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[Press Release] Broadcasting Misogyny and Abuse in Congress: A Mockery of (In) Justice KAISA KA Reacts to Hearings Probing De Lima Links to Drug Trade

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Broadcasting Misogyny and Abuse in Congress: A Mockery of (In) Justice
KAISA KA Reacts to Hearings Probing De Lima Links to Drug Trade

As an organization of grassroots women who are believe that women must be empowered fully in order to harness our full potential towards nation-building, Pagkakaisa ng Kababaihan para sa Kalayaan or KAISA KA are deeply disturbed by what is the rise in rise of abusive behavior online and offline directed towards women.

The first, spilling out from well-oiled online machinery favoring the Duterte administration, young women who were part of the recent anti-Marcos protests were subjected to unprecedented levels of bullying and even rape threats.

And the second, spearheaded by allies in Congress who have hijacked the purpose of Committee Hearings that was to probe De Lima’s links to the drug trade in aid of legislation into a venue to pry open, parade, prod and mock the private life of a lady senator whose only crime was to investigate the Davao Death Squad, during her stint in CHR and be critical of the ongoing drug campaign.

The recent hearings- shows the solons being “ charlatans”, “sexist” and “misogynists”, dwelling and playing on De Lima’s affair with Dayan.

Principled solons may have been able to block the showing of the alleged sex video of Senator De Lima, but just looked on as the line of questioning towards former bodyguard Ronie Dayan degenerated to a mockery of a hearing.

The law makers have now become the law breakers themselves using the venue to oppress and violate women. The human rights and women’s rights advocates in the Congress should have not allowed the “oppressive questioning” and “malicious innuendos” attack De Lima’s person.

End the Abuse and Violence
Three courageous Milabal sisters of the Dominican Republic who opposed then fascist Dictator General Rafael Turillo were assassinated in November 25, 1960 and in whose honor the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was declared back in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly.
Had De Lima been a man, it would have been entirely different, an exact opposite situation. All the more that we should be alarmed and oppose at all cost– this is state –initiated violence.

Let us remember that a violation done to one woman is a violation that can be done to all.

November 25, 2016
References: Atty. Virgie Suarez – 09088159923 / Chairperson KAISA KA

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Press Release

[Press Release] Militant Labor scoffs at “Good Job” self-rating by Congress and Senate -BMP

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Militant Labor scoffs at “Good Job” self-rating by Congress and Senate

“A cruel and sick joke on taxpayers,” this was the reaction of a militant labor group to statements by the House of Representatives and the Senate today that praised both chambers for the “good work done in the past year”. Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Senate president Drilon issued virtually the same statements as the legislative adjourned for its Christmas break.

Gie Relova, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) spokesperson said, “Our legislators have outdone themselves. They still have the gall to praise themselves for a job well done even if the legislative, especially Congress, always scores the lowest rating in surveys. To the Filipino public, the Congress and the Senate – commonly parodied as a pigsty – are the most untrustworthy institutions of the bureaucracy”.

Accomplishments in 2014 according to Rep. Belmonte and Sen. Drilon

The Speaker cited the P2.6 trillion national budget for 2015, and the P22.4 billion supplemental budget for 2014, the full entry of foreign banks, promoting job generation and providing for mandatory health insurance coverage for all senior citizens as among the lawmakers’ accomplishments.

Meanwhile, the Senate president cited the nine percent improved approval ratings of the Senate from a mere thirty-three percent in June as a basis of its accomplishments. Among the Senate’s bragging rights include the Iskolar ng Bayan Act and the Open Distance Learning Act.

Pork still in 2015 Budget

“Sorry, but we won’t buy it”, says Relova. He added, “Pork remains in the 2015 budget. Our lawmakers are patting each others’ backs for cleverly hiding the nefarious Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2013″.

The labor leader explained, the 2015 budget may appear to have abolished lump sum and discretionary for each legislator. But a further examination of allocations for departments and line agencies would reveal that each legislator has inserted projects and programs for their respective districts, not in the genuine interests of their constituents but to strengthen the patronage of their political dynasties”.

Congress and Senate represent Big Business, not the People

“The full liberalization of the banking industry, without amending the Charter, is contrary to the protection of the Filipino economy against foreign interests. The entry of large multinational banks, which are larger than all the existing local banks combined, would force the mass layoffs and retrenchment in the banking industry,” Relova explained.

Pro-People, Pro-Labor Reform

“If both Congress and the Senate truly represents the will of a people now disgusted over the pork barrel, the lack of transparency in government and in the budgetary processes, they should have urgently passed political reforms such as the FOI (freedom of infomation) bill and the anti-dynasty bill,” he expounded.

“Proposed measures such as these (FOI and anti-dynasty bills) could be found at the backburners of various House and Senate Committees, with our legislators literally ‘sitting on their asses’ to delay the legislative processes,” Relova stressed.

The labor leader concluded, “Aside from political reforms, workers are also demanding the immediate passage of reforms to protect the Constitutional rights of labor. We have every right and reason in their demands for a living wage and for security of tenure, not only because such rights are mandated by the highest law of the land. More so, our legislators and their retinues must realize that their salaries, perks and allowances came from the collective toil of millions, whose starvation wages are still slashed with withholding tax deductions and indirect taxation.

Press Release
19 December 2014
Reference: Gie Relova 0915-2862555
Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino

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Press Release

[Press Release] Farmers expect pols’ promise to be fulfilled Coco trust fund law sought in Congress -KM 71

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Farmers expect pols’ promise to be fulfilled
Coco trust fund law sought in Congress

At the Agriculture committee hearing in the House of Representatives, members of Kilus Magniniyog followed up on a singular promise made by politicians during the tail end of their march from Davao to Manila – pass the Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund Bill into law.

KM 71, the group of Kilus Magniniyog’s 71 coconut farmer-marchers who, without let up, trekked for 71 days for the P71 billion coco levy funds declared by the Supreme Court to be rightfully theirs thru a partial entry of judgement last week is ready to slug it out today in the House of Representatives and demand what is rightfully theirs.

