MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar branded as “baseless” and “erroneous” a news report that President Duterte has embraced oligarchs. Andanar was disputing the report of Nikkei on how Duterte has started his own brand of cronyism while attacking the country’s oligarchs. “The Duterte administration has constantly and blatantly condemned cronyism in our society,” he said. Andanar argued Duterte has continuously lashed out against oligarchs who have promoted corruption, provided bribes to government officials in public-private transactions and received favors through their political connections. Since Duterte assumed office, Andanar said the President has started imposing policies that support businesses.

Source: Philippine Star December 07, 2019 15:56 UTC