USA totaled $62.26 million as of end-May, according to latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data also showed that the US accounted for $741.00 million or 15.6 percent of Philippine export receipts in June.

The US was the fourth biggest source of Philippines imports at $530.50 million or 7.7 percent of the total bill in June 2016.

"AmCham has always been optimistic about the Philippines and committed to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and cultural ties," it said.

"We remain hopeful that these ties will become even stronger in the months and years ahead and are committed to working with the Philippine government and people to continually improving them," it added. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News