The group’s lead convenor Eduardo ‘Ka Ed’ Mora recalls that during their meeting with House Members last 25 November 2014, Speaker Feliciano ‘Sonny’ Belmonte himself said that “they want the best for the beneficiaries in the coconut industry.” The Speaker likewise summoned several House Members who will be key in passing the proposed measure who engaged the coconut farmers in a frank exchange of the coconut industry and farmers’ situation. They were Reps. Walden Bello, Evelyn P. Mellana, Joselito ‘Jonjon’ Mendoza, Mark Llandro Mendoza, Agapito Guanlao, and Josefine Sato.

Before the farmers left Congress that 25th day of November, Agriculture Committee Chair Mark Llandro Mendoza finally scheduled a public hearing on 16 December, today on the pending coco levy bills.

“We appeal to the Chair and the Committee’s members that they will, this time act fast on our proposed Farmers’ Initiative bill that creates the Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund,” Mora adds. It is tagged as Petition No. 3 in the House of Representatives.

Several House Members have actually supported the filing of the Indirect Initiative Bill of the farmers, including Reps. Arlene ‘Kaka’ Bag-ao and Teddy Baguilat.

The KM71’s call has been backed by Malacañang, led by President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III himself who had earlier expressed the need for a law on the utilization of the coconut levy funds to protect the interest of the farmers and the industry. The President likewise promised a certification of the bill to ensure its early passage.

Mora said while an Executive Order is in the works to establish the fund after the Supreme Court granted the government’s motion for a partial entry of judgment on the case, a law will ensure the transparent and efficient use of the funds throughout changes in the administration.

“Our proposed bill is also important to make sure that our sector can be widely and meaningfully represented in all decisions and actions regarding the use of the funds,” says Mora.

For further information and to request for interviews, contact:
For Kilus Magniniyog – CAROL PAJARON: 0918-9470996 / carol.pajaron@gmail.com
Please like facebook.com/KilusMagniniyog

PRESS RELEASE: 16 December 2014

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Press Release

[Press Release] Power crisis real, strategic but gov’t doing mere quick fix –NAGKAISA

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Power crisis real, strategic but gov’t doing mere quick fix – labor coalition

The emerging power crisis is a cruel outcome of a bad policy under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) that cannot be resolved by the proposed emergency power President Aquino is seeking from Congress, the labor coalition Nagkaisa said in a statement.

The group said it is not common for ordinary workers to comment on techno-economic aspects of the power industry, but for this coming celebration of Bonifacio Day on November 30, labor will come out loud on this along with other big issues because the high cost of power in the country is making the lives of ordinary workers more miserable.

According to Wilson Fortaleza, spokesperson for Partido Manggagawa (PM) and one of the convenors of Nagkaisa, “this quick-fix solution via an emergency power to address a decade-old problems of escalating rates and diminishing supply reignited labor’s apprehension that once again, a power crisis is being transformed into business opportunity for the private sector.”

Fortaleza was referring to the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) and power contracting being pursued through a joint resolution in Congress that would grant the President emergency powers to address the expected power shortage in 2015.

He said the ILP can be pursued by the Department of Energy (DoE) even without the President exercising emergency powers because it is merely a demand-side management issue and not production of additional generating capacity as required under Section 71 of EPIRA.

“Likewise, the foreign and privately-operated National Grid Corporation must first be made to account for its primary responsibility to secure reliable supply, including sufficient reserve capacities,” argued Fortaleza.

The group explained that the ILP is a mode for utilizing standby power or embedded generating capacity available in several establishments such as malls and commercial buildings. During shortage, their utilization means an x amount of freed megawatt capacity that can be supplied by Meralco to other users.

Fortaleza, however, said that for this alone an emergency power is not needed. So why is Malacanang asking for it? The group can only think of the following scenarios:

Under the ILP enrollment is voluntary but enrollees will be compensated to incentivize their participation

But because there is no system currently in place to exactly determine the price of compensation, imposing a universal levy – an x amount per kWh to be charged to consumers take-or-pay – is the most likely scheme.

Retail electricity suppliers (RES) who already posses contracted capacities under the open access (but which they cannot supply to their contestable market because most of them are also ILP players) will also be compensated.

These, in effect, will result to rate increases. But Fortaleza insists that a take-or-pay levy cannot be charged to consumers under ILP since embedded generation sets were designed or were practically built by industry players to address expected and non-expected outages.

“So why do we have to pay them for that temporary sacrifice? And why will Henry Sy, John Gokongwei and Jaime Ayala charge an x amount per kWh from everyone, including non-mall users?”

The group argued further that the only valid excuse for utilizing emergency powers is when the government goes back to generation, stop industry fraud, and makes a decisive shift to renewable energy and energy democracy.

NEWS RELEASE
NAGKAISA
28 November 2014
Contact: Wilson Fortaleza
Partido Manggagawa
09053732185, 09225261138

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Press Release

[People] The power problem: a Shell-driven crisis by Walden Bello

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Afterthoughts
The power problem: a Shell-driven crisis
Walden Bello
Inquirer.net
November 22, 2014

When Malacañang asked Congress for emergency powers to address a power crisis that it expected in the summer months of 2015, the impression given was that the country was facing a massive demand that would outrun available supply. In its request, the administration invoked Article 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira), which states that the chief executive, “upon determination of a shortage of supply of electricity, may ask Congress for authority through a joint resolution, to establish additional generating capacity under such terms and conditions as it may approve.”

Not surprisingly, both the public and lawmakers felt that indeed the country would be facing a national emergency come early 2015.

Crying Wolf

However, from the hearings conducted by the House Committee on Energy on October 19 and November 18, the officials of the Department of Energy (DOE) were forced to admit that: 1) the so-called crisis was based not on projections that the demand for electricity in the period would exceed supply or available capacity but that meeting the peak demand would cut into and bring down the required reserves of electric power that must be maintained; and 2) that what would bring down reserves below the critical level would be the shutdown of the Malampaya natural gas fields for maintenance from mid-March to mid-April 2015.
Malampaya’s gas feeds into into three Luzon power generators–Sta. Rita, San Lorenzo, and Ilijan–so that a shutdown from maintenance would withdraw over 1000 MW of installed capacity.

