Duterte discusses human rights issue with US, AU

President Rodrigo Duterte said that the human rights issue in the Philippines was discussed in his meetings with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Malacañan Palace.

However, Duterte said that the issue was only brought up in passing as the discussion focused on threats of terrorism the country faces.

“Mostly they have considerably toned down in human rights,” Duterte said.

Tillerson and Bishop are in the country to participate in the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.

The US and Australia are among the dialogue partners of the 10 members states of ASEAN.

President Rodrigo Duterte said that the human rights issue in the Philippines was discussed in his meetings with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Malacañan Palace.

However, Duterte said that the issue was only brought up in passing as the discussion focused on threats of terrorism the country faces.

“Mostly they have considerably toned down in human rights,” Duterte said.

Tillerson and Bishop are in the country to participate in the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.

The US and Australia are among the dialogue partners of the 10 members states of ASEAN.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 08 / 08/ 17)