THE GOVERNMENT of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte promoted a culture of impunity that allowed the brazen killing of suspected drug dealers and users by police, who were shielded from prosecution, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) told congressmen on Tuesday.
“The government has failed in its obligation to respect and protect the human rights of every citizen, in particular victims of drug-related killings,” CHR Chairman Richard P. Palpal-latoc told a House of Representatives hearing.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido M. Abante, Jr., who chairs the House human rights committee, said the inquiry would assess Philippine human rights laws and if they are consistent with international commitments.
“We must thoroughly investigate whether human rights violations have been committed against civilians,” he told the hearing. “We must assess whether domestic or international human rights laws, instruments and governmental policies have been adequate.” — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
