Babies have rights
#ASKGOYO Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal Quoted below is the statement of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines: “The tragic death of 3-month-old Baby River highlights the need to do MORE, BETTER, FASTER in the justice sector quoted below is the statement of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines: “Baby River was born at the Fabella Medical Center on July 1, 2020. Her mother, urban poor organizer Reina Mae Nasino, 23 years old, is a detainee at the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory who was arrested on November 5, 2019 at the Tondo office of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan. The police raids that resulted in the arrests of over 60 activists in Metro Manila and Bacolod were by virtue of various warrants issued by the RTC Branch 89 in Quezon City. Reina Mae and two others were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives, a non-bailable offense. “Despite questions raised against the validity of the raids and arrests as well as petitions for the release of Reina Mae on health and humanitarian grounds or for continued breast-feeding, the frail and underweight Baby River was separated from her mother barely a month after birth. “The case went through RTC Manila Branch 20, the Supreme Court, back to RTC Branch 20, then RTC branch 42 and RTC Branch 37, and the Court of Appeals, until Baby River died on Oct. 12, 2020. “Manila RTC Branch 47 finally allowed Reina Mae furlough – this time to visit her dead daughter. Despite many fully armed BJMP escorts, police and military personnel monitoring and accompanying Reina Mae, she remained hand-cuffed while at the wake. “The heartbreaking and brief life-story of Baby River compel us to raise these questions: “1. Why can’t our justice system safeguard the needs and rights of an innocent child to breastfeeding and a better chance to survive? “2. Why don’t our jails have adequate facilities to address the needs and rights of children and women detainees duly recognized by domestic and international law? “3. Why does it take so long to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights? “4. Isn’t there double standard when “bigger” detainees are allowed similar or even greater privileges? “5. Can we not have justice with compassion? “Let our concern, dismay, or rage and the tears that we may shed for Baby River Nasino fuel our collective determination and action to improve our justice system. Let not our innocent children fall under the cracks. Babies have rights and we have duties to nurture them. Let our humanity rise above our personal comforts or the privileges of power.” DOMINGO EGON CAYOSA National President & Chairman of the Board of Governors *** We can talk about the law legal processes, and I’m sure many will. But at the crux of all this should be:“What is it to be human?” Have we sunk so low that we’ve lost our humanity? Have we forgotten what it is that separates us from animals? Have we been numb to peoples’ suffering and death? Have we been stripped of our sense of morality and compassion that we have lost our appreciation of what is right and wrong? People have discussed the trampled rights of the mother of the infant. But what about the rights of the baby? Stripping the legalese of the tragedy, we have to ask: What about the basic needs of the baby, as emphasized by the statement of the IBP? There is no justification to being deprived of the love and care his mother, and the warmth of her embrace. The soothing voice to say she’s going to get better, and she’s loved… Have we regressed to a point that we’ve been stripped of our empathy? More than the legality of this. After the furor will have died down, and it surely will, I think we have to ask ourselves, “Where are we now?” How low have we sunk and how to we get back up and regain some sense of decency? My heart broke when I saw pictures of Reina Mae Nasino covered in PPE, in handcuffs, unable to even hug her dead baby one last time. I still cannot understand the inhumanity towards not only the mother, but the baby, who had done no one wrong, yet was treated with so much hate, disrespect, contempt, and derision for her to be born in this world, yet stripped and deprived of human love and affection. I can never hate anyone that much to treat him or her so badly. I think we need to dig deep within ourselves and search our soul. To find the humanity which has clearly been missing. We need to find our moral compass, before we all lose our soul and drown in the abyss. Stay Safe. Pray for Baby River. Pray for OUR country......»»
Generation equality: upholding gender rights in the health care sector
I was recently moved to hear about a Filipina nurse who was able to evacuate 35 newborn babies to safety when a fire hit parts of the Philippine General Hospital in Manila last week......»»
