24 Jan 2020

Simon Bridges defends meeting controversial Filipino politicians

From Morning Report, 6:47 am on 24 January 2020

National leader Simon Bridges has defended his meetings with controversial conservative figures during his trip to the Philippines.

The Opposition leader and three of his MPs have recently returned from a three day trip to Manila where they met high-powered diplomats and officials.

Among them: the country's Foreign Affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. - also known as Teddy Boy.

In 2016, the politician endorsed some of Hitler's genocidal policies - tweeting that the country's drug menace needed a Final Solution like the Nazis adopted.

Bridges also met the former boxer turned Senator Manny Pacquiao - who has attracted criticism for past homophobic tweets.

But Bridges told RNZ reporter Sarah Robson the trip was a worthwhile and successful endeavour.