Malacañang described as “myopic and speculative” the US Intelligence Community’s Worldwide Threat Assessment report which included President Rodrigo Duterte in the roll of leaders who pose threat to the democracy and human rights in the Southeast Asian region.
“The US intelligence community’s assessment is myopic and speculative at best,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
“He is a lawyer, he knows the law, he wants to uphold the rule of law, he knows about the bill of rights,” he added.
The US intelligence community said “democracy and human rights in many Southeast Asian countries will remain fragile in 2018″ due to the inclination to uphold an autocratic style of ruling, corruption, and “cronyism.”
Roque downplayed this by saying, “President Duterte is no autocrat or has no autocratic tendencies as he adheres to the rule of law and remains loyal to the Constitution.”
Roque cited the freedom of the press and the continued functioning of the judiciary and legislature to support his defense of the president.
“An autocracy is not prevalent, as they would like everyone to believe. Our media are still able to broadcast and print what they want– ‘fake news’ included. Our judiciary and the courts are functioning as usual. Our legislature remains independent and basic services are still being delivered,” Roque said.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 02/22 /18)