Palace admits feeling “little slighted” if other agencies, including constitutional commissions, have different views from Duterte

September 14, 2017

Malacanang admitted on Thursday that it feels "slighted" if other government agencies, including the constitutional commissions, have different views with that of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan made the statement amid the different view of CHR Chairperson Jose Luis Martin  Gascon on Duterte's war against illegal drugs.

"You know, of course, anyone in the same position would feel a little slighted if the opinions differ," Ablan said during a press briefing.

He said it was just "very natural for every human being" to feel slighted.

But Ablan said the Palace respects the fixed term of officials appointed in a constitutional commission.

"But the official policy is they are appointed for a fixed term. Respect the fixed term. They have their own opinions. This is a free country. And so we respect the opinions of the different heads of agencies," Ablan said.

The House of Representatives recently approved a P1,000 budget for the CHR for next year amid Gascon's criticisms on the alleged extrajudicial killings of drug suspects under the current government.

The CHR has been conducting investigations on alleged summary killings of some drug suspects.

President Benigno Aquino III appointed Gascon as CHR chair in June 2015 and his term will end in May 2022. Celerina Monte/DMS