Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 259)
It is an international treaty approved by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1948, aimed at preventing and punishing the crime of genocide.
The Philippines signed the Convention on December 11, 1948.
The Senate concurred in the ratification of the Convention through Resolution No. 9, adopted on February 28, 1950, subject to certain reservations.
The Philippines reserved that its Head of State, who is not a ruler, should not be subjected to less favorable judicial conditions than other Heads of State, maintaining immunities guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution.
The Philippine government will not give effect to Article VII until Congress enacts legislation defining and punishing genocide, and such legislation cannot be retroactive.
The Philippines maintains jurisdiction over genocide cases within its territory, except where it consents to international tribunal review, as per reservations on Articles VI and IX.
The Convention entered into force globally on January 12, 1951, and for the Philippines also on January 12, 1951, after depositing its ratification instrument on July 7, 1950.
The Philippines limited enforcement to comply with its Constitution, including non-retroactivity of laws and protections for certain public officials against judicial processes.
President Ramon Magsaysay proclaimed and made the Convention public on February 16, 1956.
The reservations emphasize respect for national sovereignty, constitutional provisions, and the need for local legislation, indicating the Philippines' cautious approach to international jurisdiction and legal responsibilities.