UPDATE ON DEMARCHE REQUEST SUPPORTING NGO

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 001567 SIPDIS STATE FOR IO/RHS COLLEEN NEVILLE USUN FOR BRIAN YOUNG E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/23/2019 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL RP SUBJECT: UPDATE ON DEMARCHE REQUEST SUPPORTING NGO PARTICIPATION AT THE UN REF: A. MANILA 1419 (DEMARCHE DELIVERED - SUPPORTING NGO INVOLVEMENT AT THE UNITED NATIONS) ¶B. STATE 68551 (DEMARCHE REQUEST: SUPPORTING NGO INVOLVEMENT AT THE UNITED NATIONS) Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Philip A. Thompson, Reasons 1 .4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In a follow-up to reftel A, post inquired July 24 of DFA's Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) Director Leah Ruiz if the Philippine government had decided whether to support ECOSOC consultative status for the Democracy Coalition Project, and deferral back to the NGO Committee for the Dynamic Christian World Mission Foundation. Director Ruiz said the DFA had already transmitted instructions to its representative in Geneva to "go with the consensus." When emboff told the Director that reports from Geneva indicate that a clear consensus might not exist because of intense Chinese lobbying against the NGOs, she seemed genuinely surprised, and revealed that instructions to the Philippine representative in Geneva included a requirement to report back to Manila any "sharp divisions" on the issue. Director Ruiz said she has received no feedback from Geneva, and stated she would try to find out more about the situation there. ¶2. (C) Emboff reiterated reftel B points and underscored the importance the U.S. places on Philippine support for the involvement of the NGOs at the United Nations. Director Ruiz appeared to be uneasy with the prospect of the Philippines being placed in a position where its vote could make a difference in a dispute between China and the United States, and she did not indicate how the Philippines would vote if no consensus on the NGOs emerges at ECOSOC. Post will continue to engage with DFA to press for a positive outcome. KENNEY