THE planned visit of United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, to the Philippines has no connection to the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This clarification made by Presidential Task Force on Media Security PTFoMS executive director Usec. Paul Gutierrez during the ‘Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon’ briefing.
Gutierrez explained that Khan’s visit will be an opportunity to highlight the truth that the Philippines is a strong advocate of human rights, especially in the field of freedom of expression.
Among the agencies Khan intends to visit are the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Supreme Court (SC), leaders of Congress, and officials of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
“We are arranging for her to speak with Speaker Martin Romualdez himself; of course, our PTFoMS chairman, Secretary Boying Remulla, will also be present. That’s our representative in the National Security Cluster; and all the officials of the mentioned agencies are ready for a dialogue with Ms. Irene Khan,” according to Usec. Paul Gutierrez, Executive Director, PTFoMS.
Khan also wishes to speak with former Senator Leila de Lima.
Meanwhile, Gutierrez insisted that there is nothing to worry about regarding the UN Special Rapporteur’s visit.
“I want to stress that our administration has nothing to hide when it comes to promoting human rights and freedom of expression in our country, so we think there is nothing to fear or be anxious about this visit,” Gutierrez added.
Gutierrez also shared that Khan wants to visit Baguio, Cebu, and Tacloban, and that they have already coordinated with officials in those areas.
“And we will try, as a good host as we are – we are known for our hospitality – we will try to make her visit, the visit that is not only productive but also comfortable for all,” Gutierrez stated.
According to Gutierrez, based on the UN Special Rapporteur’s mandate, Khan is set to assess the steps taken by the current administration regarding critical issues related to freedom of opinion and expression.
The UN Special Rapporteur will visit the Philippines from January 23 to February 2 this year.
