Businesses Weigh Impact of Duterte Arrest

Business groups are watching closely how events will unfold following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, with one view warning that political instability could further deter investments and another suggesting investor and business confidence may improve if peace is maintained.

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

Duterte was arrested last week and has made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity over his deadly war on drugs.

"If the arrest of former president Duterte results in massive mass actions and demonstrations, it might create an impression of political instability, which will further discourage investments - local or foreign," Employers Confederation of the Philippines president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said in a text message.

At present, he said the Philippines is lagging behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia in attracting both investments and tourists.

He attributed this to impressions of erratic and inconsistent policies, red tape, high cost of electricity and recently, news of corruption.