Philippines Duterte says only answers to his people on drugs war, human rights

Duterte was asked during news conference if his anti-drugs crackdown was raised by other leaders

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday he would only answer to the people of his country when it came to human rights, and defended his war on drugs after a summit of Asian leaders.

Speaking at a news conference at the end of a summit of East and Southeast Asian leaders, Duterte was asked if his anti-drugs crackdown was raised by other leaders, including Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“I was elected by the people of the Republic of the Philippines. I only answer to the people of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.