News Roundup 24 February 2023
Feb 24, 2023 • 4 min Read
Welcoming ICC probe will show Philippines’ commitment to human rights — EU lawmakers | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — While there appears to be an improvement in the state of human rights under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., visiting members of the European Parliament said that allowing the International Criminal Court to conduct its probe would be the “perfect way” for the government to signal its full commitment to human rights.
The European Parliament delegation on Friday noted the government’s slow pace in investigating cases of extrajudicial killings – with only 25 cases filed and three people sentenced out of the alleged 6,000 people killed – and said that allowing the ICC to enter could help ensure accountability.
In a press conference, Hannah Neumann said that their visit took stock of the current human rights situation and noted a change in the focus of the government’s approach to curbing illegal drugs.
“We also clearly note the president’s commitment to change the focus of the so-called war on drugs away from a punitive and deadly approach towards more prevention and rehabilitation,” Neumann said.
“We note however that extrajudicial killings go on under the new administration. And we understand the importance of investigating each and every case of extra-judicial killing to ensure the accountability of perpetrators and fight impunity,” Neumann added.
Full Story at: Welcoming ICC probe will show Philippines’ commitment to human rights — EU lawmakers | Philstar.com
On sixth year of detention, De Lima launches another bid for freedom | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Leila de Lima has launched another bid for her freedom as she marks her sixth year in detention due to drug-related charges she has claimed are trumped up.
De Lima, through her lawyers, filed electronically a Supplemental Omnibus Motion for Outright Dismissal; Immediate Release; and/or Bail Ad Cautelam on Thursday before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 204.
The former lawmaker sought for the dismissal of the case due to “lack of evidence” and for her release. She also asked the court to grant her right to bail, which would give her temporary liberty.
Pending before the said court is one drug charge where De Lima and her former aide Ronnie Dayan are accused of receiving P10 million drug money from former corrections official Rafael Ragos, who recanted his testimony earlier this year.
Full Story at: On sixth year of detention, De Lima launches another bid for freedom | Philstar.com
San Carlos City bishop: I can’t be silent amid violence, injustices | INQUIRER.NET – BACOLOD CITY — The bishop of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental remained unfazed by accusations of a media outfit owned by self-proclaimed son of god Apollo Quiboloy that he is a mouthpiece of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza on Friday, Feb. 24, said red-tagging will never stop his commitment to peace and justice.
“I cannot be silent amid violence and injustices,” the prelate said in a statement.
Alminaza, the Pilgrims for Peace convenor, said he was the subject of red-tagging by SMNI’s television program “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” during its Feb. 22 segment, where its hosts called his advocacy “diabolical and demonic.”
SMNI is the media outfit of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Full Story at: San Carlos City bishop: I can’t be silent amid violence, injustices | Inquirer News
5-man team screen courtesy resignations of 118 senior PNP execs | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — At least 118 senior Philippine National Police (PNP) officials who resigned have so far been screened by the five-man advisory group tasked to do the first layer of review of officers in a bid to purge the police ranks of ties to illegal drugs.
PNP public information office chief Col. Rederico Maranan said the evaluation was done when the committee convened at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday. Only retired Court of Appeals Justice Melchor Sadang was absent during the meeting.
Prior to the evaluation, Maranan said the detailed guidelines for the vetting process had been finalized and adopted during the meeting.
“One hundred eighteen senior officers were processed on today’s evaluation while the remaining more than 800 are set to be evaluated in the next meetings, which were agreed to be done twice a week either in person or through video conferencing,” he said in a statement.
At least 825 of the 943 high-ranking police officers have yet to be screened by the advisory group led by PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
Full Story at: 5-man team screen courtesy resignations of 118 senior PNP execs | Inquirer News
