Philippines lifts suspension on loans from nations backing UN probe of drug slays

The Philippines has lifted the suspension on negotiations and signing of loan and grant agreements with countries that sponsored and voted in favor of a United Nations investigation on the country’s human rights situation.

The lifting took effect immediately, according to a February 27 memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea which Malacañang released only on Wednesday.

"It is understood, however, that all necessary approvals, authorities and clearances, as required by relevant laws, rules, and regulations should first be obtained prior to actual negotiations and conclusions of any agreement with the covered foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities or multilateral institutions or organizations,” Medialdea added.

In July last year, the United Nations Human Rights Council agreed to set up a preliminary investigation into the human rights situation in the Philippines including the drug war.

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 18 countries in favor, 14 against (including China), with 15 abstentions (including Japan) at the 47-member forum in Geneva.

Malacañang questioned the validity of the resolution, called it an affront to the country’s sovereignty and halted loan negotiations with countries that backed the Iceland-led resolution.

Last week, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar flew to Geneva to tell the UN body to exercise prudence in assessing claims of human rights abuses in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

Philippine authorities reported that more than 5,500 drug personalities have been killed in police operations around the country since Duterte assumed office in June 2016, but local and international human rights groups said the figure could be around 20,000 to 30,000.

Andanar said the groups masquerading as human rights defenders “have not provided any substance to support these claims.”

“To remain a bastion of constructive multilateralism, the Council must preserve its credibility and uphold the highest standards of objectivity and integrity,” Andanar said.

“Institutionalizing more rigor in assessing information should help the Council successfully navigate a milieu under the strain of politicization, polarization and – outside these halls – skepticism in multilateralism,” he added. — MDM, GMA News