CHR to Duterte Admin: Law must be applied equally and without favor

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as expected would not let the series of arrest of those personalities who posted rewards for the head of the President of the country and those critical of him be left unaided.

THE CHR has reminded the Duterte administration that there should be equality of application of laws with respect to those individuals who posted criticisms and threats against President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on social media.

According to CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia, people should be ensured that their right to free speech — even during a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic — will be protected.

(photo credit to owner)

“We hope that our law enforcement’s recent vigilance against threats against life translates to other aspects of governance, as there are also other reports of human rights violations and abuses that need to be addressed,” De Guia said.

The past week two individuals were arrested over their post in Facebook. One of the personalities is a public high school teacher after he offered P50 million reward for President Duterte’s head.

The other personality doubled the P50 million reward as a bounty for Duterte’s death.

The latest arrest was a salesman from Agusan del Norte for saying that Senator Bong Go, the President Duterte’s long time aide, is playing hero while calling the Chief executive “crazy”.

Free speech is NOT absolute

Free speech is not absolute, reminds the CHR.

“At the same time, we also remind citizens, even public officials, that free speech must be done within the bounds of law and must remain respectful towards the rights of others. Simply, every right entails this obligation,” De Guia noted.

“As we call for the respect for the rule of law, we too hope that the law is applied equally and without favor, and all those who will be charged with cases will be granted due process through a fair and speedy trial. And should there be bias, let it only be for justice, fairness, and the protection of the rights of all people,” she added.

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Report from PDI

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