DUTERTE AMONG LEADERS TAGGED ‘THREAT TO RIGHTS’

US Intelligence Community cites Duterte’s alleged autocratic tendencies, as indicated by the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and threat to expand this.

He (President Rodrigo Duterte) adheres to the rule of law and remains loyal to the Constitution. An autocracy is not prevalent, as they would like everyone to believe. HARRY ROQUE JR. Presidential Spokesperson

The United States (US) Intelligence Community, composed of 17 organizations including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), has branded President Rodrigo Duterte as a “threat to democracy ang human rights” in Southeast Asia.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., in a statement, dismissed the tag as “myopic and speculative at best.”

In its Worldwide Threat Assessment report published on February 13, the US Intelligence Community listed Duterte, along with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and ruling Thai officials, as among regional leaders who undermine democratic values and human rights.

The report cited Duterte’s “autocratic tendencies” when he threatened to promulgate a nationwide martial law and declare revolutionary form of gov- ernment, among others.

“In the Philippines, President Duterte will continue to wage his signature campaign against drugs, corruption, and crime,” the US Intelligence Community said in its report.

“Duterte has suggested he could suspend the Constitution, declare a revolutionary government, and impose nationwide martial law. His declaration of martial law in Mindanao, responding to the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)-inspired siege of Marawi City, has been extended through the end of 2018,” it added.

The US Intelligence Community is a group of 17 agencies that work separately and togethere to engage in intelligence activities that are necessary for the conduct of foreign relations and the protection of the national security of the US.

Roque vehemently denied that Duterte is inclined to become a despot. stressing that the strong-willed President has high regard for the rule of law.

“For one, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is no autocrat or has autocratic tendencies. He adheres to the rule of law and remains loyal to the Constitution. An autocracy is not prevalent, as they would like everyone to believe,” he said.

“There is no revolutionary government or nationwide martial law, which US intelligence officials are saying that the President might declare or impose,” Duterte’s spokesman added.

Roque also emphasized that the President acknowledges the separation of three branches of government, as well as the mainstream media’s press freedom.

“Our media are still able to broadcast and print what they want--’fake news’ included. Our judiciary and the courts are functioning as usual. Our legislature remains independent and basic services are still being delivered. This latest intelligence assessment is a classic case in point,” he said.