DOJ to discuss with UN special rapporteur Khan initiatives to uphold justice, freedom of expression

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to discuss with United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan initiatives that have fortified the foundations of justice, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in the country.

According to the DOJ, Khan, who will be in the country from January 23 to February 2, will meet with Undersecretary Raul Vasquez for a series of talks.

“We take immense pride in the reforms we have implemented, and it is through the President's directive and unwavering commitment that these changes have been realized,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a press statement.

“This visit is a testament to the strides we have taken as a nation. Ang mga ito ay alinsunod sa kanyang pangitain ng ‘bagong Pilipinas’—isang bansang umuunlad at nagpapahalaga sa kalayaan, hustisya, at seguridad ng bawat mamamayan,” he said. 

(This is in accordance to our vision for a new Philippines — a country that progressing towards freedom, justice, and security of all Filipinos.)

Remulla, chairperson of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), also said the collaboration between the DOJ and the UN rapporteur shows the Philippines’ “commitment to media security and the protection of journalistic freedoms”. 

PTFoMS is dedicated to ensuring the safety of media personnel and fortifying the freedom of the press, playing an instrumental role in advancing the nation’s media security agenda, the DOJ added. 

Khan is the third UN rapporteur to visit the Philippines under the Marcos administration. The first two were Mama Fatima Singhateh and Dr. Ian Fry. 

During his visit on November 2023, Fry recommended the abolition of the government’s anti-insurgency arm NTF-ELCAC, as it is allegedly operating with “impunity”. 

He also said the government is still coming up short in implementing legislations related to climate change.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News