Palace lifts suspension of negotiations for signing of loan, grant deals with countries supportive of UNHRC resolution

March 4, 2020

Malacanang has ordered the lifting of the suspension of negotiations for contracting loans or grant aids with countries that supported a resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) seeking action on the Philippines' war on illegal drugs.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued a memorandum on February 27 to all department secretaries and heads of agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations and government financial institutions regarding the lifting of the suspension.

"Please be informed that such directive is hereby lifted, effective immediately," said Medialdea in the memorandum by Order of the President.

"It is understood, however, that all necessary approvals, authorities and clearances, as required by relevant laws, rules and regulations, should first be obtained prior to actual negotiations and conclusion of any agreement with the covered foreign governments, their agencies, and instrumentalities or multilateral institutions or organizations," he added.

On Aug. 27 last year, upon the order of Duterte, Medialdea issued a memorandum directing the suspension of negotiations for and signing of all loan and grant agreements with the governments of the countries that co-sponsored and/or voted in favor of the UNHRC Resolution dated July 11, 2019.

Iceland initiated the resolution, which was supported by 18 out of 47 member-countries.

The resolution urged the Duterte administration to take all necessary measures to prevent extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, to carry out impartial investigations and to hold perpetrators accountable, in accordance with international norms and standards, including on due process and the rule of law.

The countries which voted for the resolution were Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdon of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Uruguay. 

Police records showed that over 5,000 individuals have already been killed in the government's anti-drug operations since July 2016. Celerina Monte/DMS