Politics
15:17, 25-Jul-2017
Duterte continues war on drugs despite criticism
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his annual State of the Nation address on Monday. In two hours of remarks, Duterte offered an extensive rebuttal to critics of his crackdown on illegal drug use.
"Despite international and local pressures, the fight will not stop until those who deal in it understand that they have to cease, they have to stop, because the alternatives are either jail or Hell,” the president said.
Outside the speech venue, thousands of protesters gathered in the street, pressing their president to make good on promises such as faster Internet speed and holding peace talks with insurgents.
Duterte, who is known for using colorful language, sought to justify the extension of martial law in the southern city of Marawi. He said it is necessary to crush the insurgency, while critics accused him of a power grab. The region is also home to Muslim rebels seeking independence.
The president touched briefly on competing territorial claims regarding the South China Sea. Since taking office, he has sought a closer relationship with China.
Despite an increase in unemployment throughout the country from 5.7 percent to 6.6 percent, Duterte did not announce any policies to address the problem.