A headline by Rappler reads: “U.S. Senate panel OKs ban on PH officials in De Lima case, urges dropping charges vs. Ressa.”
THE FACTS: A U.S. Senate committee — the Foreign Relations Committee which passed the resolution — does not, and cannot ban Philippine officials from entering the U.S. That is a function of the Executive Branch. It is precisely why the resolution “calls on the President of the United States to impose sanctions…” under the Magnitsky Act.
Also, a “resolution” does not have the force of law. It is, by its very nature, only recommendatory.
So even the “dropping of all criminal charges against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa” is just wishful thinking on the part of the American Senators. This is a decision left to the Philippines’ judicial system which the U.S. Senate has no jurisdiction over.
MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The latest False Asia poll shows that the approval ratings of the Philippines top officials have increased. Except for Vice President Leni Robredo.
MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Vice President Leni Robredo’s still-unreleased report as ex-Drug Czar for two weeks is now moot and academic. President Rodrigo Duterte is officially dropping his war on drugs (WOD).
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