AT the resumption of the joint hearing of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety chaired by Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez and the Committee on Human Rights chaired by Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. on Tuesday, representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) clarified the International Health Regulations (IHR) adopted during the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland last May 27 to June 1, 2024.
Assistant Secretary Frances Cherryl Ontalan of the Office of the DOH Secretary, who served as negotiator for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) for the Pandemic Agreement, explained the country is “abiding by the IHR under Article 21 of the WHO Constitution which refers to a listing of possible diseases that will be subject to regulations.”
She clarified that “the INB is created under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, which requires ratification by member-states before it can be put into force and effect,” adding that the pandemic treaty is still under negotiations.
Fernandez said the clarification is important to ensure that the adopted amendments will not in any way violate the rights of Filipinos.
“Napaka-importante na maiklaro ng DOH sa atin na ang mga adopted amendments ng IHR ay hindi makakasagasa sa karapatan at kalayaan ng bawat Pilipino.”
He said he received last Monday the official copy of the amendments to the IHR.
Aside from confirming that WHO member-states need to ratify the pandemic treaty, convention or accord, Fernandez also emphasized that the DOH also needs to clarify what will be the obligations of the Philippines under the pandemic treaty and the possible implications if it does not ratify said agreement.
“We are here to listen, inquire, deliberate, and ultimately to recommend actions that will safeguard the health of our people while respecting their rights,” Abante said as he underscored the purpose of the joint hearing,
The joint inquiry is being conducted on the basis of House Resolution 1481 filed by Fernandez.
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