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VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
Rights group says PH gov’t does not listen to experts
“They are faking these all, as the Marcos Jr. [administration] has stepped up its policy of wanton repression against the people, violating rights and basic freedoms including our freedom of expression." The post Rights group says PH gov’t does not listen to experts appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
6 UN experts sound alarm over Philippine government’s ‘unchecked’ anti-terror powers
The UN experts counted at least 24 alleged victims of rights violations from the government’s counter-terrorism efforts from 2019 to 2023 — which covers the second half of the Duterte administration and Marcos’ first year in office......»»
Lawmakers seek probe on students rights violations in UST
Lawmakers at the House of Representatives filed a resolution urging an investigation into several reported instances of censorship and restrictions allegedly imposed on students at the University of Santo Tomas......»»
UN experts probe $3B cyberattacks
UN experts probe $3B cyberattacks.....»»
Probe free speech violations, UN rapporteur urged
Various groups yesterday urged United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan to investigate violations on Filipinos’ rights to free speech and expression during her upcoming visit next week......»»
Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor
For Medy De Jesus, 74, a martial law survivor and member of human rights group Hustisya, the impending charter change could bring back another dictatorship and more human rights violations. The post Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
FPRRD to deal with ICC probe, won’t seek help from PBBM
FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte will be dealing with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe regarding his administration's war on drugs, and won't seek any help from his successor, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr......»»
Human rights advocates seek UN support for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, anti-terror law
In a press release, the Philippine Universal Periodic Watch Review said that the delegation will be attending a session to testify on the “continuing human rights violations” under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. .....»»
Japan Again Calls Out Chinese Government s Rights Abuses
Last week, during China's fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Japan expressed "concern about the human rights situation in China" and recommended that Beijing "protect the rights of the minorities, including Tibetans and Uyghurs ... guarantee the fundamental rights and freedom under the Hong Kong basic la.....»»
Brazil: Mixed Rights Record for Lula s First Year
(Sao Paulo) - The administration led by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made important progress in the protection of the Amazon, women's rights, and other rights during 2023, but has failed to tackle the chronic problem of police abuse or defend human rights consistently abroad, Human Rights Watch said today in releasing its&.....»»
After being ‘unbothered,’ Tokhang chief Dela Rosa admits fear of going to jail
Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police chief, said that he is afraid of being imprisoned following rumors that the International Criminal Court is currently conducting a probe into the alleged human rights violations in the Philippines......»»
Clergy woman tells UN how Anti-Terror Act is used vs rights defenders
Human rights group Karapatan, said there are at least 91 individuals who have been charged with violations of the ATA and Republic Act No. 10168 or the law on the prevention and suppression of terrorist financing. There are also at least 27 political prisoners charged under both laws. The post Clergy woman tells UN how Anti-Terror Act is used vs rights defenders appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Arts and rights community in unison: Free Jade Castro
“How many more artists will continue to be vulnerable to such attacks? We denounce how these violations of our rights persist under the current administration and join our colleagues in the call to release Castro immediately." The post Arts and rights community in unison: Free Jade Castro appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
After a failed bid for a Federal Philippines, Duterte now wants an independent Mindanao
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 31 January) – After a failed bid to change the 1987 Constitution and shift to a Federal Philippines during his six-year Presidency, former President Rodrigo Duterte now wants an independent Mindanao. It will not be a bloody separation from the Philippines and they would go all the way to the United […].....»»
Government announces independent review of forestry ETS costs
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today announced an independent review into the forestry component of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Register to ensure it is efficient and cost-effective."Up and down the country forestry owners have been raising concerns about the excessive costs that have been imposed upon them by the previous government," Mr McClay says."We have iden.....»»
ICC can t probe Philippines drug war, Marcos tells Germany s Scholz
MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no authority to probe the bloody war against drugs conducted by his predecessor. Marcos discussed the Hague-based ICC's probe during a bilateral meeting with Scholz while visiting Germany. Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew from the i.....»»
Significance of the country visit of UN SR for free expression and opinion to the PH
Human rights group emphasized the importance UN Special Rapporteur's visit, adding that this is the chance to show the international community that all is not well in the Philippines, and how current government policies, laws and programs have led to killings and various forms of human rights violations. The post Significance of the country visit of UN SR for free expression and opinion to the PH appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Rights groups denounce bombing of communities in Abra, Ilocos Sur
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – Human rights groups condemned the recent series of bombings in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur and Pilar, Abra. A news report revealed that at least 137 families of Pilar, Abra fled their homes due to the military operations. According to rights group Kaammoyo ti Kappia (KTK), the clashes… The post Rights groups denounce bombing of communities in Abra, Ilocos Sur appeared first on Bulatlat......»»