Presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao has pledged to end extra judicial killings (EJK) and prosecute those behind it should he become the next chief executive in the country.
A deeply religious leader of the country, Pacquiao made this vow on the occasion of the celebration of the International Human Rights Day on December 10.
Pacquiao, one of the world’s most iconic boxer, reaffirmed his commitment to protect and promote human rights as he declared that he would fight the commission of EJK.
"I stand by what the 1987 Constitution says on human rights, that 'the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,'" Pacquiao said.
“Our fundamental law expressly provides that the government shall allow freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right to peaceably assemble for redress of grievances, " the Mindanaoan lawmaker said.
However, Pacquiao stressed that while he would defend human rights and fight EJK, he will also be unrelenting in the campaign against those who would attempt to bring down the government.
The PROMDI and PDP-Laban (Pimentel wing) standard bearer declared that illegal drugs and criminality will be addressed by law enforcers who will be well-equipped and well-inspired by government’s strong support.
“I will uphold the right of the people to information of matters of public concern. This is an essential component of good governance that requires transparency and accountability on the part of those who hold public office, especially the president," Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao pointed out that instead of resorting to EJKs to fight criminality and illegal drugs, the government should invest on modern crime fighting tools like police helicopters with thermal scanners and night vision capabilities, body cameras, surveillance cameras and biometric devices including facial recognition devices.
He said the government can afford all these crime-fighting equipment and systems by eradicating corruption that is eating up much of the government's law enforcement budget.