Sereno says gov’t should cooperate with UNHRC probe

MANILA, Philippines — Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno sees no problem with the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) scrutinizing the human rights situation in the country if the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte really has nothing to hide.

“If they’re not hiding anything, what’s the problem?” she told reporters in Filipino after her speech at the United People’s State of the Nation Address (Sona), held on Monday, the same day that the President was giving his fourth Sona. “Just show the records and that’s done.”

WATCH: Former Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno says she sees no problem with the UNHRC looking into the human rights situation in the Philippines if the Duterte gov’t is not hiding anything. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/VHPdZVL1rR

— Cathrine Gonzales (@cgonzalesINQ) July 22, 2019

According to Sereno, it’s clear to the public that questions surrounding the number of killings in the President’s drug war need answers.

“When people want it, need it, it’s important,” she said as she expressed support to the Iceland-led resolution adopted by the UNHRC that prompted to the body to investigate the situation of human rights here.

READ: Greater scrutiny on PH killings gets UN rights council’s nod

In the same interview, Sereno said: “I pray he will change. The path he’s taking is wrong. I hope he sees that the morale of Filipinos has really gone down.”

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