Babies have rights
#ASKGOYO Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal Quoted below is the statement of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines: “The tragic death of 3-month-old Baby River highlights the need to do MORE, BETTER, FASTER in the justice sector quoted below is the statement of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines: “Baby River was born at the Fabella Medical Center on July 1, 2020. Her mother, urban poor organizer Reina Mae Nasino, 23 years old, is a detainee at the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory who was arrested on November 5, 2019 at the Tondo office of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan. The police raids that resulted in the arrests of over 60 activists in Metro Manila and Bacolod were by virtue of various warrants issued by the RTC Branch 89 in Quezon City. Reina Mae and two others were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives, a non-bailable offense. “Despite questions raised against the validity of the raids and arrests as well as petitions for the release of Reina Mae on health and humanitarian grounds or for continued breast-feeding, the frail and underweight Baby River was separated from her mother barely a month after birth. “The case went through RTC Manila Branch 20, the Supreme Court, back to RTC Branch 20, then RTC branch 42 and RTC Branch 37, and the Court of Appeals, until Baby River died on Oct. 12, 2020. “Manila RTC Branch 47 finally allowed Reina Mae furlough – this time to visit her dead daughter. Despite many fully armed BJMP escorts, police and military personnel monitoring and accompanying Reina Mae, she remained hand-cuffed while at the wake. “The heartbreaking and brief life-story of Baby River compel us to raise these questions: “1. Why can’t our justice system safeguard the needs and rights of an innocent child to breastfeeding and a better chance to survive? “2. Why don’t our jails have adequate facilities to address the needs and rights of children and women detainees duly recognized by domestic and international law? “3. Why does it take so long to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights? “4. Isn’t there double standard when “bigger” detainees are allowed similar or even greater privileges? “5. Can we not have justice with compassion? “Let our concern, dismay, or rage and the tears that we may shed for Baby River Nasino fuel our collective determination and action to improve our justice system. Let not our innocent children fall under the cracks. Babies have rights and we have duties to nurture them. Let our humanity rise above our personal comforts or the privileges of power.” DOMINGO EGON CAYOSA National President & Chairman of the Board of Governors *** We can talk about the law legal processes, and I’m sure many will. But at the crux of all this should be:“What is it to be human?” Have we sunk so low that we’ve lost our humanity? Have we forgotten what it is that separates us from animals? Have we been numb to peoples’ suffering and death? Have we been stripped of our sense of morality and compassion that we have lost our appreciation of what is right and wrong? People have discussed the trampled rights of the mother of the infant. But what about the rights of the baby? Stripping the legalese of the tragedy, we have to ask: What about the basic needs of the baby, as emphasized by the statement of the IBP? There is no justification to being deprived of the love and care his mother, and the warmth of her embrace. The soothing voice to say she’s going to get better, and she’s loved… Have we regressed to a point that we’ve been stripped of our empathy? More than the legality of this. After the furor will have died down, and it surely will, I think we have to ask ourselves, “Where are we now?” How low have we sunk and how to we get back up and regain some sense of decency? My heart broke when I saw pictures of Reina Mae Nasino covered in PPE, in handcuffs, unable to even hug her dead baby one last time. I still cannot understand the inhumanity towards not only the mother, but the baby, who had done no one wrong, yet was treated with so much hate, disrespect, contempt, and derision for her to be born in this world, yet stripped and deprived of human love and affection. I can never hate anyone that much to treat him or her so badly. I think we need to dig deep within ourselves and search our soul. To find the humanity which has clearly been missing. We need to find our moral compass, before we all lose our soul and drown in the abyss. Stay Safe. Pray for Baby River. Pray for OUR country......»»
‘Ipaglaban natin ang atin’ — Bong Go on removal of barrier in Scarborough Shoal
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, vice chairperson of the Senate National Defense Committee, stressed in an interview on Tuesday, 26 September, the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in light of the removal of a Chinese-installed floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal. "My previous position d'yan, kung ano po ang atin ay atin. What is ours is ours. Ipaglaban po natin kung ano po ang atin," Go declared. For years, the Scarborough Shoal, located 200 kilometers away from the Philippines, has been a contentious area due to disputes over territorial claims and fishing rights. It is administered as a political subdivision of Zambales. Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) carried out a special operation to dismantle the floating barrier that had been hindering Filipino fishermen. "Trabaho po 'yun ng ating mga nasa gobyerno, sa Executive Department, DFA, PCG. I'm sure alam nila ang kanilang ginagawa," Go said, expressing confidence in the government's actions. Go also addressed the issue of barriers that had been removed but were still causing concerns. "Na-clear na ba? Dapat lang. Kung ano nga po ang atin ay atin 'yun, 'wag nating hayaang nakaharang d'yan ang mga barriers. Kung agrabyado naman tayo, kung ano nga po ang atin, ipaglaban po natin. What is ours is ours," he emphasized. Eliminating the barrier has heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, with the latter asserting ownership of more than 90 percent of the commonly referred to as" South China Sea". Go also expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s order to remove the barrier. Previously, Go criticized the series of reported harassments by China particularly in the disputed waters of Ayungin Shoal. He elaborated on the need for a unified stance to protect the country’s rights and rightful claims to its territories and Exclusive Economic Zone. "Dapat po ay respetuhin ang ating karapatan. Kung ano ang karapatan natin na mag-resupply tayo, atin po ‘yon, karapatan po natin ‘yun. Ipaglaban po natin ang ating karapatan," Go reiterated. On 8 September, the Philippine Coast Guard faced interference from the China Coast Guard while navigating to Ayungin Shoal, yet successfully executed their resupply mission. This episode adds to a pattern of maritime tensions, including a prior incident where a Chinese vessel deployed water cannons against a Philippine military ship and another involving the use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. The post ‘Ipaglaban natin ang atin’ — Bong Go on removal of barrier in Scarborough Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate OKs Magna Carta of Filipino seafarers
The Senate has approved on final reading the Magna Carta of seafarers, which seeks to outline the rights of Filipino mariners and sets guidelines for their training and overseas employment......»»
