Amnesty International 'bothered' by Duterte candidacy

Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Amnesty International (AI) Philippines is "bothered" by the pronouncements of presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on his alleged extra-judicial killings.

AI Philippines chairperson Ritz Lee Santos said that while they have no studies nor data on alleged human rights violation cases involving Duterte, they are concerned about the mayor's desire to seek the presidency next year. 

"Yes, we are bothered. Naaalarma kami when he said that when he becomes president, he will impose the death penalty on a weekly basis," Santos said. 

READ: 'Weekly' executions under Duterte - Dino

Leaders of AI Philippines were at the Senate on Tuesday to attend a hearing on various cases of alleged torture in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The hearing was presided by Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee chairperson Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, who is the president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) which is supporting the presidential bid of Duterte.

Santos also said they have yet to hear from Duterte and the other presidential candidates, namely Vice President Jejomar Binay, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Senator Grace Poe and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, regarding their platforms on human rights. 

The group also expressed disappointment because no one among the presidential aspirants showed up in their forum held Monday.

Santos said they are not campaigning for nor against any candidate. 

READ: Amnesty: Human rights sidelined in Halalan 2016