Malacañang calls Duterte's first four years 'great'

Malacañang described President Rodrigo Duterte's first four years in office as "great," citing the country's economic performance prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the Philippines experienced one of the best-performing economies globally before the pandemic struck, with an average growth rate of 6.5% from 2016 to 2019.

He noted that the country was able to defy the initial projection of a UP study that COVID-19 cases would have reached 3 million if no lockdown was declared.

Roque also highlighted the country's fight against COVID-19 and mentioned that the "overwhelming majority" of Filipinos support the President's policies.

He added that Duterte's enduring popularity is an affirmation of the administration's policies.

Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Roque expressed confidence that the country would recover due to its sound economic fundamentals.

Duterte marked his fourth year in office on June 30, and his term will end in June 2022.