Capulong for UN tribunal

Human rights lawyer Romeo Capulong will replace Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago as the Philippine candidate for a seat in the United Nations’ international tribunal that will try war crimes in the former Yugoslavia, Vice President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teofisto Guingona Jr. said yesterday.

Guingona said Capulong has submitted the necessary documents for his candidacy and that the Philippine mission in New York would work out his nomination with the United Nations.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Lauro Baja Jr. said the department and Philippine embassies abroad will campaign hard for Capulong’s nomination in the coming days since the election for seats in the UN tribunal is slated next month.

The department withdrew Santiago’s candidacy after she decided to seek re-election. She perceived the Arroyo administration’s lack of support for her candidacy as punishment for her being an ally of deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Capulong is reportedly backed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Guingona, as well as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Philippine Bar Association, Organization of United Solicitors for Truth and Estrada’s Resignation, Caucus of Lawyers for Estrada’s Abrupt Resignation and Concerned Lawyers for Moral Recovery and Effective Leadership. – Aurea Calica