The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
President Rodrigo R. Duterte chided the United Nations (UN) for its lack of transparency and respect to democratic principles, thereby unable to help address global crises and injustices.
In a pre-recorded speech for the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Duterte told the UN, “Democracy and transparency are concepts that reverberate in the halls of the UN. But ironically, the security council – the pinnacle of your structure – violates every tenet of these values.”
The UN Security Council has 15 members, of which five (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States of America) are permanent members.
Duterte said the UN’s mission “no longer reflects the political and economic realities of the world” and should be changed for the UN to effectively govern.
“If the UN is to lead the world in its many crises we face, things need to change. The UN must empower itself by reforming itself. Therein lies the hope of humanity,” Duterte said.
Duterte also lambasted the “hoarding” by some developed countries of COVID-19 vaccines. He said some rich countries are now considering giving booster shots while developing nations are stuck with vaccine shortages.
“This is shocking beyond belief and must be condemned for what it is–a selfish act that can neither be justified rationally nor morally,” Duterte said. “This pandemic will not end unless the virus is defeated everywhere. Vaccines are key to achieving this.”
Duterte also told the UNGA he will conduct investigations on those who violated the law in his deadly campaign against illegal drugs.
“I have instructed the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police to review the conduct of our campaign against illegal drugs. Those found to have acted beyond bounds during operations shall be made accountable before our laws,” Duterte said.
He said he is ready to cooperate with the United Nations as long as it will be in a “constructive engagement.”
“Imposition of one’s will over another – no matter how noble the intent – never worked in the past and it never will in the future,” Duterte said.
Duterte also said the arbitral ruling won by the Philippines in 2016 should be used to resolve the South China Sea territorial dispute. “The award must be seen for what it is – a benefit across the world to all those who subscribe to the majesty of the law.”
“No amount of blatant disregard of any country no matter how big and powerful can diminish the Arbitral Awards’ importance,” he added.
The 76th UNGA, which was attended by representatives of 193 member states, was held in a hybrid format of in-person and virtual attendance due to the pandemic.