Callamard: Visit not for theatrics or politicking

United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard again rejected the terms set by Malacañang for her to conduct an official visit, saying it should not be used for theatrics and politicking.

Amid new tirades against her by President Duterte over the death of Grade 11 student Kian Loyd delos Santos, Callamard maintained that she could not conduct an official visit unless the Philippine government lifts the conditions that it earlier set.

“An official visit without respect for the victims, respect for the law, respect for due process would be unacceptable,” she said on Twitter.

“It is not a vehicle for entertain- ment, theatrics or politicking,” she added.

Callamard also shared a link to her earlier statement detailing why she could not adhere to the terms set by the Palace.

The Philippine government earlier said Callamard can conduct an official visit if she would in turn engage Duterte in a public debate, allow the President to propound questions about the visit and swear under oath prior to the questioning.

However, the rapporteur noted that the conditions are inconsistent with the terms of reference for country visits of rapporteurs.

“I have highlighted in particular the principles of independence and confidentiality, which should guide my mission, and the necessity of building and maintaining trust with all stakeholders, precluding any public debates,” she said, referring to her earlier response to the Philippines.

“I have also referred the government to Article 3.f of the Code of Conduct which clearly request that I shall not seek or accept any instructions from any government or other actor and to Article 5 regarding the solemn declaration I have made upon prior to assuming my functions,” she added.

Instead, she proposed a joint media briefing after the visit as a compromise.

“I have suggested to the government of the Philippines that the standard private debriefing with the government, at the end of the mission, could be followed by a joint press conference with President Duterte and myself,” Callamard said.

“This press briefing would be an opportunity for me to introduce briefly my preliminary findings and for the President to offer his own analysis, reply or rebuttal,” she added.

The government, however, stood firm on the conditions it set for the visit.

Duterte lashed out at Callamard earlier this week after the latter condemned the alleged summary execution of Delos Santos at the hands of the police.