Padilla insists US measure halting aid to PNP due to alleged rights violations baseless

Senator Robin Padilla on Tuesday said a United States measure that halts  assistance to the Philippine National Police due to alleged human rights violations has no basis.

In a statement, the lawmaker noted that based on his personal experiences with the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, security forces have always upheld human rights.

"Witness ako nito sa pagiging makatao ng AFP at ng PNP... Hindi po ako nagsisinungaling sa inyo, mga mahal kong kababayan. Kung meron akong nakikitang mali na ginagawa ng PNP o AFP o anumang sangay sa gobyerno na may kinalaman sa human rights, ako po ang unang unang magsasalita at magsasabi sa inyo," Padilla was quoted as saying in an television interview.

(I have witnessed how the AFP and PNP respect human rights. I will not lie, my beloved countrymen. If I see human rights violations by the PNP or AFP or any branch of government, I will call them out on it.)

"Pero sa tagal ko po, ako nagtrabaho mahigit isang taon sa AFP, kitang kita ko ang paggalang ng nakauniporme sa civilian. Hindi ko naintindihan kung saan nanggaling ito kung saan humuhugot ang opposition sa banat banat na puro human rights violations," he added.

(I have worked for more than a year in the AFP. I have seen for myself how our men and women in uniform respect human rights. I don't understand where this is coming from. Where does the opposition find these criticisms about human rights violations?)

Last week, members of the US House of Representatives agreed to include an amendment in the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 which would halt US assistance to the Philippine National Police (PNP) “until a series of human rights requirements are met.”

Padilla, while critical of the move by the US House of Representatives, also pointed out that America had expressed support for the Philippines during a recent Independence Day celebration at the US Embassy.

The lawmaker also took a swipe at individuals who are allegedly seeking the intervention of the US and Europe for their political agenda.

"Ang hinihiling lang namin sa inyo, hindi ito ang oras na maging masyado tayong mapulitika. Wala nang sinisigaw ang ating bagong Pangulo kundi unity tayo, magkaisa na tayo. Ito dinadamay na naman ninyo ang US, dinadamay na naman ninyo ang Europe. Pambihira," he said.

(My appeal to you is that now is not the time for politicking. Our new President has called for unity, let us unite. And do not drag the United States and Europe into your politicking.)

Other allies

Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who is set to chair the Senate Committee on National Defense, said the Philippines could seek aid from allies other than the United States.

"Marami naman tayong ibang bansa na kaalyado natin that can help us also," Estrada said in an interview with reporters.

The lawmaker likewise questioned the basis of the US measure.

"Wala naman yatang human rights violations," he said.

As incoming chairperson of the Senate Defense Committee, Estrada also disclosed that he had met with National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos.

Estrada said Carlos was "very accommodating" during the briefing and he was assured that the National Security Council would coordinate with the Senate panel.

Apart from Carlos, Estrada said he would also seek the advice of former Defense chief and former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. — DVM, GMA News