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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Vindication for De Lima; diplomacy in settling conflict in the WPS

Vindication for De Lima; diplomacy in settling conflict in the WPS

Published Nov 17, 2023 07:14 pm

PAGBAGAGO

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After spending six years, eight months, and 21 days in detention, former Senator Leila De Lima is finally out of jail. She was accused of drug trafficking and receiving payoffs from convicted drug gangs to fund her 2016 senatorial bid.

It will be remembered that in 2009, De Lima launched a probe into the suspected Davao Death Squad.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights, among others demanded her immediate release. She also had the support of local and international peace and human rights organizations. She was granted bail by Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.

Leila spent her first day out of jail with a phone call to her 91-year old mom and a visit to the 322-year old Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan. She also brought home five of the dozen cats that kept her company while in detention. We rejoice with her vindication and share Justice Secretary Remulla’s hope that she will be acquitted in her remaining drug case.

Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno and colleagues at the International Law Relations Society (ISIP) recently presented a 31-page paper to the Senate which is now holding a hearing on the 58th diplomatic protest against China which continues to claim that it belongs to them. This claim is not expected to be settled soon and is developing into a potential flash point on international peace and security as other states had started to take sides in the controversy.

The position paper addresses the following questions: (1) What is a military force? What is a law enforcement force? Is there a real distinction?; (2) What is the legal significance of the distinction between the two forces? (3) What is the status of a coast guard in general? (4) Do the Mutual Defense Board and the Security Engagement Board have legal authority to seek or allow the assistance of an armed or unarmed aircraft of the US Navy during a law enforcement activity in the WPS? (5) Legal and political implications of the prominent role of military forces in addressing disputes in the WPS? (6) What legal and non-military courses of action may the Philippines take to respond to recent collision and blockade by Chinese vessels against our resupply vessels? And finally, (7) Scenarios that can play out between the Philippines and China.

The paper suggests that a dedicated 24/7 diplomatic team would be more effective than a military solution. Having the Philippine Coast Guard at the frontline signals adherence by the Philippines with the UN Charter on resource to peaceful means rather than the use of force in the settlement of disputes. Having the military at the frontline increases the other to resort to lethal force rather than peaceful means of settlement.

The continuing saga of Palestine with Chagos Archipelago demonstrates that no effective institutional mechanism is available under international law. Perhaps proactive neutrality and conflict-prevention through diplomacy are the more rational choices.

ISIP is an intellectual society composed of retired Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, retired CG Admiral Joel S. Garcia, Dr. Melissa Loja, Prof. Romel Bagares, and Atty. AI Soriano. ([email protected])

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