Duterte cautioned on tiff with UN rights chief

MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of his trip to Jordan next month, President Duterte once again talked about his tiff with outgoing United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein despite warnings from his Cabinet members.

Zeid happens to be a cousin of King Abdullah of Jordan and there are ongoing negotiations with Jordan for the purchase of Cobra attack helicopters. 

Duterte said he was cautioned by his Cabinet members, particularly National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, about issuing harsh statements against Zeid because Jordan has promised to provide military equipment to the Philippines and this might be jeopardized.

Although the President remains concerned over security issues, Malacañang is looking at Duterte’s possible trip to Jordan next month after an official visit to Israel.

Zeid earned the Chief Executive’s ire after he remarked that Duterte “needs to submit himself to some sort of psychiatric examination” following his attacks against UN special rapporteurs.

In a speech during the 12th founding anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command in Panacan, Davao City on Thursday, Duterte said he has a sound legal defense amid criticisms related to human rights situation in the country, saying the drug war was necessary to save the younger generation.

“Ako may depensa ako na tinatago ko. Being a lawyer and a prosecutor, alam ko. Pero hindi ko ‘yon inilabas because I wanted to do it in the most opportune time,” he said.

“And it was during the criticism coming from the chairman of the commission who happens to be the brother (sic) of the King of Jordan. Gusto kong resbakan rin ng balikas,” Duterte said.

Before soldiers, Duterte then resumed his attacks against former United States president Barack Obama for what he described as meddling in the Philippines war against illegal drugs.