PH lifts suspension on loans, grants with countries backing UNHRC reso

MANILA, Philippines — After much huffing and puffing, the Philippine government has decided to lift the suspension on loan and grant agreements with countries who backed the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution calling for an investigation on drug war killings.

Malacañang informed all department secretaries and heads of agencies about the lifting of the suspension in a memorandum dated Feb. 27 and signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“Please be informed that such directive is hereby lifted, effective immediately. 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 conclusions of any agreement,” read the memorandum, a copy of which was released to the press Wednesday.

Malacañang suspended negotiations on loans and grants as well as the signing of related agreements with countries that pushed for the resolution submitted by Iceland in July 2019.

The 47-member UN body sought a comprehensive written report on the Philippines’ human rights situation.

The 18 countries that voted in the affirmative were Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Uruguay.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo had previously condemned the resolution, saying it was “maliciously partisan.”

EDV