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CHR decries 'culture of killings, blatant disregard for rule of law'
CHR decries 'culture of killings, blatant disregard for rule of law'
"We decry the culture of killings and the blatant disregard for the rule of law. CHR (Commission on Human Rights) continues to stress the primacy of the human life, even as we address issues on criminality."
Through Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, the CHR reminded the government that its war against illegal drugs should not equate to complete disregard of laws and justice.
De Guia said that all accused in criminal cases, even those involved in illegal drugs, still deserve to go through the process of law.
"We emphasize that the call to respect the rights of the accused does not mean disregarding the crimes committed and its ill effect to victims," she said.
She noted that the CHR, in reaction to President Duterte’s State of the National Address (SONA) last Monday, July 26, recognizes what the government has so far achieved in terms of protecting and upholding human rights in the country.
Despite the pronouncements that tolerate a culture of killing and impunity, the CHR continues to express hope that authorities will do their jobs properly and adhere to what is good and right, she said.
In his SONA, the President admitted that illegal drugs continue to be a problem in the Philippines. He vowed to continue going after drug peddlers, even if it meant that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will investigate his actions.
“I never denied – and the ICC can record it – those who destroy my country, I will kill you. And those who destroy the young people of my country, I will kill you, because I love my country,” the President declared.
He added that dealing with drug peddlers the "legal way" would "take you months and years."
De Guia, a lawyer, said the CHR demands that perpetrators be made accountable for all the harm they caused and face the consequences of their crimes. “This is exactly we have laws," she said.
Contrary to the President’s disdain with the legal process, she insisted that "balance" is still possible in the country's justice system, which would ensure accountability from perpetrators.
On other issues, the CHR lauded the government’s achievements in championing the right to education through access to free quality tertiary education, the right to health through the Universal Healthcare Act, and the people's right to effective and efficient public service through the Ease of Doing Business Act, among many other things.
"CHR looks forward to the realization and meaningful implementation of other priority bills that also pursues protection of human rights, including the creation of the Center for Disease Control, Virology, and Vaccine Institute; protection of the rights of overseas Filipino workers; setting up of evacuation centers nationwide; and focus on improving the country's disaster resiliency to name a few," De Guia said.