MANILA, Nov. 21 — The government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights as the observance of International Human Rights Day draws near, a Palace official said Thursday.
“Determinado ang administrasyong Aquino na ipatupad ang batas at pairalin ang pagkilala sa mga karapatang pantao,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing, when he was asked how diligent the administration is in ensuring that human rights are upheld in the country.
“Ang ating Pangulo ay miyembro ng isang pamilya na tuwirang dumanas sa kanilang personal na kapasidad ng mga kahalintulad na human rights violations. Kaya hindi makatuwirang sabihin na siya ay hindi tumatalima sa mga prinsipyo ng batas na nagbibigay ng proteksyon sa mga karapatang pantao,” he explained.
Communications Secretary Coloma said that at some point in history, the Armed Forces of the Philippines was criticized for being instrumental in perpetrating human rights abuses, especially during the dark years of martial rule.
However, the institution has changed over the years, he said, adding that the military now recognizes the basic rights of everyone under the law.
He cited that the Philippine Army built the Aquino-Diokno Shrine in its camp in Fort Magsaysay as a reminder that the military recognizes the importance of human rights.
Fort Magsaysay was the detention quarters of former senators Benigno Aquino, Jr. and Jose Diokno, who both fought martial law.
The Palace official said the military has converted the detention facility into a shrine to remind the Filipino people of the significance of the struggle for human rights, especially by the President’s father.
In case of rights abuses, Coloma said victims could approach appropriate agencies.
“Umiiral ang demokrasya at umiiral ang rule of law sa ating bansa. Mayroong mga usapin na naiharap na laban sa mga nagsagawa ng mga tinatawag na extra-judicial killings. Meron tayong Commission on Human Rights. Patuloy ang pagtalima natin sa mga international treaties and conventions on human rights bilang kasapi ng United Nations,” he said.
Coloma said it is thus not fair for individuals or groups to suggest gross human rights violations in the country.
“Kailangang suriin ang kongkretong record bago gumawa ng ganyang mga pahayag,” he said. (PCOO/PND (as)