Will other leaders follow?

The invitation of US President Donald Trump to President Duterte to officially visit the United States did not sit well with some American lawmakers. They criticized Trump for the invitation, with some even moving to bar Duterte from the White House should he decide to accept. True to form, Duterte immediately declared that he had no plans to visit the "lousy" country, now or even after his term as president. The US Congress is currently conducting hearings on human rights violations in the country, particularly those killed in Duterte's anti-drug trafficking campaign. A survivor of such a police operation gave testimony at the said hearings. He along with his companions were accused by police of involvement in illegal drugs and were shot. The survivor had to play dead, before crawling to safety, and sought the protection of the Commission on Human Rights. So Trump's invitation to Duterte to visit the US drew negative reactions from some lawmakers. President Trump is scheduled to visit the Philippines this November.

Everyone knows about Duterte's dislike for America, specifically former president Barack Obama. According to Duterte, the US must also be investigated for human rights violations. America cannot wash its hands of past atrocities, such as the killing of Moros which Duterte even showed pictures of last year.

The purpose of the US Congress in the investigation is to decide whether to disallow or reduce military assistance and weapons to the Philippines. I can see the testimony of the survivor weighing heavily on the hearing. But as it stands, the government could not care less if America decides to disallow or reduce military assistance to the country, as it has forged closer relationships with China and Russia. It is not surprising that Duterte's well-known allies have also criticized America's supposed interfering with the policies of the country. They should first investigate themselves, before investing abroad. We are not the fifty-first state, according to PNP Gen. Dela Rosa. But unlike Duterte, I'm sure he would still want to go back for another sponsored grand vacation.

Just recently, Indonesian President Widodo ordered the police to shoot illegal drug traffickers, especially foreigners, in what some are seeing as his approval of Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs. International human rights advocates are already seeing an increase in human rights violations worldwide. Will other leaders follow as well?

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