While the Department of Energy has factored unexpected power outages in its projection of power supply, the key factor behind the expected shortfall is Malampaya’s temporarily going out of commission for maintenance and upgrading by its operator, Shell Inc.

A Shell-driven artificial crisis

Thus, as the House hearings revealed, the so-called crisis was not one of demand exceeding supply but one brought about by the decision of a transnational corporation to conduct its maintenance at the time of the year when demand is greatest, thus creating an artificial deficit not in available generating capacity, as the public was led to believe, but in required regulating reserves. Moreover, the deficit in required reserves would disappear if Shell were to move its maintenance to later in the year, when peak demand would be lower and more capacity would come onstream with new power plants becoming operational.

In response to questions from members of the Committee, DOE personnel said that, in fact, the scheduled maintenance could take place later in the year, as in November or December. Shell, however, wanted to undertake maintenance in March and April, when the seas are reportedly calmer.

This did not strike some members of the Committee as a good excuse, since the last time Shell did maintenance on Malampaya was during the latter part of the year, from November to December 2013. Moreover, for an oil company that is used to doing maintenance and expansion work in the most adverse conditions in the Arctic and the North Sea, having rough seas does not count as an excuse. Pressed, DOE personnel admitted that the executive could in fact tell Shell to conduct its upgrading and maintenance later in the year, and that Shell, in fact, admitted this.

So why could the DOE not press Shell to do its maintenance work on Malampaya at a more suitable time for the country that would eliminate the need for giving the president emergency powers to fill a projected reserves deficit? The question did not receive a satisfactory answer, though DOE Secretary Jericho Petilla did make a contorted effort to explain. Shell’s presence at the hearings could have given lawmakers a chance to come to the root of the problem, but for some reason the request made by the legislators for the DOE to have Shell present at the Nov 18 hearing was not acted upon. They then voted without having heard a word from what one congressman characterized as the invisible but most critical actor in the whole affair.

A triumvirate of foreign players

Shell is not the only transnational giant whose behavior has had a negative bearing on our energy security. Indonesian-owned Meralco will be at the center of the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) that will provide the substitute generating capacity withdrawn from the grid during should the House grant the president emergency powers. Under ILP, enterprises that have their own generating sets will voluntarily withdraw from the grid so as to allow other consumers access to power that would otherwise go to them. Since it distributes some 70 per cent of electricity in Luzon, it is unavoidable that Meralco, one of the most abusive monopolies in the country, will be a key player and thus be one of the recipients of the massive government subsidy for private sector participants that the proposed law would authorize to put the ILP system in place.

To Shell and Meralco as foreign players with a negative impact on our power system, one must add the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which operates the National Transmission Corporation that monopolizes the transmission of electric power throughout the archipelago. NGCP is a private entity that is controlled by a Chinese state firm, the State Grid Corporation of China. During the hearings, conflict between the DOE and the NGCP broke out in the open when the DOE complained about the lack of accurate data on power capacity from NGCP.

The secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier complained about the very slow transfer of technology from Chinese operators to Filipino technicians in the system operator. Most important is the question: with our country having serious territorial dispute with the People’s Republic of China in the West Philippine Sea, is it acceptable from the perspective of national security that our transmission grid is in the hands of a Chinese state corporation that responds primarily to the interests of the Chinese state?

This possibility might presently be remote, but one cannot discount a scenario wherein on orders from Beijing, NGCP could literally bring the country to its knees owing to its monopoly over power transmission.

The real challenge

The debate over the granting of emergency powers to the president has not only exposed the unhealthy impact of foreign entities on our energy security; it has also revealed the vastly diminished role of the government in managing the national energy system.

Planning has fallen by the wayside, with the government now reliant on individual corporate players’ plans, based on profitability, to introduce new generating capacity to meet rising national demand. Secretary Petilla admitted as much when he said the ability to meet rising demand was dependent on private players’ promises on when their new units would go online. Indeed, the government’s ability to forecast demand is now largely dependent on data provided by private sector players.

What we are experiencing is the fiasco brought about by the indiscriminate grant to the private sector of most of the power to manage and operate the country’s energy system by Epira. Epira is a domestic monument to the illusions of privatization that were shredded by the global economic crisis that began in 2008.

Instead of more efficiency, lower prices, and more competition, Epira has delivered higher prices, oligopoly, and a less efficient system.

Replacing or fundamentally amending the dysfunctional Epira is what Congress should be doing, not addressing an artificial crisis created by a foreign transnational. Unfortunately, the likely result of what is now the inevitable granting of emergency powers to the president will be to delay even more addressing the central challenge to meeting our energy security. I am willing to bet that despite much populist rhetoric from members of Congress, the 16th Congress will not tackle Epira reform.

*Walden Bello represents Akbayan in the House of Representatives, where he is a member of the Committee on Energy.

Source: http://opinion.inquirer.net/80348/the-power-problem-a-shell-driven-crisis#ixzz3JniFxAiM
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

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People

[Statement] Promoting the Interests of the Few; Trampling on the Rights of the Majority -Kaisa Ka

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Promoting the Interests of the Few;
Trampling on the Rights of the Majority

In the wake of super typhoon Yolandas’ devastations and the urgent and long term need of millions of affected people to recover and be rehabilitated, observing Human Rights day should focus on critiquing what the government has done and is doing in the interest of the many who are more vulnerable to disasters.

The Kilusan sa Pambansang Demokrasya (Kilusan) believes that it is a grave insult on the rights of the Filipino people to have a government that is irresponsible and not responsive to the needs and interests of the overwhelming majority of the people.

After the super typhoon has made millions more of the people several times more vulnerable to impacts of disasters, the government has not even considered suspending laws that promote and safeguard the interests of very few monopoly capitalists only and have proved to be detrimental to the majority.

