Friday, June 14, 2013

NOTES ON HRV UNDER AQUINO

By Belarmino Dabalos Saguing
Ugnayan ng Manggagawang Migrante Tungo sa Pagunlad (UMANGAT)
Rome, Italy
Email bdsaguing@gmail.com



President Benigno Aquino has failed to fulfill promises to hold security forces accountable for serious rights abuses since taking office. During his inaugural speech on June 30, 2010, instructed the Justice Department to “begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.” In 2011, during his State of the Nation address, the president reiterated this commitment. Concrete measures – rather than more promises – are needed now.


The Aquino government has not successfully prosecuted a single case of extrajudicial killing or enforced disappearance, including those committed during his presidency. It’s not a question of cover-up as much as it is mediocrity and incompetence in the flawed criminal justice system.
Philippines’ human rights record was scrutinized at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva during its Universal Periodic Review. Several countries – including the United States, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, and the Holy See – voiced alarm at the continuing killings, enforced disappearances, and torture, and invited Aquino to initiate "comprehensive reforms" necessary to end impunity for serious abuses.


As President Aquino himself pointed out, the conviction of those implicated in abuses is the true test of his commitment to his promise.And he failed dismally the test.

Three years of Aquino’s “matuwid na daan” has not stopped the Human Rights Violation. More has been added, instead.




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