Uganda seeks Chinese funding for oil pipeline project
Uganda is in the final stages of negotiations with Chinese financiers to help fund a controversial pipeline project after some Western partners pulled out, a senior official said Wednesday. "We are having final discussions with our Chinese partners to provide about half of the finances required for the construction of the EACOP (East African Crude Oil Pipeline)," Irene Bateebe, permanent secretary at the energy ministry, told AFP. "We should be concluding the arrangements with the Chinese financiers this coming month (October)," she added. French energy giant TotalEnergies is leading a multi-billion dollar project to develop Ugandan oilfields and ship the crude through a 1,445-kilometre (900-mile) pipeline to a port in Tanzania. But the scheme has come under fire from human rights groups and environmental campaigners who say it will harm fragile ecosystems and the livelihoods of tens of thousands of local people. The government has vowed to plough ahead despite the opposition, and TotalEnergies says those displaced by the project have been fairly compensated and measures have been taken to protect the environment. "This is a critical project for Uganda," Bateebe said. "Some of our international partners from Europe were forced to pull out from financing this project and as a country, we sourced for other friendly partners to finance the balance of the financing and we are on course." She said Uganda was speaking to two Chinese financiers, the Export-Import Bank of China and Sinosure. TotalEnergies has a 62 percent stake in the pipeline, with Ugandan and Tanzanian state-owned oil companies holding 15 percent each and China National Offshore Oil Corporation eight percent. The pipeline is part of a $10 billion project to develop oilfields in Lake Albert in northwestern Uganda and export the crude to international markets via the Indian Ocean port of Tanga in Tanzania. The lake lies atop an estimated 6.5 billion barrels of crude, of which about 1.4 billion barrels are currently considered recoverable. Uganda's first oil is expected to flow in 2025 -- almost two decades after the reserves were discovered -- and the project has been hailed by President Yoweri Museveni as an economic boon for the landlocked country where many live in poverty. The post Uganda seeks Chinese funding for oil pipeline project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Initiate reforms, Marcos exhorts PNP
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday asked the newly promoted star rank officers of the Philippine National Police to ensure that all uniformed personnel adhere to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and respect for human rights. During the oathtaking ceremony in Malacañang, Marcos emphasized these officers’ critical role in leading a reinvigorated police force dedicated to integrity, competence, and genuine service to the people. “As you take your oath today, you assert your new role as leaders of a renewed police force, one that takes pride in its integrity and competence and the genuine service to the people,” Marcos said. “Our people expect to see reforms under your leadership, positive changes that will make the agency more capable, responsive, and truly corruption-free, even amidst the many challenges that we face at present,” he added. President Marcos Jr. underscored that the foundation of effective law enforcement lies in public trust, which is nurtured through constant and open public engagement. He urged the new generals to prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and cooperation within their communities, fostering mutual respect and support. “To achieve this,” he said, “it is imperative that we reiterate our zero tolerance policy for corruption and human rights abuses within the PNP and for that matter in all of government.” He further encouraged these officers to lead by example and inspire their subordinates to follow the same principles. President Marcos Jr. assured that the national government would continue to support the modernization of the PNP, providing the latest technology, training, and resources to enhance its capabilities. In his concluding remarks, President Marcos Jr. rallied the nation, saying, “Hand in hand, let us lead our nation towards genuine and meaningful transformation. May this milestone in your career inspire you further to lead once more with excellence and honor as you drive the PNP towards a new Philippines that is safer, more just, and more prosperous for every Filipino.” The post Initiate reforms, Marcos exhorts PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Spins, deceptions, barrage
Chinese propaganda was in full force yesterday as the country’s state media again referred to the Philippines’ removal of the floating barrier as done to further the interest of the Americans. The narrative that China wants the world to follow is that the actions of the Philippines are all being dictated by the United States, to which the country has a long history of subservience. Thus, the Philippines’ sovereign interests are really at stake in the challenges to China’s aggressive assertions. Beijing’s propaganda mill has been busy since the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement increased from five to nine the number of Philippine military bases US forces have access to. It initially raised the bogey of the broader military pact being the launch pad for an American defense of Taiwan if China attacked, which is farthest from the truth since it presumes that Filipinos would be stupid enough to risk their country for another’s interest. The latest volley from China was related to removing the floating barrier that cordoned off Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc to Filipino fishermen. The Philippine Coast Guard should check the contraption to determine where it was manufactured. Recall the suspicion that the rocks and other materials used for China’s reclamation of Philippine islands had come from Zambales with the collusion of local government officials. Wang Wenbin, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said the Philippine statement was just what it