By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is hopeful that the Senate investigation will bring accountability to the perpetrators and all those involved in extrajudicial killings during the previous administration.
“The Commission remains optimistic that the testimonies and sworn statements presented in the Senate hearings, along with the Quad Committee hearings in the House of Representatives, will help bring full justice to all,” CHR said in a statement on Wednesday (30 Oct 2024).
The Senate blue ribbon committee earlier conducted an investigation into the war on drugs under the Duterte administration, during which former President Rodrigo Duterte attended the hearing.
Meanwhile, CHR expressed concern over Duterte’s testimonies, particularly his statement that he would “rather have suspected drug dealers killed” than allow them due process, as well as his admission of encouraging law enforcement in the past to taunt suspects to justify “neutralizing” them.
“The Commission has long condemned such statements, which embolden law enforcers and foster a culture of abuse and impunity.”
The Commission noted that such remarks align with findings in CHR’s April 2022 report on the anti-illegal drug campaign, which highlighted a pattern of law enforcers alleging that victims either initiated aggression or resisted arrest (“nanlaban”).
“This is a clear violation of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which upholds every person’s inherent right to life and their right to legal protection.”
ia/mnm
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Commissioner Richard Palpal-latoc stated on Tuesday (October 15, 2024) that they are closely monitoring the information revealed during the House QuadCom hearings on the war on drugs.
“Mino-monitor po namin, and we’re taking down notes at tinitignan po namin kung ano ‘yung mga kapakipakinabang na testimonya [at] mga ebidensya na lumalabas doon sa QuadCom [hearings],” Palpal-latoc said in a radio interview.
“Makakatulong po ito doon sa isinasagawa pa rin nating imbestigasyon sa mga killings in relation to the drug war,” he added.
The CHR chairman admitted that they previously faced challenges in obtaining evidence. He noted that there has been “plenty” of information unveiled through the QuadCom hearings.
“[We want] to conclude our investigation the soonest para ho meron tayong accountability sa mga involved individuals.”
The House QuadCom is investigating the war on drugs during the Duterte administration.
The committee invited former president Rodrigo Duterte and former Philippine National Police chief, now Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, to attend the congressional inquiry, but they failed to appear.
ia/mnm
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has thrown its support behind the ongoing investigations by the House Quad Committee into the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that occurred during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
While police records indicate that approximately 6,000 individuals lost their lives in the crackdown on illegal drugs, human rights organizations claim the death toll could be as high as 30,000, including victims of vigilante killings allegedly spurred by Duterte’s policies.
“The Commission fully supports the Quad Committee’s investigation, your honor. In fact, we have been invited to participate as one of the resource persons,” CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc informed the House appropriations committee, which was discussing the CHR’s proposed P1 billion budget for 2025.
This support comes after a tumultuous history between the CHR and the Duterte administration.
Notably, on September 12, 2017, the House of Representatives voted 119-32 to slash the CHR’s budget to a mere P1,000 for 2018, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to abolish the commission.
Duterte himself, during his State of the Nation Address on July 24, 2017, had suggested that the CHR was “better abolished.”
Despite these past challenges, Palpal-latoc emphasized that the CHR has no objections to the ongoing hearings.
“We have no negative or otherwise adverse reactions to the hearings being conducted. Additionally, I would like to highlight that the Commission is carrying out its own independent investigation into extrajudicial killings. We have recently reconstituted our EJK task force to complete our investigation into the killings related to the drug war,” he stated.
This renewed focus on EJKs underscores the CHR’s commitment to seeking justice for the victims and holding those responsible accountable, even as the issue continues to be a contentious and polarizing topic in the Philippines.
ia/mnm
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to form a special committee dedicated to enhancing human rights protection in the country.
CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc stated on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, that the commission aims to see increased prosecution of cases related to the war on drugs and enforced disappearances.
“An integrated government approach is essential for effectively addressing human rights concerns, complemented by strong partnerships with CSOs and other relevant stakeholders,” Palpal-latoc said.
“Through this coordinating body, we aim to see increased prosecution of cases related to the war on drugs and enforced disappearances, as well as the adoption of a comprehensive human rights-based approach in various government responses, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts, addressing red-tagging, and safeguarding freedom of expression,” he added.
The CHR’s statement follows President Marcos’s order to establish a “Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination.”
The Commission remains optimistic that this initiative is a step in the right direction and will yield concrete and meaningful results, emphasizing a whole-of-society approach.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Citing an existing law that prohibits any form of child abuse, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed concern over a viral TikTok video of a teacher lashing out at her students but was defended by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.
The CHR pointed out that under Section 3 (b)(2) of the Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, child abuse includes “any act by deeds or words that debases, degrades, or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child.”
