Malacañang hails PH reelection to UN rights body

FILE: Secretary Salvador Panelo’s Press Briefing (Photo screengrabbed from PCOO)

MANILA – Malacañang on Saturday welcomed a report that the Philippines was granted another three-year term in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC),calling it a proof that the UN recognizes the government’s respect for human rights.

Despite criticism against the Duterte administration’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines won a seat after 165 out of 192 member-states voted in favor of the country’s inclusion.

“The Philippines’ re-election to the 47-member United Nations Human Rights Council for another three-year term with a vote of 165 out of the 192 votes cast by member-states is a recognition that our government respects human rights and will not tolerate abuse by those in authority,” newly-designated Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press statement.

Panelo added that getting a seat in the UNHRC refuted critics and detractors of the drug war, which is meant to rid the streets of drug coddlers and make Filipinos feel safer.

Panelo said the Philippines’ inclusion also showed that the community of nations has viewed the drug menace as “a global problem” which nations had to deal with together.

He emphasized that the Philippines is “at the forefront of this gigantic fight and is showing the way how to slay the dragon of destruction.”

He added that with the country’s re-election, the drug war has been acknowledged as essential to the protection of the right to life, liberty and property of citizens.

“We thank and commend the UN Human Rights Council, as well as the states that supported our country’s bid, for affirming the Philippines’ brand of human rights advocacy under the Duterte administration as truly responsive to our people’s needs and aspirations for a better and more dignified life,” Panelo said.

Outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also lauded this development, despite local and international human rights groups asking the UN to reject the country’s bid for reelection.

“Our successful bid to keep out seat in the Council is proof that many in the international community remain convinced the Philippines respects and protects human rights and have seen through the efforts of some to politicize and weaponize the issue,” Cayetano said.