Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC
Malacañang on Thursday reiterated its adherence to the rule of law after two United State (US) lawmakers urged President Donald Trump to raise the issue of extrajudicial killings during his visit to the Philippines next week.
“We reiterate that our adherence to the rule of law remains as firm as ever, as is our commitment to the protection of human rights,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
In a letter addressed to Trump, Representatives Randy Hultgren and James McGovern, co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, asked Trump to “impress upon President Duterte the United States’ profound concern over reported extra-judicial killings associated with the Philippine government’s ‘war on drugs.'”
READ: Congress’ HR co-chairs urge Trump to raise US concern over EJKs with Duterte
Roque said he would not issue further comment, saying Duterte and Trump have a good relationship with each other.
“The Palace will not comment on an internal US government matter,” he said. “President Duterte and President Trump have warm rapport, and can have candid and productive discussions on matters of shared interest.”
But Roque assured that “the government is investigating allegations of so-called extrajudicial killings, including homicide cases with drug-related motives.”
“Ongoing investigations include the conduct of public congressional hearings. All these are undertaken precisely to ensure that due process and the rule of law prevails despite the Philippines’ significant drug problem,” he said.
Duterte will first meet Trump at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) in Vietnam.
The two leaders will have a bilateral meeting in Manila during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). /je