CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Several religious groups in Mindanao have asked senators to junk Senate Bill (SB) No. 1869, also known as the Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Act, due to provisions that allegedly violate human rights.
Pastor Alcherie Patino, spokesperson of the Arise People of Revelation (APOR), said once the bill becomes a law, they would no longer have the freedom to refuse immunization and treatment in case of public health emergencies, regardless of their health condition and religion, as stated in Article 5, Section 13.
PASTOR Alcherie Patino, spokesperson of the Arise People of Revelation (APRO), answers questions from the media during the Junk Senate Bill No. 1869 press conference in Cagayan de Oro City on March 24. (Photo courtesy of Pastor Alcherie Patino)
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"In our time now, we have the right to choose what kind of treatment we want to apply to our illness. Once the bill becomes law, we can no longer use our rights," Patino said on Sunday, March 26.
She said Article 6, Section 20, prevents them from seeking justice as people who are authorized and involved in public health emergency response shall be immune from suit and liability.
Patino said Article 4, Section 11, which states the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can be called upon to locate any patients or persons suspected of contracting a communicable disease, threatens their privacy and security.
"This is a direct assault on our human rights," Patino stressed, adding that Article 5, Section 13, which says that the National Telecommunications Commission and any telecommunications entity shall provide location information of patients or persons suspected of contracting a disease, could curtail the data privacy of an individual.
Jojo Tejano of the Christian Alliance for Covid-Resilience Philippines said the government should focus on improving the health system instead of passing the measure.
"What we really need at the grassroots level is to have available hospitals in every city, municipality, and province," he said on Saturday, March 25.
Patino called on senators from Mindanao, specifically Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, to listen to their concerns. She disclosed there are around five to six senators who are ready to discuss their call.
The religious groups said they have allies who can help them raise their concerns to other lawmakers.
Activities such as a prayer rally and signing of a position paper to stress their concerns have been held. They are also considering a protest walk to the Senate from this city to push their appeal.
If the bill, which is pending second reading before the Senate, becomes a law, Patino said, they will file a petition before the Supreme Court to invalidate it.