Duterte says philippines would welcome refugees they can always come here

I think there may be some misinformation here.

While President Rodrigo Duterte has made statements about the Philippines being a welcoming country, his administration has also been criticized for its handling of refugees and asylum seekers.

In 2019, Duterte made a statement saying that the Philippines would welcome refugees from other countries, including those fleeing conflict and persecution. He said, "We will welcome them. They can always come here."

However, this statement was met with skepticism by human rights groups and refugee advocates, who pointed out that the Philippines has a poor track record of protecting and integrating refugees. The country has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, which sets out the international framework for refugee protection.

In reality, the Philippines has a restrictive asylum system, and refugees and asylum seekers often face significant challenges in accessing protection and basic rights. Many have reported being detained, deported, or subjected to violence and harassment.

In recent years, the Philippines has also been criticized for its treatment of Rohingya refugees, who have been fleeing persecution and violence in Myanmar. In 2017, the Philippine government deported hundreds of Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar, despite international calls for them to be granted asylum.

So, while President Duterte's statement may have been well-intentioned, it is important to recognize that the Philippines still has a long way to go in terms of providing a safe and welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers.