In the recent Independence Day speech of President Benigno Aquino III, we heard as expected the word “freedom” and also as usual his talks on “corruption”.

It’s not that we don’t agree that corruption is a problem in a poverty stricken country such as ours. What we somehow find lacking in his governance is his clear stance on some issues that are not given much attention like Human Rights issues.

Since he projected himself as the alternative from former President Macapagal Arroyo, that was perceived to be not only one of the most corrupt regimes but was also known to its alleged human rights violations records, we expect him to show clearer program for the respect and protection of human rights.

We haven’t heard any policy coming from him regarding human rights.  While we always see and meet agencies and officers from the security sectors participating in human rights activities and engagement pursued by human rights organizations like the United Against Torture Coalition’s Annual BASTA! Run Against Torture (BRAT V), reports of harassment and abuses perpetrated by the military and police still persist on the ground especially in the rural areas in the country.

There are still no violators being jailed.  Torture and enforced disappearance still persist.

Here’s a glimpse of BRAT V held last June 24.  Members of CSO, CHR, AFP and PNP ran side by side against torture from DILG to CHR compound.

Related articles

• [Isyung HR] Torture me not! (hronlineph.wordpress.com)
• [Press Release] Political Prisoners press for freedom for their ailing comrade after Araw ng Kalayaan (hronlineph.wordpress.com)
• [Photo Blog] Beyond telling are stories of injustice that fail to disappear (hronlineph.wordpress.com)
• [Event] Basta! Run Against Torture (BRAT V) – United Against Torture Coalition (hronlineph.wordpress.com)
• [Last week’s featured site] A society where Human Rights are fully enjoyed and respected by all – www.tfdp.net (hronlineph.wordpress.com)