News Roundup 23 January 2024
Jan 23, 2024 • 4 min Read
Marcos vows to actively thwart ICC access to gov’t information | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to actively prevent International Criminal Court representatives from making any contact with government agencies or officials even if they are allowed to enter the country.
This comes after scathing remarks issued by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa — one of the most prominent architects of the drug war launched by former President Rodrigo Duterte — where he criticized the president for appearing to walk back on his previous stance of not cooperating with the ICC’s drug war investigation.
Marcos said in a news release on Tuesday that he still considers the ICC a “threat” to the country’s sovereignty, vowing to block their access to all government institutions.
“As ordinary people, they can come and visit the Philippines, but we won’t cooperate with them. In fact, we’re on guard to make sure that they do not come into contact with any agency of the government,” Marcos said in a mix of English and Filipino during an interview with the media.
Police personnel and local government officials have also been ordered not to cooperate with any ICC representative, Marcos added.
Full Story at: Marcos vows to actively thwart ICC access to gov’t information | Philstar.com
UN rapporteur urged to investigate ‘government’s use of trolls’ | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A House minority lawmaker has called on a visiting United Nations special rapporteur to probe the government’s alleged use of “trolls” or anonymous accounts for propaganda.
In a statement on Tuesday, Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers) welcomed the visit of Irene Khan, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, who will be studying the state of free speech in the country during her 10-day tour.
Castro said that Khan must also look into how the government “utilizes trolls and rabid anti-communist media stations to spread lies and fake news.”
“We are glad that UN SR Khan is here to look into the real situation of freedom of expression in the Philippines, especially considering the challenges faced by those who express dissent against the government,” the lawmaker said.
“There have been instances where individuals who voice out opposition are red-tagged, harassed, or even killed,” Castro added.
From January 23 to February 2, Khan will be meeting with government officials and members of civil society to study the Philippines’ human rights situation concerning the state of free expression and media freedom.
Full Story at: UN rapporteur urged to investigate ‘government’s use of trolls’ | Philstar.com
Senate probes Quiboloy, church offenses | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Tuesday began its investigation into the alleged offenses attributed to self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” Apollo Quiboloy and his church Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
Senator Risa Hontiveros’ committee on women and children initiated the inquiry to find out the truth about the alleged crimes within the organization.
The inquiry was prompted by Hontiveros’ Senate Resolution No. 884 and her privilege speech on the issue.
“Offenses attributed to Quiboloy are ongoing and involve the abuse of women and children within KOJC,” a quick read from Hontiveros’ committee read.
“Victims have reported physical assaults, including beatings, lashings, and injuries from being forcefully slammed into walls. There is also an affidavit detailing sexual abuse by Quiboloy on a minor. Additionally, preachers have revealed information about his wealth accumulation and concealment methods,” it added.
However, according to Hontiveros, the terror extends beyond the Philippines and possibly has an “international dimension” to Quiboloy’s supposed criminal activities.
Full Story at: Senate probes Quiboloy, church offenses (inquirer.net)
Senate manifesto nixes people’s initiative, warns of no-el scenario | INQUIRER.NET – Updated on January 23, 2024 at 4:37 p.m.
MANILA, Philippines — All 24 senators have signed a manifesto rejecting the people’s initiative (PI) for Charter change (Cha-cha) and warning of a possible no-election scenario.
The manifesto was read before the Senate floor by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri immediately after the session resumed on Tuesday.
“Today, the Senate once again stands as the country’s last bastion of democracy, as it rejects this brazen attempt to violate the Constitution, the country and our people,” read the manifesto, a copy of which was later released to reporters.
“This Senate of the people will not allow itself to be silenced,” it stressed.
While recognizing the people’s right to call for Constitutional amendments, the upper chamber underscored the need to “guard against any sinister and underhanded attempt to change the Constitution by exploiting our democratic process under the guise of a people’s initiative.”
This so-called PI only wants one thing, the manifesto said: For the Senate and the House of Representatives to vote jointly on any changes to the 1987 Constitution.
“While it seems simple, the goal is apparent — to make it easier to revise the Constitution by eliminating the Senate from the equation,” it said.
Full Story at: Senate manifesto nixes people’s initiative, warns of no-el scenario (inquirer.net)
