The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to define the rights and guarantee the fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders.

Voting 183-0, the chamber approved House Bill 9199, principally authored by the seven members of the progressive Makabayan bloc and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman.

The measure aims to recognize the important role and valuable work of individuals and groups contributing to the prevention of all forms of human rights violations, as well as their fundamental freedoms.

It also seeks to impose sanctions to anyone who violates the rights and fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders.

The measure defines “human rights defender” as anyone who, individually or in association with others, acts or seeks to act, to protect and promote the protection of human rights, the fundamental freedoms, and welfare of the people.

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