‘Conditions for UN special rapporteur visit remain’

MANILA, Philippines -  Five months after a formal invitation was sent to United Nations special rapporteur Agnes Callamard, President Duterte is not backing out from the conditions he set for the visit and subsequent investigation on his administration’s war against illegal drugs.

In a press briefing yesterday at Malacañang, Foreign Affairs spokesman and assistant secretary Charles Jose revealed that the bloody war against drugs and alleged summary executions are now subjects of discussions at the UN office in Geneva.

While the invitation stays, he reiterated that Callamard must meet the conditions for her to push through with a visit to the Philippines.

“I think the conditions set by the President are still standing. Until and unless she agrees to these conditions, I don’t think the visit will push through,” Jose said.

In December, Duterte set three conditions before allowing a UN probe: One, Callamard must consent to a public debate with Duterte before the media. Two, Duterte would be allowed to ask her three questions. Three, Callamard must take an oath.

He has called the UN many names and even threatened to leave the group for criticizing his administration’s efforts at ridding the country of illegal drugs.

“I think discussions are ongoing in Geneva and I think we reiterate the conditions set by the Philippine government,” Jose said.