Tourism chief: Very hard to sell PHL with Robredo remarks, EJK reports

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo on Wednesday said Vice President Leni Robredo and the media’s reports on extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the country are making it difficult to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination.

In a press conference held in Bangkok, Teo said statements and reports on EJKs should be “toned down.” Teo, along with other Cabinet officials, are with President Rodrigo Duterte for a two-day visit in Thailand.

“‘Yung mga statements na ganoon, nahihirapan kaming i-sell ang Philippines so I hope kung puwede — even if it's not only referred to [Vice President] Leni but also to the media — kung puwede, i-tone down natin yung reports on extrajudicial killings,” Teo said.

Teo was reacting to Robredo’s video message sent to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs revealing alleged police abuses in the country, including the alleged “palit-ulo” scheme and warrantless searches in poor communities in Metro Manila.

The video was criticized by Malacañang as well as Duterte’s allies, with House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez threatening an impeachment complaint against Robredo.

GMA News Online is seeking a reaction from the vice president's office.

Robredo had explained that the video was based on accounts relayed to her office by representatives of urban poor communities affected by the drug war.

Teo said that while she has “great respect” for the Vice President, such accusations might affect tourist numbers in the Philippines.

“[Just] help us sell the Philippines. Help us because you know, it’s very difficult for me to sell the Philippines especially if napag-uusapan na [ang] extrajudicial killings,” she said.

She said however that she will always give her personal assurance to tourists about their safety in the Philippines. —ALG, GMA News