THE COMMISSION on Human Rights (CHR) has called out the Philippine National Police (PNP) over what it deems an excessive handling of detained opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima. “The Commission… calls out the Philippine National Police in their treatment of former CHR chairperson and now elected senator, Leila M de Lima. The Senator has consistently been heavily guarded and covered by police escorts with their extended hands in attempt to hide her from the public and media during her attendance at court hearings,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia said in a statement sent to BusinessWorld on Feb. 2. She noted this “visual is a stark contrast with how the police handles other high profile personalities accused of crimes.” She added, “We call on the government to exercise impartiality in applying these human rights standards to Senator de Lima, as well as all persons deprived of liberty.” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo was sought for comment but had yet to reply as of presstime. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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