Palace spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that he is in New York for his nomination to be a member of the International Law Commission (ILC), an advisory body to the United Nations (UN).
Roque was one of 11 Asia-Pacific nationals nominated for the position. Roque hopes he is one of 8 to choose from among them.
According to Roque, this is not a full-time job, and there is also no salary.
The ILC is mandated to lead studies and recommendations for the promotion of international law.
According to Roque, there are two platforms he will promote in the ILC.
“Unang-una, kinakailangan po magkaroon ng isang tratado, kung saan kinikilala po ng lahat bansa ang vaccine equality… Ang pangalawa po ay tratado kung saan kikilalanin ng buong daigdig na ang teritoryong mawawala dahil sa pagtaas ng ating karagatan dahil sa global warming, dapat ang teritoryo na lupa na nagbibigay ng teritoryo ng ating karagatan ay maging conclusive, hindi na magbabago maski malubog pa yan sa tubig,” explained Roque.
It was revealed that Roque went to New York in the midst of his going viral for shouting at an IATF meeting to scold a group of doctors.
Roque’s candidacy for the Int’l Law Commission blocked
Health workers’ groups said the spokesperson was rude.
Meanwhile, the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) issued a statement to block Roque’s campaign to sit in the ILC.
“Mr. Roque does not possess the qualifications for a seat at the Commission. While he has degrees in law and has taught Public International Law, he is a political partisan who has actively demonstrated contempt for the rule of law and, with specific relevance to the Commission, had undermined the supremacy of human rights and international law,” said FLAG.