wanted to believe itself. “China’s resolve in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) is unwavering. We call on the Philippines not to make provocations or stir up trouble,” Wang said. Moreover, China parrots the line that opening four additional military bases was a move “to win US support for its claims in the South China Sea.” The US then wants to exploit the Philippines so that “it can intervene in the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue from a closer range.” The US is using the Philippines as a pawn in its campaign to “contain China,” according to the propaganda minions. EDCA was an offshoot of the Mutual Defense Treaty, a post-World War II pact in which the Philippines and the United States committed to come to each other’s aid in case of attack. Based on the hype generated in Beijing, the Philippines has made several “failed” attempts to deliver building materials to reinforce the “grounded warship” on China’s Ren’ai Jiao, also known as Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal, since August. Indeed, attempts to reinforce the BRP Sierra Madre ended in a cat-and-mouse chase that succeeded, revealing that China is out of touch with reality. Also, the Sierra Madre is not a warship but a landing craft. It is an LST 542-class tank landing ship, previously known as the USS Harnett County, built for the United States Navy during World War II. The paid hacks and lapdogs of the Chinese government want to create an image that the venture between the Philippines and the US is meant to contain Beijing. The fundamental issue, however, remains the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, that has under it the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, or ITLOS. The Permanent Court of Arbitration, or PCA, issued the 2016 ruling favoring the Philippines was formed under ITLOS. Thus, UNCLOS invalidated China’s historical claims and upheld the exclusive economic zone from which the Philippines can derive economic benefits. Any argument that strays from the guiding principle must be treated with a grain of salt, if not doused with cold water. The post Spins, deceptions, barrage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sultan Kudarat insurgents yield
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Three individuals believed to be members of the New People’s Army voluntarily surrendered to authorities and turned over their high-caliber firearms in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, commander of the 37th Infantry (Conqueror) Battalion reported on Wednesday that the former NPAs presented themselves to the soldiers at their headquarters located in Barangay Tibpuan in Lebak town. Baldomar identified the three through their aliases as Red, alias Michelle/Nicole/Jessa and alias Than/Melchor, who served as Admin/ Para-Legal/Finance Officer of the front. The three also turned over two M16 rifles and a Cal. 38 Revolver. According to Baldomar, hardship was the main reason for the surrender of the three former NPAs. Joint Task Force Central commander Major General Alex Rillera urged the remaining NPAs to surrender to the government forces and live happily with their family. Meantime, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has dismissed claims of human rights violation as it welcomed any independent investigation on the clash that claimed the lives of six Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army fighters in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental last week. Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, said soldiers “strictly follow” the Armed Forces of the Philippines rules of engagements “at all times” and are “reminded to always observe and abide by the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law and the Rule of Law.” “We are confident and we firmly believe the said encounter was a legitimate one. We welcome any inquiry to this effect by any independent party,” Sison said in a statement. He added that the investigation would “eventually clear and vindicate” them from various allegations of human rights violation. The post Sultan Kudarat insurgents yield appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate to reallocate CIFs to agencies engaged in WPS patrol too — Zubiri
The Senate on Wednesday mimicked the House of Representatives’ plan to reallocate confidential and intelligence funds to government agencies involved in protecting the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea such as the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. According to Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, senators have agreed to follow the same path the lower chamber has taken regarding the controversial allocation of secret funds to non-security and defense agencies in the upcoming fiscal year. Zubiri said the “intelligence community” would also receive additional secret funds. “We have agreed in the Senate to do the same. We also will [be] reallocating funds that we feel are not necessary for the use of certain agencies and allocate them to our Intelligence Community as well as our Coast Guard and AFP,” he said in a Viber message sent to reporters. The decision came after various political party leaders in the lower chamber issued a joint statement to push the redirection of secret funds to agencies in charge of intelligence and security amid China’s latest actions in the West Philippine Sea. Citing China’s moves which include the installation of the floating barrier in Scarborough Shoal, political party leaders sought the allocation of more secret funds for the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the National Security Council, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. “Recognizing the rising security threats in the West Philippine Sea and the need to secure top officials, these agencies are better positioned to counteract security threats, protect our territorial waters, and secure the rights and access of Filipino fishermen to traditional fishing grounds,” the joint statement read. "This decision also underscores the need to ensure that resource allocation aligns with national priorities and the urgent needs of the