ANTIPEOPLE Youth groups protest the government’s ‘antipeople’ programs, including the crackdown on ‘tambays.’ —RICHARD A. REYES
President Duterte hit back at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for being critical of his anti-“tambay” directive, calling the group “crazy.”
In a speech on Saturday night during the inauguration of Malayan Colleges Mindanao in Davao City, the President argued that his controversial order, particularly his instructions to take loitering minors into custody, was within the principle of “parens patriae.”
“These human rights [advocates], even this “sira-ulo” [crazy] IBP. Look guys, if you are the president of the IBP, there is no need for a law for me to order the clearing of the streets,” he said.
Earlier, IBP president Abdiel Fajardo pointed out that the President’s verbal order to go after loiterers or “tambays” in the streets was not enough basis for arresting them.
Loitering ‘idiots’
Mr. Duterte also lashed out anew at human rights advocates who were “taking pity” on “idiots” in the streets.
“If I say, ‘arrest and take into custody the young people,’ that is well within my parens patriae—the father of the nation—to protect them from crime,” he said.
Under the principle of parens patriae, the government is duty-bound to act as the legal protector of citizens unable to protect themselves.
“Nothing is wrong with that. You can bring me to the Supreme Court and we will see each other there,” Mr. Duterte added.
Criticism of his anti-“tambay” drive has mounted over possible human rights violation and the death of one those arrested while in detention.