MALACANANG urged Congress and the judiciary on Saturday to help in addressing the Philippines’ biggest challenge in upholding human rights, as cited in an annual report released by the US State Department recently.
In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that, on the side of the executive branch, it always analyzes such reports by the US government.
"Sa Executive branch taon-taon tinitingnan naman talaga natin ang mga ganyang observations," Valte said encouraging Congress and the judiciary to also take a look at the report.
She said the objective is to be able to work together in addressing the points of concern that have been raised by the US State Department report.
Cooperation is needed because there are observations and suggestions that are solved by either passing the necessary legislation, amending existing legislations, or addressing the judicial process, noted Valte.
For instance, the report suggested that the number of prosecutions must be enhanced, she said.
"Meaning, kailangan mas maganda ay tumaas ang mga numero natin dito and we are quite open to our colleagues in the other branches of government, so we can come together and work on these points of concern."
The Palace official also assured that the Philippines is solving the human rights situation in the country, especially in Mindanao.
Valte said the government is working to improve the situation in conflict areas, especially through peace initiatives, to once and for all achieve a lasting peace in the region.
Extrajudicial killings, delays in the justice system, corruption and abuse of power remain to be the country's biggest challenge in upholding human rights, according to the annual report by the US State Department. (SDR)