Malacañang has denied allegations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights that the Philippines is using the COVID-19 crisis to suppress freedom of expression and stffen censorship in the country.
“We remain a nation that takes pride in protecting our people’s rights and freedoms, among which is the freedom of expression. But there are circumstances – and we have said this on numerous occasions – wherein such freedom becomes subject to derogation,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque elucidated.
Roque added that “rehashed claims of impunity are unfounded” and that impunity has no place in the Philippines.
“Law enforcers operate on strict protocols and transgressors of the law are made accountable,” Roque pointed out.
Meanwhile, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said the High Commissioner’s accusation of “arbitrary arrests” conducted by the government “are unfounded and uncalled for.”
“All operations that the government has undertaken regarding this matter, are legal operations that are hinged on the respect for the rule of law and due process as provided by the country’s justice system,” Andanar explained.
