MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte’s threat to abolish the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), which has been critical of his brutal war on drugs, was made in jest.
“I was just joking when I said I will abolish the CHR. I need Congress to do that. Those fools lectured me and told me that I cannot do that. I know,” Duterte said on Wednesday night during the 113th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Quezon City.
The President said he was aware that the abolition of the CHR, a constitutional body, requires action of the legislature.
Duterte also said he was not serious when he barred soldiers and policemen from attending investigations of the Office of the Ombudsman without his permission.
“That was an offshoot of a remark that I goaded people (to kill drug offenders)… I never said that. I said ‘criminal,’” he said.
Duterte was referring to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales’ recent remark that he was goading people to kill drug offenders.
“There is no law made here or in heaven which says you cannot kill an idiot, a criminal destroying your country and your people,” the President said.
Last month, Duterte said he was ready to face off with investigating bodies if they intimidate members of security forces.
“I will not allow my men to go there to be investigated. Remember this, Human Rights Commission, you address your request through me because the Armed Forces is under me and the police is under me,” the President said in a press briefing after his State of the Nation Address on July 24.
“If you question them for investigation, it has to go through me. Do not intimidate them. Do not force me because I can clash with you,” he said.
Duterte said the CHR should be abolished if it fails to perform its mandate objectively.