Even as electric power services have not been restored in the typhoon-ravaged areas, the government allowed MERALCO to increase charges on its electricity consumers/users, which are undoubtedly mostly residential. The commercial consumers on the other hand can simply increase the prices of their goods or costs of their services thus passing on to consumers the burden of paying high electricity costs.

Power rate hikes and continued oil price hikes, including staggering increases in the price of LPG, are disastrous to the people several times over than the immediate impacts of calamities. The government has placed the whole country under a state of calamity but this is to no avail. The price controls imposed in storm-ravaged areas are rendered useless by existing laws especially—Oil deregulation, EPIRA and the EVAT.

By promoting privatization and deregulation laws and policies, the government is abdicating its sworn duty of serving and protecting public interests. At the present stage of pursuing privatization of hospitals and other social services through the PPP scheme, the government has concretely abandoned its duty to the people.

The Philippines lies within a typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire but the present and past governments have not drawn any long-term, comprehensive disaster preparedness and response plan. Annual government expenditures are not really aligned with the concrete problems and needs of the people for decently earning jobs and livelihoods; for a national land use policy that prioritizes lands for food production, industries and residential areas; for properly guided housing assistance instead of merely giving housing loans; for proper community planning; for health and medical services; and for correct and timely information and systematic and pre-planned evacuation not solely dependent on using public school buildings.

The Philippines has a number of environmentally protective laws but these are not being implemented. They are always compromised in the interest, especially, of foreign capitalists as in the Mining Act, Water Code, Clean Air Act, etc. Evidently, the many mining permits, the reclamation of foreshore areas and tourism obliterate the inland and mangrove forests.

It is ironical that even as the two chambers of Congress passed the supplemental budget to augment the recovery and rehabilitation fund for the victims and survivors of Yolanda’s wrath, this government of political patrons has besmirched record in budget use. New cases of pork barrel scam, SARO scam and misuse of other public funds have just been recently un-earthed.

The PNoy government could perhaps have passing grade for anti-forced disappearance law, compensation for Matial Law victims and the still unimplemented reproductive health law. But this grade will be entombed in the landslide of laws that amount to the whole sale surrender of people’s rights to a few private monopoly interests.

PRESS STATEMENT
December 10, 2013

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Statement

[Featured Site] The FOI Youth Initiative (FYI)

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

The FOI Youth Initiative (FYI)

The FOI Youth Initiative (FYI) is a national network of youth and student organizations that call for transparency and accountability among public officials and offices through the immediate passage of the People’s Freedom of Information Bill. As a member organization of the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition, we are in solidarity with the struggle of various sectors of society for the transformation of the government as an institution that is open and honest to the people it serves.

The FYI was formed in August 2012, during the Third Regular Session of the 15th Congress. Together with 71 organizations from schools and communities all over the Philippines, we began the first youth-led campaign for the FOI Bill. We diligently attended hearings on the bill and actively engaged legislators in both Houses of Congress. At the same time, we held various discussions in various parts of the country to educate our fellow young people on the issue. Moreover, we joined various sectors in marching to Malacañang to pressure the Executive to heed our call. Unfortunately, those opposed to the bill were successful in derailing its approval in the House of Representatives.

Our resolve remains steadfast.

Now, with more than a hundred organizations comprising our ranks that continue to grow, we plan on intensifying our efforts within and beyond the halls of the legislature this 16th Congress. With this, we invite you and your organization to become partners of the FYI as we mount our strongest campaign yet for the passage of the People’s FOI Act. Click here to find out how your group can join us!

Visit their site @youth4foi.blogspot.com

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Featured Sites

[Statement] KAMP enjoins PNoy to listen to public demands vs. corrupt officials and pork barrel

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

KAMP enjoins PNoy to listen to public demands vs. corrupt officials and pork barrel
Our Money, Our Lives: Public Funds for Public Services

We, the women, youth, workers, informal settlers, farmers, farmworkers, differently abled, persons with genetic disorders and the elderly, from the multi-sectoral campaign network of the Kampanya para sa Makataong Pamumuhay (KAMP) raise our voices in unison with the sound of people’s clamor for justice on the pork barrel and budget scams.

Today we join our fellow Filipinos in launching the Kilusang Masa KONTRA TRAPO AT KONTRA PORK (KonTRAPOrk) and demand for the immediate removal of all discretionary funds from the clutches of all politicos and direct this to ensuring public well-being by providing for universal health care, quality education, living pensions for the elderly and differently abled, socialized and humane housing, access to safe drinking water, electricity, transportation and most importantly, jobs generation and livelihood opportunities.

We are the sectors who directly suffer from daily deprivation and social exclusion caused by prevalence of poverty and inequality. Yet, despite meager resources, we bear the brunt of paying taxes both on our income and on consumption of goods and services. Time and again we have questioned this condition, collectively came up with answers and brought these to the attention of the government. But time and again, many of those in public office miserably fail to grasp the essence of their being servants of the people and short-changed us with palliative and temporary solutions at the pretext of lack of funds. Now, these disgraceful TRAPOS engage in a blame game as they fight over what they did with our money as if this grand theft is a mere issue of figures in pesos, and even foreign currencies.

It is disgusting at how thick their skulls and skins have become to the extent of not knowing and not feeling that what they did with our money, they did with our lives. By denying us our own resources, they have robbed us of opportunities to get out of poverty, to address inequality, to live a life of dignity.

How the government handles these pork barrel and budget scams is equally revolting. Instead of reviewing its already questionable priorities, protecting our money from further misuse and instituting reforms in the budget process, the Aquino administration and allies in Congress have merely repackaged the pork barrel system. And it looks like they are using the tactic of misdirecting public attention by branding and exerting all efforts to prove Napoles as the scam mastermind as if she alone conceived and executed the grand theft. Meanwhile, Congress is railroading the passage of the General Appropriations Act, with the pork barrel and presidential special purpose funds remaining untouched.

Clearly, honor has become a big word for the TRAPOS who have proved themselves unworthy of public trust. It is unfortunate that we, the people, are made to pay the price for the failure of government officials to serve our interest.

