More envoys pay courtesy visits on Marcos

More diplomats paid courtesy visits on President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday.

These include United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez, Sweden Ambassador Annika Thunborg, Ambassador Charles Brown of the Holy See, and Irish Ambassador William Carlos.

Facing members of the press, Thunborg said the campaign against illegal drugs was discussed during her meeting with Marcos.

"Yes, it was specifically discussed with the president and as mentioned, the very strong commitment to continue the war on drugs within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development was expressed," Thunborg said.

Marcos earlier bared that outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte had asked him to continue the war on drugs but on his own way.

During the campaign period, Marcos said the next administration should run after big targets.

He also noted that the Philippine government should work closely with its foreign counterparts in eradicating illegal drugs.

Aside from the illegal drug problem, Thunborg said economic and financial policies, as well as transnational crimes, were also tackled during the courtesy call.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez said ensuring "high-level" of accountability in the aspect of human rights was discussed during his courtesy call on Marcos.

Gonzalez said Marcos even mentioned that he is conducting a number of consultations to ensure the best way of supporting the human rights agenda in the Philippines.

Sustaining peace especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and climate change were also tackled during their meeting.

Other diplomats were not able to face and entertain questions from the media.  —KBK, GMA News