DTI Secretary balks at anti-worker matrix, cites agency's accomplishments

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez on Monday defended his agency after he was accused of contributing to the oppression against Filipino workers.

“Puspusang gumagawa ng paraan ang DTI upang maging maginhawa at masagana ang buhay para sa Pilipino,” Lopez told GMA News Online in a message.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) earlier released a matrix consisting of personalities who were allegedly contributing to the worsening labor situation in the country where Lopez was included. 

He defended himself by citing the accomplishments of the DTI such as the increase in new jobs, the decline of unemployment rate and reduced poverty incidence.

“Sino ang naghihikayat ng maraming investors, gumagawa ng reporma para dumami investments at trabaho at micro SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) para may hanapbuhay ang lahat?” Lopez said.

According to the DTI secretary, the Board of Investments recorded highest registered investments in two consecutive years—P617 billion in 2017 and P915 billion in 2018.

President Rodrigo Duterte was at the center of the anti-worker matrix linking to several local officials, government agencies, and large companies.

Based on the matrix, Lopez allegedly serves as bridge between Duterte and US President Donald Trump and People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping. —LDF, GMA News