Malacañang on Thursday said the government is open to studying recommendations from the United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on human rights, including the ratification of key international treaties and the possibility of rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Meanwhile, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte said the pain he feels as a son with detention of his father at the ICC in The Hague is “immeasurable.”
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Marcos administration appreciates the international attention drawn to the government’s current efforts to uphold and promote human rights, particularly in addressing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings that reportedly occurred during the previous administration.
“I read this article and I am happy and pleased that the President and the government’s efforts to strengthen human rights are being noticed internationally.,” Castro said in a media briefing.
Castro also acknowledged the recommendation from the UNSR for the Philippines to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
She said such suggestions will be seriously considered by the government. She emphasized that the right to freedom of expression remains strong under the Marcos administration.
“Surely, there is no doubt that freedom of expression is flourishing in our country now. In fact, the President and the government are sometimes the victims of fake news,” she said.
Asked if the Philippines is considering rejoining the ICC, , Castro said the idea is currently not on the table, but added it is possible. The Philippines exited the ICC in 2019.
“In my opinion, yes… but that matter is not being discussed now. The President is open to discussing it,” Castro said.
On the issue of red-tagging, Castro said any formal complaint or report would help the Palace address the matter appropriately.
“If there are specific cases or details, it would be better if we could be given information about that so we can relay it to the President,” she said, in response to calls for the administration to denounce and penalize red-tagging practices.
“As a Filipino, the injustice is unbearable,” the younger Duterte said on the 100th day of his father’s arrest and detention in The Hague, Netherlands..
Duterte stressed that his father “is not a criminal” but “a man who gave his life to serve this nation, who walked the most difficult paths so that we may live in peace, free from fear, and with dignity.”
“He stood up against the enemies of the Republic, and now he suffers alone — far from home, far from his people,” the lawmaker said.
“To every Filipino here and across the world: I ask you, from the deepest part of my heart, let us not forget him. Let us remember not just the leader, but the man — the father, the friend, the patriot who never turned his back on us,” he added.
Duterte also urged his father’s supporters to “pray for his strength, for his health, and for his freedom.”
“Light a candle, say his name, and let your love be felt across the walls of that foreign prison,” he said.
“We believe in justice. We believe in truth. And most of all, we believe that the Filipino people will never abandon those who fought for them. Pa, bisan asa ka man ibutang sa Ginoo, you are not alone. We are with you — one family, one nation, one light,” Duterte added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Palace: Marcos open to PH rejoining ICC, welcomes UNSR recos”
