Palace backs CHR probe of Duterte

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MALACAÑANG supports the decision of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to look into the supposed role of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, now a presidential candidate, in executing criminals in the city.

“Whoever it is referring to, the implementation of the law should be fairly done,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said on state radio yesterday.

Democracy

Coloma was responding to a question if Malacañang would support the plan of the CHR to investigate Duterte since the mayor did admit to killing some criminals.

The government adheres to the rule of law as the country is a democracy, Coloma said.

“We recognize that every Filipino has rights and is protected by the Constitution and other laws, including the right to live and right to due process in any legal action,” he said.

Admission

Which is why Coloma said the CHR is doing its duty to find out if the allegations against Duterte are true.

The tough-talking Duterte recently admitted that he killed criminals in his drive to make his city one of the most secure in the world.

His admission prompted the CHR to form a special fact-finding team to investigate the Davao City mayor. Christine O. Avendaño