Lawmakers Welcome Creation of Human Rights Super Body
The House of Representatives lawmakers have expressed their support for the establishment of the Human Rights Super Body. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination, and this move has been met with positive reactions from various members of the House.
During a press conference on Monday, House Assistant Majority Leader Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon stated that the creation of the Special Committee is a positive development. He emphasized that there is no duplication with the independent body, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Instead, the Special Committee will serve as a bridge and complement the functions of the CHR to find the best solutions for protecting and addressing human rights violations in the country.
Composition of the Special Committee
According to Administrative Order 22, the Special Committee will be composed of the following members:
- The Executive Secretary as Chairman
- The Secretary of the Department of Justice as Co-Chairman
- The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs as a Member
- The Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government as a Member
Support for the Special Committee
Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman, the President of the Liberal Party, also welcomed the creation of the Special Committee. However, he emphasized that it should be complemented by the immediate ratification of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the presidential certification on the urgency of enacting the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act.
Lagman pointed out that while the country is a party to eight human rights conventions, it has yet to ratify 71 others. He also stressed the importance of fully implementing existing human rights statutes, such as the Anti-Torture Act, the Criminalization of Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance Act, and the Reparation and Recognition of Human Rights Violations Victims Act.
Regarding the bill protecting human rights defenders, Lagman mentioned that it has been approved by the House on third and final reading in the 17th and 18th Congress. However, time constraints prevented the Senate from acting on it. He described the bill as a defense mechanism against harassment, prosecution, and even death at the hands of state agents and their private cohorts. It is largely based on the model law for the recognition and protection of human rights defenders developed by the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR).
Lagman suggested that the Special Committee include civil society representatives with vast experience in human rights advocacy to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
Commitment to Upholding Human Rights
Senator Francis Escudero expressed his belief that the Special Body on Human Rights will help address not only human rights issues from the previous Marcos Sr. government but also those from the Duterte administration. He emphasized the importance of faithfully executing the intent and provisions of this initiative to address concerns from both the past and present administrations.
Escudero, who once headed the Senate Committee on Human Rights, stated that the establishment of the panel signifies the Marcos administration’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability. He stressed the need to translate this commitment into meaningful action that benefits all Filipinos.
Support from Senate Minority Leader
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III expressed his support for the President’s initiative, stating that it is a good step towards addressing human rights issues in the country. His endorsement further highlights the broad support for the establishment of the Human Rights Super Body.
Overall, the creation of the Human Rights Super Body and the establishment of the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination have been well-received by lawmakers. The Special Committee is seen as a complementary body to the Commission on Human Rights, aiming to find the best solutions for protecting and addressing human rights violations in the Philippines. The involvement of various government officials and civil society representatives ensures a comprehensive approach to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability. The commitment to ratify international conventions and enact legislation for the protection of human rights defenders further demonstrates the government’s dedication to promoting and safeguarding human rights in the country.
Source: The Manila Times