Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson yesterday defended President Duterte against United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein who said that the Chief Executive needs “psychiatric evaluation” in response to the Philippine leader’s tirades against UN human rights officials.
According to Lacson, Zeid’s pronouncements were “uncalled for and unbecoming of a high official.”
“Coming from a high official of the United Nations, mukhang uncalled for, mukhang hindi nararapat lalo pa nga sa kaniya nanggaling,” Lacson said. “Diba dapat medyo mataas yung level niya, lalo na’t sa edukasyon, sa demeanor at lahat?” Lacson added.
Lacson said the UN human rights chief’s statement is also an insult to the country’s democratic processes.
“Mahigit 16 na million ang bumoto kay Pangulong Duterte at ‘yun ay bahagi ng ating demokrasya. Para mainsulto ng isang hindi naman natin kababayan, eh para sa akin hindi nararapat na sana nangyari,” the senator said.
Lacson said it is unsuitable for the UN official to fight back against the President in the same insulting manner, saying they should be able to draw the line. “Kung sa tingin nila ay pambabastos yung ginawa ng Pangulo, at marami sa atin ganun din ang pananaw, e bakit naman nila gagawin yung sa tingin nila ay maling pananalita? Saan sila lulugar nun?,” Lacson pointed out.
“Sinasabi nila mali. Pero sinasabi rin ba nilang tama yung pang-iinsultong ginagawa ng Pangulo kasi ganun din ang ginawa niya?” he argued.
Lacson said the Philippine government, being a member of the UN, can exercise its options and file a diplomatic protest against the UN human rights official over his statements.
“I think pupuwede mag-file ng diplomatic protest. Under the present protocol, we can write a letter or complain or call out the statements of the UN Human Rights Council,” Lacson said.
Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs have also criticized Zeid for his remarks against Duterte.
Malacañang urged Zeid to to respect the sovereignty of the Philippines while the DFA said the country takes grave exception to his “irresponsible and disrespectful” comments. (Hannah L. Torregoza)
