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By Prince Golez, Manila Reporter
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Saturday, January 21, 2017
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MANILA – Sen. Risa Hontiveros slammed President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement comparing drug addicts to African slaves as “racist,” “callous,” “insensitive,” and “uninformed.”
“This is the height of absurdity. The president tries to make light of slavery, which is universally frowned upon and condemned,” Hontiveros on Friday said.
His remarks at the oathtaking of Philippine National Police officials “belittles the value of human life,” according to her.
Last Thursday, Duterte compared drug addicts to African slaves, saying that the latter can be put to work.
She also asked the chief executive to stop comparing the country’s drug proliferation with the slavery and ethnic persecution of other races.
“First it was the Holocaust, now it’s slavery. When will this madness stop? I remind the President that drug addiction is a public health concern,” Hontiveros said.
“Ostracizing drug addicts only make it extra difficult for the government to fully rehabilitate and reintegrate them back into society.”
The former Akbayan representative added that drug addicts should be given appropriate health care interventions.
The government should also recognize their right to decent work as a response to the roots of their dependence, she said./PN
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