Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar stressed anew that discussions on the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is moot as Philippines has never been a party to the Hague-based tribunal and even if it were, ICC has no cause to intervene because the country has a capable and robust justice system.
In a phone patch interview on Monday with Magik Tacloban, Sec. Andanar reiterated the Palace’s position that Philippines was never a party to the Rome Statute, which created the ICC, because the treaty was never published in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation.
The treaty thereby failed to meet the publication requirement for a law to become effective in the country under the New Civil Code.
The PCOO Chief remarked, “Ignorance of the law excuses no one but only if the law is published and everyone was given the time to read the law. So kapag hindi mo na-publish, ibig sabihin hindi binigyan lahat ng pagkakataon na malaman kung ano ang nakasaad dito sa [Rome Statute]. Therefore, hindi po talaga tayo kasama sa ICC just like the US, China, Russia at napakarami pang bansang di kasali d’yan.”
“Naglabas po ng statement ang US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at sinabi nga po n’ya na kung sinuman ang mga ICC personnel na pumasok sa America para imbestigahan ang kanilang mga diumano’y war crime or human rights violations sa Afghanistan ay di po bibigyan ng visa,” he added.
The Communications Secretary also noted that ICC can only act if the state party is unwilling or incapable of dispensing justice. This is not the case, however, in the Philippines. He emphasized, “Ang ating justice system ay gumugulong…gumagana po. Lahat ng human rights violations ay kinakasuhan. Kita niyo naman, ‘yung pumatay kay Kian dito sa Caloocan ay kinasuhan na. Walang exempted sa batas dito sa ating bansa.”
A Caloocan court has already sentenced three cops for killing Kian Loyd delos Santos during one of the government’s anti-illegal drugs operations in the area.
The Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute became final on Sunday, a year after the country formally submitted its letter of withdrawal. As stated in its letter to the ICC, the Philippines decision to withdraw was a “principled stand against those who politicize and weaponize human rights.” (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The El Niño phenomenon may have a positive effect on the fishing industry here in the region, so says the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
BFAR Regional Director Juan Albaladejo said that due to the warm temperature, fishermen will have more fishing hours that will lead to increase on fish catch.
“Fishermen will have more fishing days and the warm water will make fish approach the shore and shallow area,” he said.
The warm water would result for more plankton that is the main source of food for fish and other marine animals, Albaladejo added.
However, even there is a positive effect of El Niño to the fishing industry, still it may still result to a red tide bloom.
“It’s easy to bloom with very high salinity, then with sudden drizzle and also the temperature that makes it very conducive for plankton growth,” Albaladejo explained.
Albaladejo added that he already made instructions for the personnel of the bureau to conduct active surveillance on bays that were hit by red tide.
BFAR personnel will conduct surveillance and gathering of water and shellfish samples three times a week.
The surveillance covers Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Irong-Irong Bay, Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay, coastal waters of Daram, and San Pedro Bay, all in Samar; Carigara Bay in Leyte; and Biliran waters in Biliran province.
Red tide alert is still up in San Pedro Bay and Cancabato Bay as of this week.
Aside from shellfish, the El Niño will also affect fresh water aquaculture like those who are into tilapia cultivation. Excessive heat results for a rapid water evaporation.
“Tilapia growers must ensure that they will have enough and stable water supply,” Albaladejo advices.(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

In time for the EVRAA Meet in Ormoc City

NAVAL, Biliran-Players of the Biliran Wildcat Delegation are not only preparing their physical prowess through series of practice to compete in the different games but also in conditioning their bodies to be physically fit to face their opponents at the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet in Ormoc City this coming April 7-12, 2019.
A total of 300 athletes from Biliran will undergo compulsory measles rubella vaccination staring March 14 in the different municipalities in the province.
In an interview, Ryan Remandaban, division sports coordinator of the School Division Office- Biliran, disclosed that the said vaccination is required as initiated by the host city of Ormoc in order to protect the athletes from measles.
The regional office of the Department of Health(DOH) has already declared a measles outbreak in the region with more than 1,000 cases.
Aside from the athletes, officiating officials and coaches are also required to undergo the same vaccination process for their protection.
Schools Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) Chief of DepEd- Biliran, Lucille Roa, has already briefed some delegation officials particularly the school nurses to facilitate the conduct of the vaccination procedure in coordination with the DOH and municipal health officers throughout the province.
Biliran EVRAA team is strongly supported by Governor Gerardo Espina, Jr. through the allocation of its Special Education Fund (SEF) and the provision of transportation services including the logistical support.
Meanwhile, Biliran Rep. Dr. Rogelio Espina also supported the team through the provision of some technical and financial assistance including training support, transportation among others.
The eight mayors of the province also supported the athletes by downloading their respective municipal special education fund to SDO – Biliran including the provision of vehicles and transportation assistance on the duration of the activity in Ormoc City. (RE E. FAJARDO)