We, the network of people from grassroots communities and various organizations united within KAMP, joining the KonTRAPOrk mass movement against corruption and the pork barrel system, refuse to remain victims of greed, deception and abuse of power of public officials. The power to change this situation lies in our hands. We have done this before, we can and we will do it again.

People’s money for people’s protection
against poverty and inequality!
Public funds for public services!
Makataong Pamumuhay para sa Lahat!

PRESS STATEMENT
1 October 2013

For Interviews: Ana Maria R. Nemenzo, Lead Convenor
For Correspondence: Don Pangan, Media Liaison Staff
Email: kamp.secretariat@gmail.com
Phone: 0927-3477205

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Statement

[Event/Campaign] #LightUp4FOI: Candle-Lighting on the Eve of the International Right to Know Day

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

#LightUp4FOI: Candle-Lighting on the Eve of the International Right to Know Day
By Jeff Crisostomo, Yuen Abana and Janet Aguinaldo Morales

WhenFriday, September 27, 2013
Time5:00pm until 8:00pm

The PDAF Scam exposed how we Filipinos remain victims to plunder despite numerous government mechanisms to protect public funds. In the PDAF system, projects are supposed to conform to a limited menu of eligible project and each project is subject to oversight by Congress, the Department of Budget and Management and the implementing agencies. Each project has to abide by the Procurement Act, stringent guidelines on release of funds and participation by NGOs, and is subject to regular audit by COA.

Amid the breakdown at different points in government safeguard mechanisms, the calls to address the ills of pork barrel and to bring the guilty to justice, we also demand the immediate passage of the People’s Freedom of Information Act. It will empower us to directly protect ourselves against abuses of hard-earned resources that we entrust to government.

The Senate responded with urgency to our call. Public Information Chair Senator Grace Poe already completed the committee process and will present its report to the Senate plenary soon. Senate President Franklin Drilon targets to pass the FOI bill on third reading by end 2013, which, if it happens, will be the fastest ever by a chamber of Congress in the long legislative history of FOI. Emerging from past mixed signals, Malacañang announced a more decisive push by reportedly including FOI in the list of priority measures to be submitted to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Still, the House of Representatives remains the bastion of resistance to FOI. No credible concrete action to advance the bill has been proposed by its leaders. Worse, old excuses, such as the unavailability of a meeting room, are rehashed to explain inaction.

On Friday, September 27, the Lower House will hold its last session before taking a two-week break. On that day, they will approve the budgets of the Office of the President and the Department of Budget and Management. Budget discussions are an opportune time to press the issue of the pork barrel controversy and to push for transparency in the handling of public funds.

September 27 is also the eve of the International Right to Know Day. The Right to Know. Right Now! Coalition and other concerned groups and individuals will troop to the House of Representatives to convey our urgent demand for the passage of the People’s Freedom of Information Act. We invite you to join us.

We will assemble at 5 o’clock in the afternoon for a short program. By 6:30 p.m. we will light candles to symbolize our desire to have a government where information is illuminated and made accessible to all citizens.

Those who will not be able to join us in Batasan are encouraged to organize their own candle-lighting events in their own localities. You can also be involved via social media by posting a photo of yourself with a lit candle and a statement stating your call for the passage of the FOI Bill, with hashtag #LightUp4FOI. (Ex. “Ako si [NAME]; kasama ako sa panawagang ipasa na ang FOI Bill! #LightUp4FOI” or “I am [NAME]; I am one with the call for the passage of the FOI Bill! #LightUp4FOI”)

Panahon na para sa FOI sa ating bansa. Sa dami ng lumalantad na isyung may kinalaman sa pondo ng mamamayan, palakasin natin ang panawagang ipasa ang batas na magtitiyak na ang pamahalaan natin ay bukas at may pananagutan.

Tayo na para sa FOI!

https://www.facebook.com/events/670342512976768/

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Lack of meeting room stalls FOI bill anew in House (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
Senate panels approve FOI bill (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
‘Right-to-reply’ excised in Senate FOI (manilastandardtoday.com)
Congress to vote on FOI bill after Aquino certifies it as urgent – Belmonte (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
[Statement] FOI advocates to join Luneta indignation on budget scam -The Right to Know. Right Now! Coalition (hronlineph.com)

[Press Release] Groups call on PNoy: Likas Yaman Depensahan, Karapatan Proteksyunan Enact three green bills—NLUMA, FRB, AMMB

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Groups call on PNoy: Likas Yaman Depensahan, Karapatan Proteksyunan
Enact three green bills—NLUMA, FRB, AMMB

Photo by PhilRights

Days before President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), at least five hundred advocates and activists marched to the House of Representatives in Batasan to call on the President and Congress to defend the Philippine’s natural resources and protect people’s rights through the enactment of three green bills.

Calling for the enactment of the National Land Use Management Act (NLUMA), Forest Resources Bill (FRB) and Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) are the Campaign for Land use Policy Now! (CLUP Now!), Sagip GUBAT and SOS Yamang Bayan networks.

The “Green Groups” urged PNoy to recognize these urgent concerns in his SONA and to certify urgent the three “Green” bills that will not only address our environmental problems but also protect the rights of Filipino communities to a thriving environment and livelihood opportunities.

Erwin Quiñones, national coordinator of SOS Yamang Bayan explained: “Two years ago we asked the President: gawing luntian ang tuwid na daan. Unfortunately, he failed us. Now we call on the government again to prioritize these three environment bills that will address land use problems, deforestation and minerals management.

“Eventually, these legislative measures will contribute to the rehabilitation and stability of our eccosystems and will raise our capacity to fight the impacts of climate change and a growing population ,” he added.

Photo Green March (pre SONA 2013) with our lead green champions at the House of Representatives. greenresearch.gwen@gmail.com

Reps. Barry Gutierrez III of Akbayan Partylist, Teddy Brawner-Baguilat Jr of Ifugao, Jorge “Bolet” Banal of the 3rd Distict of Quezon City, and Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat, who support these bills met the group as they arrived in Batasan. The group is composed of indigenous peoples, farmers and fisherfolks, urban poor, women, human rights advocates, environmentalists and students.