citizenry, reflecting our commitment to a budget that is balanced, equitable, and serves the true needs and aspirations of the Filipino people,” it added. The joint statement was signed by Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit of the Nationalist Peoples Coalition, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel of the PDP Laban, Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose Joboy Aquino of the Lakas CMD, BHW Party List Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of the Party List Coalition, Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona of the Nacionalista Party, and Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte of the National Unity Party. How about OVP, DepEd? Zubiri was asked if the same thing would happen to the secret funds allocated to the offices headed by Vice President Sara Duterte. “We shall review all agencies,” he simply replied. Duterte, who heads the OVP and Department of Education, is requesting a total of P650 million worth of confidential funds for the two agencies, P500 million and P150 million, respectively. Under the proposed P.768-trillion National Expenditure Program for next year, a total of P9.2 billion was allocated for confidential and intelligence funds of government agencies and offices. The post Senate to reallocate CIFs to agencies engaged in WPS patrol too — Zubiri appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM: Zero-tolerance policy for corruption, human rights abuses within PNP
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday asked the newly promoted star-rank officers of the Philippine National Police to ensure that all uniformed personnel adhere to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and respect for human rights. During the oathtaking ceremony in Malacañang, Marcos emphasized these officers' critical role in leading a reinvigorated police force dedicated to integrity, competence, and genuine service to the people. "As you take your oath today, you assert your new role as leaders of a renewed police force, one that takes pride in its integrity and competence and the genuine service to the people," Marcos said. "Our people expect to see reforms under your leadership, positive changes that will make the agency more capable, responsive, and truly corruption-free, even amidst the many challenges that we face at present," he added. President Marcos Jr. underscored that the foundation of effective law enforcement lies in public trust, which is nurtured through constant and open public engagement. He urged the new generals to prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and cooperation within their communities, fostering mutual respect and support. "To achieve this," he said, "it is imperative that we reiterate our zero-tolerance policy for corruption and human rights abuses within the PNP and for that matter in all of government." He further encouraged these officers to lead by example and inspire their subordinates to follow the same principles. President Marcos Jr. assured that the national government would continue to support the modernization of the PNP, providing the latest technology, training, and resources to enhance its capabilities. In his concluding remarks, President Marcos Jr. rallied the nation, saying, "Hand in hand, let us lead our nation towards genuine and meaningful transformation. May this milestone in your career inspire you further to lead once more with excellence and honor as you drive the PNP towards a new Philippines that is safer, more just, and more prosperous for every Filipino." The post PBBM: Zero-tolerance policy for corruption, human rights abuses within PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Total lawfare’: Ukraine’s other front in the war
On 26 February 2022, while Russian tanks were barrelling towards Kyiv, Ukrainian lawyers were fighting on a different front, submitting a case against Moscow at the International Court of Justice. The gilded halls of the Peace Palace in The Hague, where the court sits, are a world away from the trenches of Donbas but Ukraine believes its legal attacks on Russia are a critical part of the fight. What cases are open in Ukraine's campaign of all-out "lawfare" against Moscow and, with little chance of Russian compliance, what's the point? Where are the legal front lines? The Hague, Strasbourg, and Hamburg. Ukraine has dragged Russia before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which rules on disputes between nations, arguing that President Vladimir Putin abused the UN Genocide Convention when he used an alleged "genocide" in eastern Ukraine as a pretext for invasion. The final arguments in this case will be heard later Wednesday. Also in The Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children, a war crime. Neither of these courts, however, can try Russian leaders, including Putin, for the crime of "aggression", defined as an attack on one state by another in breach of the UN charter. So a special group of prosecutors from Ukraine, the EU, the United States, and the ICC has been set up in The Hague with a view to establishing a special tribunal to bring senior Russians to trial. Ukraine also has cases open at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg over alleged Russian human rights abuses. Finally, Ukraine also brought cases to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg over what it says is Russia's disregard for international maritime law. Will Russia comply? It seems unlikely that Russia would comply with any ruling from an international court -- for example, in March 2022, the ICJ ordered Moscow to immediately halt its invasion. Russia didn't even turn up to the hearings in that case. But it's far from an academic exercise, said Cecily Rose, assistant professor of public international law at Leiden University. "There are examples of cases in which Russia has complied at least partially with an adverse ruling by an international court," Rose told AFP, citing a 2015 verdict in which Moscow reportedly stumped up half the cash it was ordered to. "It shows that non-compliance cannot be cynically assumed. Most of the time, states do comply with awards and judgments