Palace reiterates adherence to rule of law, protection of human rights

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

After two United States House representatives called on US President Donald Trump to raise questions about human rights situations in the Philippines in his meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang renewed its adherence to the rule of law and their commitment in the protection of human rights amidst criticisms.

“We reiterate that our adherence to the rule of law remains as firm as ever, as is our commitment to the protection of human rights. The government is investigating allegations of so-called extrajudicial killings, including homicide cases with drug-related motives,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Reps. Randy Hultgren of Illinois and James McGovern of Massachusetts, co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, wrote a letter urging Trump to discuss with Duterte in their meeting their “profound concern” over cases of extrajudicial killings as a result of the government’s war against illegal drugs.

The two US lawmakers also informed Trump about the results of the Commission hearing where it found out that the Philippine National Police (PNP) have killed 7,000 suspected drug users and dealers “without charges or trial.”

In response to the letter, Roque said Duterte and Trump would allow “candid and productive” talks on matters of shared interest after they developed a “warm rapport” with each other.

“The government is investigating allegations of so-called extra-judicial killings, including homicide cases with drug-related motives. Ongoing investigations include the conduct of public congressional hearings. All these are undertaken precisely to ensure that due process and the rule of law prevails despite the Philippines’ significant drug problem,” he said.

The government’s #RealNumbersPH campaign revealed that 3,967 drug suspects have been killed in the government’s anti-drug operations.

Duterte and Trump are expected to meet at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Vietnam on Friday.

The two leaders are set to hold their first bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila next week.