Rep. Gutierrez urged President Aquino to ‘paint’ his administration green and champion important laws to safeguard the environment.

“President Aquino during the start of his administration used the color yellow as a symbol in the people’s campaign to fight for transparency and end a corrupt past and then employed the color purple in the struggle for the passage of the Reproductive Health law. It’s just fitting that, in the remaining years of his presidency, he should also paint his administration green and push for the passage of laws crucial for the protection of the environment,” according to Gutierrez.

NLUMA already has the support of President Aquino which he mentioned in his SONA in 2010 and certified as urgent piece of legislation last Congress. However, the bill was derailed in the Senate after it was reverted back to the Second Reading with the motion of reconsideration at the last minute by Senator Marcos, Enrile, and Villar. NLUMA was also excluded in the list of agenda last 2 session days in the Senate ending its chances of being passed into law last 15th Congress.

Reps. Kaka Bag-ao, Teddy Baguilat, and Jorge Banal refiled the National Land Use and Management Act last July 1. In the Senate, Sen. Gregorio Honasan also refiled the National Land Use bill that will rationalize the holistic and just allocation and use of our country’s land and natural resources.

Rep. Banal, principal sponsor of NLUMA stressed “We have pushed for the enactment of a National Land Use and Management Law during the 15th Congress and we are steadfast in fighting for its passage.”

He also encouraged everyone to support this campaign for NLUMA for this will “ensure sustainability and ecological balance, distributive justice in the allocation of land and water resources”.

Meanwhile, re-elected Ifugao Rep. Baguilat eagerly refiled the Forest Resources Bill last July 1.

“I strongly believe it is imperative that Congress pass all three green bills because they address the lack of a proper framework for the use and management of our natural resources. Our lands, waters, forests and minerals are not just sources of raw materials to be exploited but are resources that should be wisely managed for the benefit of present and future stakeholders. We hope Malacanang will support all three bills as well and not just fiscal incentives for investments,” stressed Rep. Baguilat.

The three bills have been filed in both Houses of Congress as House Bill No. 108 and Senate Bill No. 63 (NLUMA), House Bill No. 95 and Senate Bill No. 45 (FRB), and House Bill 984 and Senate Bill No. 43 (AMMB), respectively.

Rep. Bag-ao promised: “In this 16th Congress, we will not let the opportunity pass to enact the NLUMA, AMMB and FRB into laws. These three environmental bills must be prioritized by this Congress to jumpstart the deliberations and debates towards the speedy passage of these laws. ”

The networks challenge this Congress to be “Green Heroes” and immediately tackle and pass these bills.

The Executive Branch led by President Aquino is also called on to support the urgent passage of these critical resource laws, together with promoting a better policy and fiscal environment for investments. .

Press Release
July 17, 2013

For more information, contact:
Kim Alvarez, CLUP Now!, 0918-6545059 kbalvarez@gmail.com
Eric Dorente, Sagip GUBAT Network, 0922-8151938 advocacy@haribon.org.ph
Farah Sevilla, SOS Yamang Bayan Network, 0923-5122374 policy@alyansatigilmina.net

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Press Release

[Event] We Need Space for Kite Flying! Pass National Land Use Act Now! -CLUP Now!

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

CAMPAIGN FOR LAND USE POLICY NOW! (CLUP Now!)

Greetings from the Campaign for Land Use Policy Now! (CLUP Now!)

We are a network of peoples’ organizations and non-government organizations (NGOs) leading the campaign for the passage of the National Land Use Act (NLUA). The NLUA bill was approved this 15th Congress on 3rd reading by the House of Representatives last September 20, 2012. The Senate approved its version on 2nd reading in January 2013. Moreover, President Benigno S. Aquino III certified land use bill as urgent that must be enacted into a law this 15th Congress.

Notwithstanding only two session days left in this Congress come June 5 and 6, 2013, CLUP Now! still believes that there is a chance for NLUA to be enacted into law given Pres. Aquino’s certification of NLUA as an urgent bill. He recognizes the need to have a law that will provide for efficient and sound management of the country’s resources to address environmental problems as well as political and cultural land and water disputes.

In this light, CLUP Now! is launching a month long advocacy activities to ensure that legislators will finally pass this important piece of legislation. This activity will be kicked off by a Kite Flying Event entitled “We Need Space for Kite Flying! Pass National Land Use Act Now!”. We would like to invite you to this Kite Flying Event on May 19, 2013, Sunday, 2:00 pm, at UP Sunken Garden, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City.

The Kite Flying Event aims to achieve the following objectives:

Generate more awareness for NLUA
Information, Education, Communication activities on NLUA for children and families
Launch the one month long advocacy activities on NLUA
We thank you and earnestly hope for your presence and support of NLUA’s passage.

Should you have queries, you may contact Ms. Kimberly B. Alvarez at 09186545059 or 433-0760, or email kbalvarez@gmail.com

Very Truly Yours,

ANTHONY MARZAN

Executive Director, KAISAHAN

CLUP Now! Convenor

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[Statement] New Compensation Law (RA10368) for victims of human rights violations: right step but not enough to end Marcos impunity -PAHRA

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

PAHRA STATEMENT:

NEW COMPENSATION LAW, (Republic Act 10368)
FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS:
RIGHT STEP BUT NOT ENOUGH TO END
MARCOS IMPUNITY

On January 23, 1977, the newspaper Bulletin Today bannered this headline: “One-sided press reports scored. No violations of human rights – FM”.

Ferdinand Marcos was then vehemently denying the reports of massive and grave human rights violations perpetrated since his seizing a second term presidency by imposing martial law on September 21, 1972. Mainly documented by the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), established by the Association of Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) in 1974, these violations reached the international community and the then U.N. Commission on Human Rights. Marcos used the State machinery to produce a coercive environment and to engender a culture of impunity that persist till the present.

