Philippines tells EU lawmakers to butt out after criticism of drugs war
The Philippines derided the European parliament on Friday for interfering in its affairs after it issued a resolution calling for the release of a top critic of the president's war on drugs, which it said should target narcotics networks instead of users.
EU lawmakers on Thursday adopted a resolution condemning the "many extrajudicial killings" taking place in the Philippines and showing concern for the safety of Senator Leila de Lima, a fierce critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is being held on charges of involvement in the drugs trade.
"They should mind their own business," said Salvador Panelo, chief presidential legal counsel. "They cannot dictate on the Philippine government on what to do with its constituent facing criminal charges," he said. "Nor can they can interfere with the judicial processes of our country."
