Presumptive President of the Republic of the Philippines, Mayor Duterte warns Indian nationals involved in loan sharks or those lending money under the “5-6” system will not be allowed to operate under the administration of President Rody Duterte. The mayor of Davao City is threatening to deport Indian nationals if they do not stop extending loans at exorbitant interest rates of 20 percent the moment Duterte assumes the presidency.
The Davao City Mayor revealed that he would ask Indian Ambassador Lalduhthlana Ralte to help in dissuading Indian nationals from engaging in this practice, which Duterte said is a big burden on Filipinos.
“I want to talk to the ambassador of India … I am sure he would only be glad to help. Sabihin ko talaga sumunod sila (I will really tell them they should follow) or else I will deport you, all of you. Bantay kayo, pag-upo na pag-upo ko (You should watch out, the moment I start my presidency), they should stop the practice,” Duterte said.
Aside from the “5-6” system of Indian nationals, Mayor Duterte also added that some Indians would also force their customers to buy refrigerators and other items even though they do not have electricity.
“Itong mga 5-6 ngayon, kung saan-saan, magpapahiram ng pera, pagbilihin pa ng mga kumot, mga furniture. So ang sabihin ko sa ambassador, ang burden ng Filipino, parang pinapaluhod muna talaga (Those who practice 5-6 everywhere, they lend money and make people buy blankets and furniture. So I will talk to the ambassador because this burdens the Filipino, we are made to suffer on bended knees). The Filipino is suffering, sad and hungry. I have to stop it,” he said.
Although the incoming president of the Philippines warned those Indians who engaged in loan sharks, the mayor of Davao City also emphasized that those who do not practice the 5-6 scheme will be left unharmed.
Duterte’s remarks came after he was asked in an interview a few hours after he cast his vote in Davao City on May 9 about his plan for the agricultural sector. He said he would carefully study the situation of agriculture and land reform in the country. He assured farmers that he would allocate a budget to the agriculture sector so that they would no longer be at the mercy of loan sharks.
