Public servants in Philippines urged to remain apolitical

Public servants in the Philippines must remain apolitical, according to a Palace official. During a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that public workers should avoid involvement in issues connected to the Duterte family. This comment aligns with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s stance that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should stay non-partisan. Castro urged Vice President Sara Duterte to refrain from trying to gain military support for personal matters. She emphasized that public servants should focus on their duty to the nation rather than responding to the requests of specific individuals or families. The military and police forces are meant to serve the country as a whole, not just a single family, Castro noted. Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently in The Hague for a trial related to alleged crimes during his administration’s controversial drug war. Official government data states that around 6,000 lives were lost during this campaign, while human rights organizations estimate the toll to be between 12,000 and 30,000 from 2016 to 2019. Vice President Duterte, who is also in The Hague, criticized the AFP for purportedly permitting her father's arrest.