House to ask WHO about changes to IHR

Two committees of the House of Representatives will ask the World Health Organizations (WHO) to shed light on the 307 proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) which lawmakers fear could infringe on the Philippines' sovereignty.

- SHEILA CRISOSTOMO

The IHR mandates 196 countries, including 194 WHO member-states, to report to the organization all potential public health emergencies.

It was established in 2005 in response to the outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome and avian influenza.

At a joint hearing of the House panels on public order and safety and on human rights on House Resolution 1481 yesterday, lawmakers expressed concerns over the proposed amendments, which would bind the Philippines to WHO policies.

HR 1481 sponsor and committee on public order and safety chair Rep. Dan Fernandez cited in particular the proposed Article 36 on the certificates of vaccination or other prophylaxis.