MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s failed bid to be elected to the International Law Commission (ILC) was met with “enormous comfort” by the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) on Saturday.
“Without deriving any pleasure over it, it is still with enormous comfort that we meet the non-election of Harry to the ILC,” NUPL President Edre Olalia said in a statement.
“We welcome the very telling vote of the UN on the heels of the strong protests and opposition of his own peers and people. This could be seen as a ringing thumbs down for his principal as well,” he added.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (File photo from PTV video)
Roque, a lawyer by profession, was vying for one of the eight seats allotted for the Asia Pacific region, and was among the nominees for the 34 members of ILC.
He received only 87 votes out of 191 members during a voting held on Saturday (Manila time).
“While ordinarily, a compatriot who takes a shot at the Olympics, the Nobel Peace Prize, and even international beauty pageants is propped up with all the support needed, the same generosity is hard to gift his controversial candidacy.”
Roque’s nomination to the ILC was earlier met by opposition by human rights groups.
“When Harry wanted to meet ILC, we underscored that competency is best complemented by consistency, credibility and character, if not modesty,” said Olalia.