News Roundup 15 July 2023
Jul 15, 2023 • 4 min Read
SolGen not optimistic on Philippines ICC appeal | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra is not too optimistic that the Philippines will get a favorable ruling on its appeal against the resumption of the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s drug war probe.
The ICC is set to release its decision on July 18 on the Philippines’ appeal against the decision to allow the ICC prosecutor to proceed with the investigation into the drug killings when Rodrigo Duterte was president and, earlier, Davao City mayor.
“Going by the ICC’s previous actions, I’m not quite sanguine about a favorable ruling, but it cannot be said that we did not assert the primacy of our own legal and judicial system,” Guevarra, who headed the Department of Justice during the Duterte administration, told The STAR in a text message yesterday.
The Philippine government will no longer appeal whatever the decision of the ICC may be. “Regardless of the outcome, the Philippine government will continue its own investigation and prosecution of alleged abuses in relation to the war on drugs and will ensure that Philippine sovereignty will be protected and upheld at all times,” the solicitor general said.
Should the appeal be dismissed, Guevarra said the ICC prosecutor will be allowed to investigate the situation in the Philippines and could charge “certain individuals,” depending on the evidence gathered.
Full Story at: SolGen not optimistic on Philippines ICC appeal | Philstar.com
Media task force urges probe into journalists’ harassment in Leyte by police | PHILSTAR.COM – BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas to conduct an immediate investigation into an incident involving the harassment and threats against three local journalists in Leyte.
The incident happened during an interview with an agrarian reform beneficiary in Bgy. Jones, Pastrana on Friday, prompting concerns over press freedom and safety.
“The actions made by elements of the Pastrana Municipal Police Office in confronting members of the press who are merely doing their job of conducting an interview is totally uncalled for, unnecessary and amounted to abuse of authority and power,” PTFoMS Executive Director Paul Gutierrez said on Saturday.
Gutierrez said the PNP should investigate Staff Sergeant Rhea Mae Baleos and the policemen who was called for help during a confrontation with the crew of local television station San Juanico TV, who include Noel Tampil Sianosa Jr., Ted Allen Tomas and Lito Bagunas.
A video of the incident which showed Baleos allegedly attacking Sianosa has gone viral.
The PTFoMS chief said that few minutes after the attack on Sianosa, several shots were reportedly heard in the background coming from an unknown direction which were allegedly aimed at the journalists.
Full Story at: Media task force urges probe into journalists’ harassment in Leyte by police | Philstar.com
Roman to Vega on ‘Ama Namin’ drag performance: ‘Straighten up!’ | INQUIRER.NET – “Umayos ka, Pura! We ask for respect, so let’s also show respect. As a Catholic, I feel offended.”
(Straighten up, Pura!)
These words came from Bataan first district Representative Geraldine Roman and she was addressing entertainer Pura Luka Vega following her drag performance in which she danced to an ‘Ama Namin’ remix.
“As a Catholic, I feel offended. The right to self-expression is not absolute. Each of us carries the rainbow flag, so let’s strive to do good,” she urged her fellow Filipinos.
Roman recognizes the importance of freedom of expression and the diverse identities within the LGBT+ community.
However, she emphasizes the need for mutual respect and sensitivity to religious beliefs.
Full Story at: Roman to Vega on ‘Ama Namin’ drag performance: ‘Straighten up!’ | Inquirer News
PAO chief says sorry over social media statements vs ‘Conflict of Interest’ provision | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta publicly apologized to the Supreme Court for her social media statements against the “Conflict of Interest” provision of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).
The CPRA, which was launched last April, replaced the 34-year-old Code of Professional Responsibility that governs lawyers.
PAO has asked the Supreme Court to delete the “Conflict of Interest” provision as it expressed concern over the safety of its lawyers representing opposing parties.
But the SC denied PAO’s request and ordered a show cause order on Acosta on why she should not be held liable as an officer of the court for her “unabated public tirades” through social and mainstream media against Canon III, Section 22 of the CPRA or the Conflict of Interest Provision.
“Mga minamahal namin Mahistrado, Justices of the Supreme Court sa ngalan po ng aming mga abogado sa Public Attorney’s Office at ang inyong hamak na lingkod, ako po ay buong pagpapakumbaba at marespetong humihingi sa inyo ng taos sa pusong paumanhin kung kayo man po ay nasaktan sa mga pangyayari,” Acosta said in a video posted on her Facebook page.
(To our beloved justices of the Supreme Court, on behalf of the Public Attorney’s Office and all public attorneys nationwide, I humbly and most respectfully apologize if you may have been hurt by the circumstances.)
Full Story at: PAO chief says sorry over social media statements vs ‘Conflict of Interest’ provision | Inquirer News
