Koko: PNP should address concern of US House of Representatives on human rights issues
The Philippine National Police (PNP) should address the concern of the US House of Representatives on alleged human rights violations as a condition to its aid to the Philippines, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III today (July 20) said.
‘’But those are the conditions that the US has imposed on its aid to the Philippines. That is their sovereign right and decision,’’ Pimentel said.
Pimentel, the incoming Senate Minority Leader in the 19th Congress, issued the statement after the US House of Representatives amended the US National Defense Authorization Act for 2023.
US lawmakers included a provision that the US would not give security assistance if there is no certification from the Secretary of State that there is significant improvement at the PNP in addressing allegations of human rights violations.
‘’Hence PH (Philippines) as the recipient cannot complain and if we don't like the condition imposed then we don't apply for the conditional aid,’’ Pimentel said.
‘’However, if we look at the condition, the condition looks reasonable and if we are interested in the aid, let us try to comply. If no aid is given then we should not complain,’’ he added.
Pimentel said the US is ‘’sovereign and so are we.’’
‘’We welcome aid, we don't welcome interference, and we should start learning to stand on our own two feet, and get our acts together, treat each other fairly because we are all human beings with inherent and inalienable rights,’’ he added.