“A school is a place of learning and must always be a safe place for children. Using demeaning and debasing words violates the inherent dignity of children and can have a lasting adverse effect on them,” the CHR said in a statement on Friday (22 March 2024).
It was learned that the video that went viral on social media showed a teacher who was apparently scolding her students while streaming live video.
But Duterte has apparently emphathized with the mentor and said no penalty would be enforced on her.
On Wednesday (20 March 2024), the VPES said she saw the teacher’s explanation and tasked the regional director to remind only the teacher to just slow down if she feels angry.
“Ang una ko naging reaction is tao lang iyong teacher. Lahat tayo umaabot sa punto na nagagalit tayo, lalo ‘pag nafu-frustrate tayo. This is especially true sa mga teachers dahil ang teachers natin hindi lang isa na tao ang kausap nila. Ang isang klase ay merong from 25 to 45, sometimes 55 students,” she told reporters in Cambodia.
As education secretary, critics said VP Duterte has not yet acted upon the problems of overcrowded classrooms.
The CHR stressed that the DepEd should apply the existing policies to protect the students.
“We highlight the importance of firmly applying the DepEd Child Protection Policy in building a genuinely safe learning space for students. It shall also serve as a strong message to those with propensity to exceed their authority that may not be seen on social media,” the CHR said.
It acknowledged, however, the decision of the DepEd to reprimand the teacher.
The commission also noted the sentiment of teachers that the cited policy is sometimes taken advantage against the educators.
There were instances when they were either falsely accused, scandalized, humiliated, extorted, intimidated, or even detained due to minor or “honest mistakes.”
The CHR encouraged the DepEd to “include a provision in the policy that can help ensure that it will not be misused against teachers.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Justice Board of Claims (DOJ BOC) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) forged a partnership to speech up assistance for human rights victims.
DOJ represented by the Undersecretary-in-Charge for BOC Deo Marco and CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc signed the Memorandum on Agreement to safeguard the human rights victims.
Under the MOA, the DOJ is obliged to accept and evaluate referrals for claims from the CHR, provide a docketing system for the cases referred, conduct training, seminars and focus group discussions for the CHR about the Victims Compensation Program.
On the other hand, the CHR is mandated to inform their clients about the existence of the referral system, assist and refer qualified applicants, appoint a focal person, accept referrals from the DOJ for claimants not falling under RA No. 7309 and create an inventory of past cases which may still qualify to the Victims Compensation Program.
“Compensating victims of injustice is a form of mandatory justice accorded by the Rule of Law which no rule or formality should hinder in any way,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate approved on Tuesday (21 Nov 2023) the proposed budget of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for the year 2024, amounting to P934 million.
During the plenary sessions on November 14, the discussion was temporarily postponed as senators sought a clear position on abortion from the commission.
CHR responded to this request three days later.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the sponsor for CHR’s budget, conveyed the commission’s stance, stating, “The 1987 Constitution provides full protection for the life of the mother and the unborn child.” He clarified that CHR opposes abortion but advocates for legal amendments allowing medical termination in extreme cases, such as ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortion, and diseases like cervical cancer and cancer of the uterus, posing a danger to the mother’s life.
Senator Joel Villanueva, the majority leader in the Senate, expressed dismay over a viral video from June of the previous year. The video featured a commission official publicly urging him to approve the SOGIE bill, which seeks to make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal.
Meanwhile, CHR Chairperson Atty. Richard Paat issued an apology for the incident, stating, “We regret how the Senate perceived the petition, especially Senator Joel Villanueva. The CHR is committed to improving its processes.”
“We are fully dedicated to collaborating with the entire Senate in refining the SOGIE equality bill, and we equally support the comprehensive anti-discrimination bill,” Paat added.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has commended the Department of Justice for its thorough investigation of the death of teen Jemboy Baltazar in Navotas City.
CHR said that the swift development of the case is an important step towards “ensuring justice and accountability, especially as it involves law enforcement agents.”
We commend the efforts of the DOJ [Department of Justice] in conducting a comprehensive review of the case, which has led to the decision to file murder charges against the six police officers allegedly involved in the death of Jemboy,” it added.
The Commission stressed that positions of authority are not “above the law.”
“Those who committed alleged violations must be held responsible considering that they made an oath to serve in accordance with the rules and standards required of police officers.”
Earlier, the six cops involved in the August 2 shooting of Baltazar surrendered to the authorities, namely PEMS Roberto Balais Jr., PSSg Gerry Maliba, PSSg Antonio Bugayong Jr., PSSg Nikko Pines Esquilon, PCpl Edmard Jade Blanco and Patrolman Benedict Mangada.
Baltazar was a victim of the shooting incident in a search operation for a wanted suspect in Navotas City.
(AI/MNM)