Senate concurs with PH ratification of Arms Trade Treaty

The Senate building at the GSIS Complex in Pasay City. (Photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Wednesday concurred in the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

With 16 “yes” votes, no negative votes, and six abstentions, the Senate approved on third reading Senate Resolution No. 960, concurring in the Philippines’ ratification of the treaty.

The Philippines signed the ATT on September 25, 2013.

So far there are 110 state parties to the ATT, 31 signatories, and 51 states which have yet to join the treaty.

The 1987 Constitution requires concurrence by at least two-thirds of the 24-member Senate before any international agreement that the Philippines signs become binding.

The treaty regulates international trade in conventional arms by establishing the “highest international standards.” It also seeks to “prevent and eradicate illicit trade and diversion of conventional arms.”

Article 6 of the treaty “unequivocally” prohibits state parties to authorize any arms sales “if it has knowledge at the time of authorization that the items would be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, or certain war crimes.”

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