After seven and twenty years since the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship, there is finally a law which acknowledges the long-known truth held by people that there were human rights violations, such as arbitrary and illegal arrests, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture, committed by the martial law regime. It is only correct and just to recognize and memorialize all the heroes and martyrs who fought against repression and who courageously struggled for human and people’s rights.

Signing into law the Bill which compensates the victims of human rights violations during the martial law period is the right step towards ending the Marcos impunity and obtaining both justice and healing.
PAHRA commends both Congress and the Administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III for this legislative act that shatters a Marcosian myth and propaganda that there were no human rights

PAHRA, nonetheless, believes and stands that while the law gives recognition and compensation to the victims of human rights violations, it is not enough to break through and to end the impunity unleashed by Marcos. The U.N. Updated Principles in Combating Impunity enumerate some State obligations still need to be complied with:

The Right to Truth – wherein it ensures the individual’s, as well as, the victim’s families and relatives right to know the circumstances and reasons for the victim’s torture, enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killing. For this end, Benigno S. Aquino III, as Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief, should order all services of the security forces to de-classify all reports and data related to the martial law period. We recommend strongly here the passage into law of the right to information. The Office of the President should also institutionalize or calendar the President’s public paying of respects to the heroes and martyrs who fought the imposition of martial law and its adverse effects on human rights.

The Right to Justice –means bringing the perpetrators of violations to account – whether in criminal, civil, administrative or disciplinary proceedings – since they are not subject to any inquiry that might lead to their being accused, arrested, tried and, if found guilty, sentenced to appropriate penalties, and to making reparations to their victims.

There will be no closure to the wounds caused by the martial law period if there is no justice.

The State obligations to institute reforms to ensure the non-recurrence of these violations include the passage of legislation criminalizing extra-judicial killings and responding to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This also means the establishment and operationalization of national monitoring mechanisms.

EDSA people power ended Ferdinand E. Marcos’ one-man, martial law rule but has not completely dealt with and eliminated impunity.

PAHRA calls on and will join all people of good-will to determinedly combat impunity.

Iboto ang iyong #HRPinduterosChoice para sa HR NETWORKS POST.

Ang botohan ay magsisimula ngayon hanggang sa 11:59 ng Nov 15, 2013.

Ikaw para kanino ka pipindot? Simple lang bumoto:
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Makiisa sa pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon hinggil sa karapatang pantao. Pindot na!

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pinduteros-choice-awards/

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[From the web] Youth leaders urge voters to junk trapos -akbayanyouth.wordpress.com

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Youth leaders urge voters to junk trapos; support candidates who can sustain momentum of reforms
February 10, 2013

Two days before the official start of the campaign for the national and party-list elections, Akbayan Youth, the youth wing of Akbayan party-list called on voters to reject traditional politicians (trapos) and instead support “pro-change” candidates who can sustain the momentum of reforms.

According to Akbayan Youth spokesperson JC Tejano, traditional politicians have perennially used the elections to further entrench their interests while also serving as a stumbling block to meaningful reforms.

“Instead of the usual crop of trapos, the voting public should be more finicky and elect leaders who will uphold their sworn oath to faithfully serve the public and continue the momentum of reforms that have been started,” Tejano said.

Issue-based elections

Akbayan Youth also urged voters to ensure that the election season becomes a campaign based on issues by demanding from the candidates their platforms, programs and their stand on various political, social and economic issues and also go beyond the gimmicky and cheap tricks often employed by trapos to attract votes.

“We should raise the public’s level of political awareness beyond mere gimmicks and flare for pageantry and into a serious discussion of issues and platforms,” Tejano said.

“The people must build on the success of the significant reforms we have achieved in the past two years such as the reproductive health, sin tax, kasambahay, overseas voting laws, among others,” Tejano said.

Protect RH law, support pro-RH candidates

Tejano also urged the voters to support pro-RH candidates saying the recently RH law must be duly protected and defended from those that want to transform it into an unfunded mandate.

“We must guarantee that Congress will provide sufficient yearly funding for the implementation of the RH law. And one of the best ways to ensure that is to elect consistent and dependable RH advocates in the House of Representatives and Senate,” Tejano concluded. ###

Contact Person:
Sigrid Sibug @ 09157690439

Source: akbayanyouth.wordpress.com

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[In the news] Advocates urge lawmakers to pass FOI bill before 15th Congress ends -GMA News

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Advocates urge lawmakers to pass FOI bill before 15th Congress ends
by Gian C. Geronimo, GMA News
January 19, 2013

With just only nine session days left for the 15th Congress before going on break for the campaign period, champions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, including several congressmen themselves, urged the House of Representatives to pass the legislation.

In a press conference on Friday, members of the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition reiterated their call for the passage of the FOI bill which they believe can still be done even with the limited time of the remaining Congress sessions.

“We challenge the members of the House of Representatives who continue to resist the passage of the FOI bill to cast their personal fears aside and take a stand for the FOI,” according to the coalition’s statement, signed by more than 100 people representing various organizations.

The statement said should the FOI bill die in the 15th Congress and meet the same fate such as in the previous one, its death would be “indictment” of how legislators treat measures that could affect their “perks and prerogatives.”

Read full article @www.gmanetwork.com

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In the News

[Petition] Online Petition for the passage of the FOI bill now -www.ipetitions.com

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Dear Friends,

Please sign the Online Petition for the passage of the FOI bill now at

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/please-pass-the-freedom-of-information-bill-now/

and please forward this appeal to all your yahoogroups and personal email contacts. We need a huge number of signatures to make an impact.

For those who want to read the bill, this is the link to the bill – http://www.opengovpartnership.org/sites/www.opengovpartnership.org/files/Aquino%20FOI%20Bill.pdf

The importance of the Freedom of Information Bill is well established, yet it has been languishing in Congress for the past two decades and remains languishing in the House of Representatives two years after Pres. Pnoy won the presidency on a platform of government transparency; it is high time for the FOI bill to be passed. The FOI version in the Senate, renamed as the People’s Ownership of Government Information Act of 2012, was passed on third and final reading on Dec. 17, 2012. In the House of Representatives, the FOI bill formally known as House Bill 6766 has been passed on first reading. Congress will reconvene on January 21, 2013 giving them only nine sessions before adjourning on Feb. 9 for more than four months until after the May mid-term elections. Our window of opportunity is very tight, but let us make one more push for Congress to enact the bill into law in the 15th Congress. Time is of the essence.

