CHR chair questions choice of Cayetano to lead PHL delegation to UNHRC

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairman Chito Gascon on Thursday questioned the appointment of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as head of the Philippine delegation that will report the country's human rights situation before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

"It is a bit unusual," Gascon said at a news conference during the 30th founding anniversary celebration of the CHR.

Gascon said this is the first time a member of the legislative branch will head the delegation since members of the executive branch normally represent the country. 

"Normally it’s someone from the executive department because the one that is put on the hot seat is the government of the day. Ibig sabihin gobyerno ni President Duterte. Of course under our system, dapat may separation of powers," Gascon said.

Cayetano is expected to defend the Philippines' human rights record, including casualties of the drug war that is the centerpiece of Duterte's administration, on May 8 at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

This will be the third periodic review of the United Nations regarding the Philippines' human rights record.

Then-Justice Secretary Leila de Lima headed the government delegation during the second cycle of the review. De Lima, now a senator, is detained at the PNP Custodial Center on illegal drug charges.

Aside from the government delegation, a 10-man panel composed of human rights activists will also travel to the event next month in an effort to urge the UN to look into the human rights situation in the country.

Philippine Universal Periodic Review convenor Fr. Rex Reyes Jr. earlier said that among the issues the panel will discuss at the UNHRC are the spate of killings under the drug war and the protection of human rights defenders.

Transition to Cabinet post

Gascon claimed Cayetano is preparing for his appointment in the Cabinet that is why he will lead the Philippine delegation.

"Maybe this is his introduction to diplomatic work kasi may chismis o balita na papasok siya sa Cabinet, possible DFA. So possible this is a transition to that. We will not speculate," Gascon said.

Nonetheless, Gascon said it is up to Duterte on who he will designate to lead the government at the UNHRC.

"In the end the decision of who will represent the state is with the President and he chose Senator Cayetano," he said.

"Mukhang kusa naman yata nag-volunteer si Senator Cayetano at mukhang kusang tinanggap siya as head ng delegation, well that’s the choice of the administration," Gascon added. — BAP, GMA News