UN expert urges PH to reform laws, join ICC

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Irene Khan, presented her final report on the Philippines to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday.

The report highlighted the importance of free speech in ensuring fair elections but noted rising authoritarian trends polarizing politics.

Khan acknowledged the country's vibrant civil society and diverse media landscape while expressing serious concerns about red-tagging, sluggish judicial processes, and extended pretrial detentions.

CHR seconded Khan's call for reforms, urging the Philippines to return as a member of the International Criminal Court and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

The commission also noted the need for legal policy changes such as decriminalizing libel, re-examining the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and passing the Media Workers' Welfare Bill and Journalist Protection Bill to protect civil society and media workers.

Khan emphasized the urgent need for reforms to protect freedom of expression and end harmful practices like red-tagging and attacks on journalists, while CHR condemned censorship and urged the government to enhance legal protections for press freedom.