CHR braces for rights cases under Duterte

ROSALES, Pangasinan—The Commission on Human Rights is ready to address human rights issues that may emerge during the administration of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, its chair, Chito Gascon, said here on Tuesday.

“In every administration, the CHR has been very busy because of the many (human rights) issues (reported to the office),” said Gascon.

Even before Duterte assumes office on July 1, there are already anticrime “initiatives happening on the ground,” which, Gascon said, the CHR would look into for possible violation of human rights.

Gascon cited the “walk of shame” for drug suspects in Tanauan town in Batangas province and the offer of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to reward policemen for every criminal they kill in the line of duty.

Gascon said the CHR would also look into the advocacy of Duterte for the restoration of the death penalty and changing the method of executing death convicts from lethal injection to hanging.

The CHR expressed opposition to the proposals. “The CHR has already stated its position why (death penalty) has an impact on human rights,” said Gascon.

He said when Congress opens the debate on the restoration of the death penalty, the CHR would be there to explain why it violates the prohibition on cruel and degrading human treatment and punishment.

“We will also explain why the death penalty that is implemented in different countries is biased against the poor and why it is not a deterrent to violent crimes because in many countries, where there is death penalty, violent crimes continue,” he said.

“So, we are hoping that Congress will consider all these issues when it decides on whether or not it will reinstate the death penalty,” he said.