Economics
Duterte to Let Experts Run Economy as He Focuses on Fighting Crime
- Duterte takes oath of office, vows to fight criminality
- Promises to honor Philippines’ international obligations
New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during inauguration ceremony on Thursday.
Photographer: Bullit Marquez/AP PhotoThis article is for subscribers only.
With dozens of suspected drug dealers killed by police before he even took office, new Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte is making good on his pledge to curtail crime, while leaving the economic running to others.
Duterte, 71, who on Thursday, has promised to spread wealth and power outside the capital to curb poverty. As he focuses on combating crime and graft, his cabinet members have been tasked with beefing up public spending and unclogging economic logjams.