rendered by international courts and tribunals." What's the point? Even if Russia doesn't comply, Kyiv and most legal experts think the international community needs to draw a line in the sand. "Some countries do not comply with the law, including Russia. However, it is still important to call them out and to bring a case against them when they do breach the law," said Melanie O'Brien, assistant professor at the University of Western Australia Law School. "The case demonstrates that other countries do not view Russia's conduct as acceptable -- but rather, as unlawful," O'Brien told AFP. A ruling from the ICJ against Russia would be a further element in isolating Moscow and confirming it broke international law, she said. "It is also an important acknowledgment for victims of human rights abuses and international crimes such as war crimes that what happened to them and their loved ones was not lawful," she added. Proving that Russia's actions were in contravention of international law could also be key in future peace negotiations, including over potential reparations, noted Rose. How long will it take? The wheels of justice grind slowly. The ICJ "genocide" case is only about whether the court even has jurisdiction. A special tribunal is politically sensitive and will take a long time to establish. But the wheels of justice also grind exceedingly fine. "Just because Putin won't comply with a ruling now, he won't be in power forever," said O'Brien. "At some point, a change of regime will occur and may lead to compliance with international law." The post ‘Total lawfare’: Ukraine’s other front in the war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro: Phl ‘not provoking trouble’ in Scarborough Shoal; ‘We are just reacting’
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday clarified that the Philippines is not provoking any trouble in Scarborough shoal as accused by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Wenbin. “Sila po ang nagpo-provoke. Hindi naman ho tayo (They are the ones provoking. It’s not us),” Teodoro said during the Senate’s public hearing on the Proposed 2024 national expenditure program of the Department of National Defense and attached agencies. During the hearing, Senator Robinhood Padilla asked Teodoro’s response to Wang’s recent advice to the Philippines “not to stir up trouble” in Huangyan Island—the Chinese name for Scarborough shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. “Sino po ba talaga ang nagpo-provoke? Sila o Tayo? (Who is really provoking? Is it them or us?” Padilla asked. Teodoro denied any provocation from the Philippines, saying the country is only "reacting to China’s actions” against Filipinos who just wanted to enter their traditional fishing ground in the Bajo de Masinloc. “Hindi po tayo ang nagpo-provoke sa kanila. Ang ginagawa lang po natin… nagre-react lang tayo sa ginagawa po nila. Sila po ang nangunguna, sila po ang humaharang ng ating mangingisda, sila po ang naglagay ng barrier doon sa Scarborough (We are not provoking them. What we are doing is that... we are just reacting to their actions. They are ones provoking, they are blocking our fishermen, they put up barrier in Scarborough shoal)," Teodoro lamented. Wang on Tuesday warned the Philippines not to “provoke or stir up trouble” after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a 300-meter-long floating barrier installed by the Chinese Coast Guard in the southeast entrance of Bajo de Masinloc. The Chinese official admitted that the floating barrier is intended to "block and drive away” Filipino boats and fishermen from entering the shoal. As the PCG entered and removed the floating barrier, Wang accused the Philippines of intruding shoal “without China’s permission.” The PCG said it removed the "hazardous" barrier upon the instructions of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who heads the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, Teodoro maintained that the shoal has been a “traditional fishing ground” for Filipino fishermen over the years. "If it triggers something from China, it is just proving that it really has total disregard for maritime safety," he said, noting that Filipinos should benefit from the rich marine resources of the Philippine territory. The defense chief also noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has already removed the thought of provocation since disputed waters “is legally owned by the Philippines under the international law.” Padilla asked about Marcos' order to the National Security Council to "civilianize the approach" in the WPS. Teodoro said: “Kami po ay hindi tutol sa pag-uusap. Kailangan po ng diplomasya dito. Ngunit dapat sang-ayon po ito sa prinsipyadong pag-uusap (We actually support diplomatic dialogue because it is needed. But it should be in accordance with the principled conversation)—open and transparent." Teodoro underscored that the defense sector and the AFP firmly support the government’s whole-of-nation approach in confronting maritime challenges in the country. He pointed out that there’s a need to strengthen the armed forces and prepare the country for possible circumstances that would affect the country’s sovereign rights over its territorial waters. “Sa panig po natin, nakikita natin itong West Philippine Sea po ang focus. Kapag hindi po natin pinatatag ang ating sandatahang lakas baka naman po sa Philippine Rise mangyari, baka maunahan po tayo. Kaya po dapat unahan na natin (In our side, we are focusing on the West Philippine Sea. If we don’t strengthen our armed forces, it may happen in the Philippine Rise, they might get ahead of us. That’s why we should prepare),” Teodoro stressed. The post Teodoro: Phl ‘not provoking trouble’ in Scarborough Shoal; ‘We are just reacting’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thousands of jins set to compete in Smart-MVPSF inter-school taekwondo tilt
Around 4,000 budding taekwondo jins from around the country will fight for the bragging rights when the Philippine Taekwondo Association stages the 2023 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation National Inter-School Taekwondo Championships from September 30 to October 1......»»
