NY Times wants accountability for Duterte: Hit PH where it hurts most

US-based publication The New York Times is calling on the international community to rebuke Philippines trade privileges in a bid to hold President Rodrigo Duterte accountable for his alleged support of the killings under his war on drugs.

In an editorial piece titled "Accountability for Duterte," the publication recently alleged that the President "relishes his image as a defiant crusader, willing to encourage the slaughter of thousands in the name of saving his nation from the scourge of drugs."

Manila's trading partners, The New York Times said, should rebuke Duterte by mimicking the European Union's (EU) threat to hit his government "where it may hurt the most" -- its trade incentives.

"Outraged by Mr. Duterte's behavior, as well as his government's possible reinstatement of the death penalty and lowering the age for criminal prosecution to 9, the EU has proposed hitting his government where it may hurt the most by imposing tariffs on Philippine goods. Other democratic trading partners should do the same," the publication said.

The EU is currently reviewing whether the Philippines can still qualify for trade incentives that are pre-conditioned on compliance with international agreements, including those on human rights.

A monitoring team from the EU earlier arrived in the country for an assessment of the country’s trade perks under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), which allows the Philippines to export to the EU without duties or with reduced tariffs.

Source :ABS-CBN