Solons urge Marcos admin to halt procurement of Israeli military equipment amid Gaza 'genocide'
House lawmakers have asked Malacañang to terminate its procurement deal on Israeli military equipment in response to Israel's “genocide" of Palestinians in Gaza.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Ismula on Wednesday, Aug. 27, led the filing of House Resolution (HR) No. 195 to urge the executive branch to join the global call "to end genocide in Gaza by terminating the procurement of Israeli defense equipment".
Ismula, along with fellow Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno and Perci Cendaña and Dinagat Islands lone district Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, also pressed the government to ensure that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s modernization efforts are aligned with international human rights laws and principles.
In filing the resolution, Ismula cited the Philippines’ membership of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its being a signatory to key United Nations (UN) conventions that committed to uphold human dignity, prevent atrocities, and promote peace and justice both domestically and globally.
Since the Philippines also voted in favor the immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, it must take note that tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed in attacks and strikes mostly perpetrated by Israel, they said.
Considering that the country “is among the top three importers of Israeli arms” and its continuous arms deals with Israel-based companies contribute to strengthening Israel’s war economy, the Philippines “enables Israel to continue its attacks in Gaza", the solons claimed.
“The House of Representatives urge the Executive Department to adhere to our international legal obligations and our commitment to upholding peace and preventing further atrocities,” the resolution read.
It also urged the executive department “to review its defense procurement strategies and ensure that the modernization efforts of the [AFP] are pursued in a manner that does not inadvertently support violations of international law, the Genocide Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty".