PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte might just replace at his pleasure the work force running the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Malacaang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the President merely wants to vent his frustrations over the CHRs apparent biases, since abolishing the commission cannot be done.

The President is simply expressing his frustration regarding the apparent biases of the commission Hes actually expressing his frustrations regarding the CHR. However, it is a Constitutional commission and it cannot be abolished by mere legislation, Abella told reporters.

The chairperson and his members however serve at the pleasure of the President. Technically, they may be replaced at his pleasure, he added.

Abellas statement came after Duterte warned on the sidelines of his second State of the Nation Address on Monday that he might abolish the CHR for being one-sided in its investigations.

The President said he would not allow the commission to probe the police and military in its operations launched in war-torn Marawi City, stressing that they were merely doing their job in good faith.

When the time comes, the CHR, its office here, you are better abolished. 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. So if you question them for investigation, you have to go first to me, Duterte said.

Do not make it a one-sided affair. I will not allow it. As President, I will not allow it. We are equal. Justice for all, he added.

Responding to Dutertes threat, the CHR said the 1987 Constitution has to be amended first before the Chief Executive can abolish the commission.

CHR chairperson Chito Gascon also maintained that the commission, serving as watchdog of the government, is just fulfilling its mandate to investigate all forms of human rights involving civil and political rights in the country. (SunStar Philippines)

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