Philippines slams US intelligence report that tags Duterte as 'regional threat'

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The spokesperson of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday slammed the US intelligence community's report that tags the Philippine leader a threat to democracy and human rights.

Harry Roque said in a statement that the US intelligence community's assessment "is myopic and speculative at best."

Philippine's President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he answers a question during a press conference at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on January 30, 2017. /VCG Photo

Countering the report, Roque said Duterte "is no autocrat or has autocratic tendencies," adding "he adheres to the rule of law and remains loyal to the constitution."

Roque said Philippine media are still able to broadcast and print what they want -- "fake news" included, and the judiciary and the legislature are functioning as usual.

Moreover, he said there is no revolutionary government or nationwide martial law, which US intelligence officials are saying that Duterte might declare or impose.

Roque underscores the importance of the social media especially in the daily lives of Filipinos and the necessity for the government to tap social media as a tool to promote its agenda.

Police officials (in blue) and PDEA local director Christian Frivaldo (2nd R) sitting next to packs of cocaine during a press conference in Legazpi City, in Bicol region, south of Manila on January 5, 2018. /VCG Photo‍

"While it is true that the administration uses and maximizes social media to promote government messages and accomplishments, members of the political opposition and other cause-oriented groups use the same media platform to advance their agenda," Roque said.

The spokesperson was reacting to a report released by the US Intelligence Community in its Worldwide Threat Assessment on February 13 that Duterte "will continue to wage his signature campaign against drugs, corruption, and crime."

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency