Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia on Thursday downplayed concerns that extending martial law in Mindanao until December would adversely affect the economy. Pernia noted that the conflict area in Mindanao was only “limited” to Marawi City, which Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists had besieged, prompting President Duterte to impose martial law in Mindanao on May 23. The President has asked Congress to extend martial law until Dec. 31, since the battle for Marawi is expected to continue well beyond the 60-day period prescribed in the Constitution for the emergency. Concerns have been raised that prolonging martial law would have a negative economic impact, particularly on tourism and the country’s investment climate. However, Pernia said the country was on its way to achieving its GDP growth target of at least 6.5 to 7.5 percent.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 20, 2017 23:37 UTC