Marcos certifies Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers as urgent
President Marcos has certified as urgent a bill that seeks to strengthen seafarers’ rights and improve their global competitiveness......»»
CHR probes killing of NPA rebels in Negros
The Commission on Human Rights will look into the killing of six New People’s Army rebels, who according to the military died in an encounter in Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental on Thursday last week......»»
India using anti-money laundering rules to ‘silence critics’ — Amnesty Int’l
India is exploiting recommendations by a global money-laundering watchdog as a "draconian" tool to shutter civil society groups and suppress activists and critics, Amnesty International said Wednesday. Government critics within civil society organizations and the media have long complained of harassment in the world's biggest democracy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu-nationalist administration, a charge it strenuously denies. Amnesty said the recommendations of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) were being abused to bring in "draconian laws to stifle the non-profit sector" and block organizations from funding. The 39-nation FATF, of which India has been a member since 2010, is mandated to tackle global money laundering and terrorist financing. Critics say Modi's government has sought to pressure rights groups by heavily scrutinizing their finances and clamping down on foreign funding. "Under the guise of combatting terrorism, the Indian government has leveraged the Financial Action Task Force's recommendations to tighten its arsenal of financial and counter-terrorism laws which are routinely misused to target and silence critics," Amnesty International India chair Aakar Patel said in a statement. In the last 10 years, India has canceled the licenses of more than 20,600 non-governmental organizations, with nearly 6,000 of these taking place since 2022, the report said. In 2020, Amnesty International had to suspend its Indian operations after its bank accounts were frozen. The Indian government defended its move, accusing Amnesty of "illegal practices" involving the transfer of "large amounts of money" from Amnesty UK to India. Journalists critical of the government also complain of increased harassment, both on social media -- where Modi's ruling party has a powerful presence -- and in the real world. The post India using anti-money laundering rules to ‘silence critics’ — Amnesty Int’l appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sikhs protest outside India consulates in Canada
Indian flags were burned and pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi were trampled on at protest rallies by Canadian Sikhs outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada on Monday. “The Indians, they are terrorists, they killed our brother in Vancouver, so that’s why we are protesting here,” Harpar Gosal of Toronto said outside of the Indian consulate in Toronto, referring to the murder in June of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. “We are not safe back home in Punjab, we are not safe in Canada,” another protesting Canadian Sikh, Joe Hotha, said. Several hundred people gathered in Toronto as well as in Ottawa and Vancouver to denounce Modi’s government. The protests were stirred by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau statements before parliament that New Delhi was possibly involved in the assassination of the Sikh leader, triggering a major diplomatic crisis between the two nations. Nijjar, who was wanted in India for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder, was shot dead by two masked assailants. The Indian government called the Canadian accusations “absurd” and vehemently denied them. It also advised its nationals not to travel to certain Canadian regions “given the increase in anti-Indian activities” and temporarily stopped processing visa applications in Canada. Jagmett Singh, the leader of the left-wing New Democratic Party and a Trudeau ally, said Trudeau's announcement confirms suspicions that India was interfering in the democratic rights of Canadians. Canada must also put an end to intelligence sharing with New Delhi, Sikh officials said. Since 2018, the two countries have established cooperation on counter-terrorism activities which commits them to financial, judicial and police cooperation, an agreement eyed warily by 770,000 Canadian Sikhs today. WITH AFP The post Sikhs protest outside India consulates in Canada appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos prods Senate on seafarers’ magna carta
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers that specifies the rights and ensures the welfare of Filipino mariners. In a letter dated 25 September to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Marcos underscored the need to immediately pass Senate Bill 2221 to address deficiencies in the training and accreditation of Filipino seafarers. The President said the problem areas have been endangering the continued employment of Filipino seafarers in the European market. If the law is passed, Marcos said Filipinos will be assured of maritime training compliant with international standards. The House of Representatives passed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (House Bill 7325) on final reading on 6 March of this year with 304 votes in favor. The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is one of the 20 priority pieces of legislation that the President has asked Congress to approve by the end of the year, Zubiri said. The post Marcos prods Senate on seafarers’ magna carta appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China warns Philippines not to ‘stir up trouble’ over disputed reef
