Duterte open to discuss human rights with Trump: Cayetano 

November 12, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte is open to tackling human rights issues on his anti-drug war if US President Donald Trump will raise the issue in their first formal bilateral meeting, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Duterte is scheduled to meet with Trump on Monday.

“The president has always discussed human rights issues. It’s all encompassing,” Cayetano told reporters Sunday, adding Duterte has talked about it in the past with visiting US officials, such as former Secretary of State John Kerry.

Cayetano said Duterte welcomed inquiries on the issue.

“What he doesn’t want is how it is being politicized and being taken out of context and the way they dictate on the Philippines,” Cayetano added.

Trump arrived in Manila Sunday evening to attend a two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations and East Asian Summit hosted by the Philippines.

The US, European Union and the United Nations, have expressed concern on killings of drug suspects since Duterte assumed office on June 30, 2016. At least 7,000 have reportedly been killed in the war against drugs.

“As you know they like each other, they respect each other’s stand so we expect it to be a productive meeting. Very substantial. We believe it will strengthen the relationship,” Cayetano said.

“It’s really a matter of sitting down and ironing out details and it’s very clear to both sides where the relationship is strong in what sector is ongoing and strong and in what areas that need strengthening.” DMS