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)