DIPLOMATIC immunity does not cover criminal acts, says Justice Secretary Juanito Remulla moments after issuing an order designating the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) commence an in-depth investigation on foreign diplomats who may have breached laws governing illegal wiretapping.
In a statement, Remulla did not categorically mention names but hinted at the alleged audio recording of a telephone conversation between a diplomat and Philippine military official regarding Ayungin Shoal.
According to Remulla, diplomatic immunity is not absolute.
“While enjoying the privileges and immunities accorded to foreign diplomats, it is also their duty to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state,” reads part of Remulla’s statement even as he assured that appropriate actions, if warranted, will be taken against them.
Remulla clarified that while the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations states that diplomats, employees of international organizations and their immediate family members are covered by a certain degree of diplomatic immunity during their stay in a receiving State, the privilege is limited to official acts performed in the exercise of official duties and functions necessary for advocating international comity, policies and interests.
“Diplomatic immunity should never be used as a license to exploit our country’s peace and harmony for selfish motives, this privilege does not shield anyone from the consequences of the Rule of Law,” the DOJ chief quipped. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
