Duterte open to discussing human rights with Trump, says Cayetano

President Rodrigo Duterte is open to discussing human rights concerns with US President Donald Trump if the latter raises the issue in the two leaders' first formal bilateral meeting, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Duterte, who has berated the US publicly for criticizing his all-out war on drugs during the time of President Barack Obama, is scheduled to meet with Trump on Monday.

“The President has always discussed human rights issues. It’s all-encompassing,” Cayetano told reporters Sunday, adding Duterte has talked about it in the past with visiting US officials, such as former Secretary of State John Kerry.

Cayetano said the President has always welcomed inquiries on the issue and is ready to address their concerns.

“What he doesn’t want is how it is being politicized and being taken out of context and the way they dictate on the Philippines,” he added.

Trump arrived in Manila Sunday evening to attend a two-day regional summit hosted by the Philippines.

The US, a close ally of the Philippines, along with the European Union and the United Nations, have expressed concern about the wave of killings of drug suspects since Duterte came into power on June 30 last year. Thousands have reportedly been killed in the government’s anti-narcotics crackdown.

While they support the country’s campaign against illegal drugs, the EU, the UN and the US maintained that due process and human rights must be observed by Philippine authorities in carrying out its operations.

Duterte is one of the most unorthodox presidents the country has ever had, with the harsh language and curses that he has leveled or used against critics and opponents, including Obama, whom he told to "go to hell."

Duterte has an anti-American streak that he vented against Obama, but he has been more circumspect since Trump's election.

The Philippine leader has been likened to Trump, with both presidents known for their brazen language and for making off-the cuff-remarks.

“As you know they like each other, they respect each other’s stand so we expect it to be a productive meeting. Very substantial. We believe it will strengthen the relationship,” Cayetano said.

“It’s really a matter of sitting down and ironing out details and it’s very clear to both sides where the relationship is strong in what sector is ongoing and strong and in what areas that need strengthening.”

Cayetano’s statement demonstrates Manila’s position that the two countries can still work together and increase cooperation despite contrasting views on human rights.

Analyst Carl Thayer, professor emeritus at the University of New South Wales, said it may be counter-productive for Trump to raise human rights with Duterte since the American leader exudes contradictions.

“He rails against Venezuela, the Assad regime in Syria and North Korea but is quiet on human rights abuses in the region, including most notably the Philippines,” said Thayer.

“Duterte could fly off the handle and scuttle the alliance. Human rights are best address bilaterally through dialogue not through megaphone diplomacy.” — BM, GMA News