Biden presidency likely to raise focus on human rights situation in PH — ex-presidential spokesman

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 9)— A United States government led by President-elect Democratic bet Joe Biden would likely give emphasis on the human rights situations around the globe, including in the Philippines, a former official said Monday.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, former presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda noted that generally, US democrats tend to raise focus towards global human rights issues.

“I think one of the more fundamental difference (from previous administration) would be, Democrats tend to give more emphasis on human rights. I think that’s one part where the Trump administration would tend to not give attention to, with exception of some specific interests,” Lacierda, who served as spokesperson for former President Noynoy Aquino, said in an interview with The Source.

“Hopefully this new presidency, on the part of the Biden administration, will give more emphasis towards that… You would see more consistent directions towards an emphasis on human rights,” he added.

Lacierda, however, clarified that the Trump administration has likewise done its part in fighting for the protection of human rights. He cited the passage of the Global Magnitsky Act, an American law which allows Washington to punish foreign officials implicated in corruption and human rights violations in any part of the world.

RELATED: US Senate asks Trump to sanction Filipino officials linked to killings, De Lima detention

Lacierda also thinks that a Biden-led America may reestablish trust on the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

“Under the Trump administration, the US military has not neglected its role, but there will be heightened emphasis on the South China Sea towards freedom of navigation,” the former official said.

Meanwhile, De La Salle University international studies professor Renato de Castro said the country can expect a Biden presidency to support the legal process in the South China Sea.

"Probably, the Biden administration would focus on the rule of law, the arbitral ruling," he told CNN Philippines' News.PH. "Because during the Obama administration, President Obama was very careful... I don’t know whether he would micromanage that operation just like what his boss did from 2014 to 2016."

Biden was Obama's vice-president.

The 77-year-old Biden captured the necessary 270 electoral votes on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), CNN projected, to claim the coveted White House seat and boot out incumbent Republican leader Donald Trump. Biden, in his victory speech, vowed to establish unity in the US regardless of its citizens’ political ties or beliefs.

Lacierda meanwhile echoed the sentiments of political analysts that Biden will likely first focus on domestic policies and issues, given the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But in terms of foreign policy, Lacierda argued the Biden administration would have to reestablish the US' identity as a global leader, noting that Trump’s government earlier adopted an “isolationist” policy.

The former Palace spokesman, meanwhile, lauded the Philippine government for reaffirming bilateral relations — political, cultural, and economic— with the US, even with the latter electing a new leader.

Biden will be inaugurated in January 2021 and will lead the US for four years. The official declaration of his victory has yet to be made.