House panel OKs reso backing IPU withdrawal

MANILA, Philippines — The House interparliamentary relations and diplomacy panel approved on Tuesday a resolution supporting the withdrawal of the Philippines as a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has backed.

The approval happened during a committee meeting chaired by Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Eric Singson. Ang Mata ay Alagaan (Ang Mata) Rep. Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catero made the unopposed motion to approve House Resolution No. 2270.

READ: PH withdrawåal from IPU gets support from House leader

In filing the resolution on October 23, Minority Leader and Quezon 3rd District Rep. Danilo Suarez noted how the Geneva-based global organization of national parliamentarians “stepped outside its boundaries with its interference in the country’s judicial processes which runs counter to the principle of State sovereignty.”

IN THE KNOW: The Inter-Parliamentary Union

Prior to this, Arroyo said she would recommend to the Senate the country’s withdrawal of  membership to the IPU which is composed of 178-member states.

READ: Arroyo to push PH withdrawal from IPU

This came after the IPU has voiced its concern over the alleged human rights violations against two of the fiercest critics of the administration — opposition Senators Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV.

READ: Parliamentarians’ union to probe cases of De Lima, Trillanes

The international organization also issued a resolution in March urging the Senate to take steps to ensure that De Lima fulfill her duties as a duly elected lawmaker by letting her participate in the chamber’s deliberations.

READ: Philippine Senate urged, ‘act in solidarity’ with De Lima

Some opposition lawmakers from the House rejected Arroyo’s plan with Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin branding it as a “diplomatic disaster” that “derogates” the country’s standing in international bodies.  /muf