A leading politician and critic of President Rodrigo Duterte Senator Leila De Lima said that she was forced to leave his home because of fears about her safety.
"I don't feel safe. The truth is that I'm not safe", said the Senator on Thursday. "They are violating my right to security, right to private life." De Lima was removed as head of the Senate Committee of justice and human rights, which investigates extrajudicial killings related to anti-drug war Duterte.
The house of representatives, dominated by allies of Duterte, began an investigation into allegations of Senator corruption. De Lima said she was not sure whether the intelligence services of the Philippines to protect her.
"Can I count on the government and the police to ensure my safety, or the FBI for my security?"
"It is unfortunate that the opposition of the current administration is a threat to human life," said Edwin Lacerda, former press Secretary of President Benigno Aquino. During the hearings on the corruption charges against De Lima, which was broadcast live on multiple television channels, the witness read out a personal phone number and home address of Leila.
She is accused of receiving millions of pesos in bribes from the drug lords in prison in new-Bilibid in exchange for political favors. De Lima denies all charges.
Mark Beeson, Professor of international politics at the University of Western Australia, said that the investigation of corruption against De Lima's "another attempt to shut down criticism of the administration." "It's not optimistic that any kind of independent voices marginalisierte," he added.
Senate hearings on the killings of drug lords President of Duterte resumed on Thursday in the afternoon local time, without De Lima as Chairperson.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents |
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