Beijing warned Manila on Tuesday not to "stir up trouble" after the Philippine Coast Guard said it had removed a floating barrier at a disputed reef that was allegedly deployed by China to block Filipinos from the traditional fishing ground. Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea has long been a source of tension between the countries. China seized the ring of reefs from the Philippines in 2012 and has since deployed patrol boats to keep out Filipino fishermen. The latest spat was sparked by a 300-metre (328-yard) floating barrier that was found across the entrance of the shoal last week during a routine Philippine government resupply mission to Filipino fishermen plying the waters near the shoal. The Philippines condemned the installation and its coast guard announced on Monday that it had "successfully" removed the barrier from the reef, which Manila calls Bajo de Masinloc, in a special operation ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin hit back on Tuesday, saying Beijing "firmly upholds the sovereignty and maritime rights and interests of the Huangyan island", referring to the shoal by its Chinese name. "We advise the Philippines not to provoke or stir up trouble," Wang added. 'Well within rights' Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano responded to the warning by saying his country was "well within its rights" to remove any barrier at the reef. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 international court ruling that its stance has no legal basis. Scarborough Shoal sits 240 kilometers (150 miles) west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometers from the nearest major Chinese land mass of Hainan. Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which China helped negotiate, countries have jurisdiction over the natural resources within about 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) of their shore. The Philippine Coast Guard released a video on Monday showing a man wearing snorkeling gear using a knife to sever a rope attached to white buoys, while another showed an anchor being hauled from the water into a wooden outrigger boat. "Upon checking with our intelligence operatives in Bajo de Masinloc, the Chinese government removed already the barrier," Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, told local media Tuesday. The floating barrier had prevented fishing boats from entering the shoal's shallow waters where fish are more abundant. Philippine officials previously accused the Chinese coast guard of installing the barrier before a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources resupply ship arrived at the shoal last Wednesday. The Philippine foreign ministry said on Monday it would "take all appropriate measures to protect our country's sovereignty and the livelihood of our fisherfolk", without elaborating. © Agence France-Presse The post China warns Philippines not to ‘stir up trouble’ over disputed reef appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP supports PCG’s removal of Chinese-installed floating barriers in Bajo de Masinloc
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is supporting the Philippine Coast Guard’s dismantling of Chinese-installed floating barriers within the southeast entrance of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the PCG’s removal of the 300-meter-long floating barrier that was put up by China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels in the shoal was “legally binding.” “Dapat lang tanggalin ‘yon kasi atin ‘yon eh (It's only right that we remove it because that [Bajo de Masinloc] is ours)," Aguilar said in a television interview. Asked about possible response from China, Aguilar replied: "Wala naman tayong pakialam kung anong reaction nila. Basta sa atin, [ay] atin (We don't care about their reaction. What's ours is ours)." “Basta inassert lang nating 'yong ating karapatan, hindi naman tayo dapat matakot (We only asserted our right, we have nothing to be afraid of)," he added. The floating barriers in the fishing ground off Scarborough Shoal barred the entry of Filipino fishermen affecting their livelihood and source of income. PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the barriers posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. "It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in [Bajo de Masinloc], which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory," he added. Meanwhile, the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea is discussing the Philippines’ response to the Chinese’s “grave violations” of the Philippines' sovereign rights in Scarborough Shoal as well as in Sandy Cay 2, wherein an enormous pile of damaged corals was dumped in the island, just two nautical miles off the Bajo de Masinloc. The post AFP supports PCG’s removal of Chinese-installed floating barriers in Bajo de Masinloc appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»