Abella: EU report on PHL human rights situation a ‘rehash’ of criticisms

The European Union’s (EU) report on the human rights situation in the Philippines is a “rehash of criticisms” against the Duterte administration, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Tuesday.

“The EU's report covers the period of last year's elections and many of its alleged findings are a rehash of criticisms aired by the political party whose candidate lost to the President,” Abella said.

Abella, however, did not name the political party and its candidate. President Rodrigo Duterte won the 2016 elections, with at least six million votes ahead of second-placer former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, a candidate of the former ruling Liberal Party (LP). Three other candidates sought the presidency at the time.

The EU’s report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2016 said that the culture of impunity has remained one of the major problems of the Philippine government. It pointed out that the previous Aquino administration did not solve issues on impunity.

The EU also pointed out that cases of human rights violations had worsened during the last six months of 2016. Duterte took office in June 2016.

“The second half of the year was marked by a serious deterioration in respect for the right to life, due process and the rule of law,” the EU said.

The group also mentioned that Duterte supposedly made remarks supporting the killing of human rights defenders.

“Since his election, President Duterte has made statements justifying the killing of ‘corrupt’ journalists and human rights defenders,” the EU said.

The EU report added that Duterte’s remarks have also encouraged security forces to deal with suspected drug individuals in an “aggressive approach.”

“The President’s statements and actions have seemingly encouraged the police to take an aggressive approach in dealing with drug users and pushers, and have – according to human rights advocates – also encouraged vigilante style extrajudicial killings,” the EU said.

Abella said the Philippine government has already responded to such allegations during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

“Again, for the public's continuing awareness, we reiterate that the Philippines is investigating allegations of drug-related killings, extrajudicial deaths, and media violence to ensure the accountability of perpetrators,” Abella said.

“It has to be underscored that all the drug-related deaths arising from legitimate police operations have been done based on rules of engagement,” he added.

Abella also assured that “impunity does not have a place in this administration.” — RSJ, GMA News