Duterte denies involvement in CHR budget cut approved by Congress

President Rodrigo Duterte denied that it was his agenda to give the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) a budget of P1, 000 for next fiscal year 2018, citing that he did not instruct the lawmakers to come up with that decision.

A total of 119 lawmakers agreed to just give P1000 national budget for CHR instead of the proposed P678 million budget, while 32 vetoed.

The president threw the blame on CHR chairperson Chito Gascon, saying that “If you are not sure of yourself or where you stand, you might as well just maybe shut up.

Now, Congress gave his office P1000 because Congress was infuriated at him.”

Duterte lambasted Gascon for being on the side of the Liberal Party. “Gascon, since he is pro-yellow, he opens his mouth in a most inappropriate way and he conducts the business of being CHR.

He does not know everything,” Duterte added.

However, the P1000 budget for CHR can still be changed as it will be reviewed by the Bicameral Conference Committee to reconcile with the Senate’s proposed budget for the commission.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 09/ 13 / 17)