Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar
MANILA -- U2 frontman Bono is right about human rights, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Wednesday.
Andanar agreed with Bono’s soft message addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte, saying "you can't compromise on human rights.”
“We all know that Bono has been a supporter, a member of Amnesty International for the longest time. He has his beliefs and we actually agree with the fact that human rights should really be upheld,” Andanar said in a press conference in Malacañang.
“That’s a policy of the government that we should protect every person in this country because human rights is [sic] sacred,” he added.
However, Andanar also said human rights “encompasses so many things” such as the right to health and well-being, freedom of expression which the Duterte administration has prioritized.
In February this year, Duterte signed the Universal Healthcare Law that immediately enrolls all Filipino citizens, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) into PhilHealth, which will have a coverage expanded to include free consultation fees, laboratory tests and other diagnostic services.
The President also signed Freedom of Information (FOI) Executive Order in 2016 which allows Filipino citizens to request any information about government transaction.
Andanar, meanwhile, said Duterte will continue to ignore those who criticized his vulgar manner of speaking, particularly when he threatened to kill drug addicts and pushers.
“The President couldn’t care less. He is serving the Filipino people at wala siyang pakialam kung anong sabihin ng mga nasa ibang bansa (and he doesn’t care what those outside the country say about him),” the PCOO chief said.
Andanar earlier acknowledged the need to overcome challenges to human rights that hinder the progress made worldwide.
“There is still a lot to be done to fully realize the freedom of everyone, not just the Filipino people. Let’s all work together, strive, and stand up for justice, equality, and human dignity,” Andanar said.
“The Duterte Administration will continue to support and promote everyone’s human rights and freedom as we uphold our cause of saving human lives,” he added.
On Tuesday, Bono, a member of Amnesty International, was asked to comment on the human rights situation in the Philippines.
“I think we’re trying to make a difference here rather than make headlines. I am a member of Amnesty International, I have been all my life, and I think human rights are critical. My impression of the Philippines is very caring, very sophisticated people,” Bono said.
“I understand that when progress is made, sometimes people make what they think are compromises for that progress. And I would just say, you can’t compromise on human rights. That’s my soft message to President Duterte,” he added.
U2 is scheduled to hold their first concert in the country at the Philippine Arena on Wednesday (Dec. 11). (PNA)