Also, please write Pres. Pnoy an email at Pres. Pnoy <pnoy@noynoyaquino.ph>; titonoy@president.gov.ph; op@president.gov.ph- urging him to certify as urgent the passage of the FOI Bill.

Furthermore, please write House Speaker Belmonte, Jr at Speaker Belmonte <sonnybelmonte2011@yahoo.com>; and info-tech@congress.gov.ph and members of the House of Representatives, notably House Committee On Public Information chairman Rep. Ben Evardone, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzalez, Jr. and the representatives in your specific province, to pass this FOI Bill now. Log into the website of the 15th Congress House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines, http://www.congress.gov.ph/ . Scroll down to the bottom of the home page and click on CONTACT US. On the next screen, “If you want to contact the chief of staff of your Congressman, please select from the list: (then click GO!)

The next screen shows a picture of your congressman. Click on Send email and this will take you to the next screen where you can write your email. Let us flood them with emails to catch their attention.

With the new year, let us resolve to do whatever we can do, individually and collectively, for a better Philippines – not just for ourselves but more importantly for the 26.5 % of our population classified in 2009 by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) as poor.

Have a very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year!!!

Best regards.
Greg Mariano, Jr.
Hollidaysburg, PA

Some informative links:
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/12/20/888050/foi-bill-wont-be-certified-urgent-palace-official – FOI bill won’t be certified as urgent – Palace official – By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) | Updated December 20, 2012 – 12:00am

http://pcij.org/blog/2012/12/02/a-hundred-voices-one-clamor-certify-foi-bill-as-urgent – December 2, 2012 – A hundred groups urge P-Noy, Congress: Certify FOI as urgent!

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[From the web] Update of House Bill 6079 in International Sign Language -deaf-e-news.blogspot.com

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Update of House Bill 6079 in International Sign Language
deaf-e-news.blogspot.com

Last November 5, 2012, around 300 PWDs, advocates, supporters, students, and professionals from different walks of life joined the rally march from Philcoa to the Commission on Human Rights in support of House Bill 6079 also known as the Filipino Sign Language Bill

From the powerful speech by Dr. Liza Martinez, Persons with Disabilities, Deaf Leaders to the strong message by Congressman Tinio the packed audience inside the Commission on Human Rights felt a sense of unity in coming together towards the same goal.With media interviews and coverage, the group then proceeded to the House of Representatives to attend the Technical Working Groups discussion on FSL definition, FSL vs ASL comparisons and further analysis of the FSL Bill hoping to come to a conclusion with the SEE group regarding statements included in House Bill 6079

Read full article @ deaf-e-news.blogspot.com

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From the web

[Statement] Non-Passage of the FOI Bill in the 15th Congress is Not Acceptable -Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Non-Passage of the FOI Bill in the 15th Congress is Not Acceptable-Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition

Carpe diem! Seize the day!
A little over three months ago, Speaker Belmonte uttered these words to summon his colleagues in the House of Representatives to work harder and faster on bills pending in the chamber, not least of them the FOI (Freedom of Information) bill. This clarion call may well be addressed not only to the House, but to the Senate, the Executive, and the public as well.

Starting Nov. 5, the FOI bill enters a most critical stage. There would only be 35 working days left before Congress again adjourns on December 21. Session will resume for only 15 working days next year from January 21 to February 8, after which legislative work virtually grinds to a halt to give way to the campaign for the May 13, 2013 elections.

While time is running out, the FOI bill can still take a different path than it did under the 14th Congress of Speaker Prospero Nograles and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, if only the House of Representatives, the Senate, and President Benigno S. Aquino III will take decisive action now.

At the House of Representatives, the first hurdle will be for the Committee on Public Information to approve a committee report when it meets on Tuesday, November 13.

After the bill passes the Committee on November !3, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. must be able to lead the House in approving the bill before it adjourns on December 22.

At the Senate, the progress of the FOI bill has slowed down despite the strong stated commitment to its passage by the Senate leadership and FOI champions. After Senator Gregorio Honasan II sponsored the FOI committee report before the Senate plenary last 4 June, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, a key champion of the FOI bill, has not found an opportunity to deliver his co-sponsorship speech that would pave the way for the period of interpellation on the bill.

We hope Senator Cayetano delivers his co-sponsorship speech at the soonest, and Senator Honasan shepherds the bill through interpellations and approval in plenary also before the December 22 adjournment.

Only an approval of the FOI bill on second and third reading in both Houses before adjournment on December 22 will allow it to go through bicameral conference committee in time for ratification when session resumes in January.

While the primary burden for passing the FOI law rests with Congress, there is no denying the critical factor that Malacañang‘s unequivocal support will play in getting this landmark measure through. Even as we acknowledge Malacañang’s endorsement of an amended FOI bill in Congress in February this year, the hands-off position that Malacañang has since taken on the bill is regarded by no less than House Committee Chairman Ben Evardone as a signal to prevent the advance of the measure.

In an interview in the television program Failon Ngayon last August, Evardone gave the following explanation for his earlier inaction on the FOI bill:

“Hindi naman ako ang pumipigil personal. Ako, matagal ko nang gustong ilabas yan dito sa committee ko eh dahil ako nga ang nabubugbog sa media. Eh dati pa akong taga media. Eh hindi naman puwedeng ako lang mag-decide n’yan, siyempre. Eh ito pang issue na napaka-sensitibo, napaka-controversial, at hindi naman priority ng ating Pangulo, kasi wala doon sa legislative agenda na sinubmit sa atin, wala doon sa SONA, although binanggit ng ating Speaker na isa yan sa mga kung baga dapat na pagbigyan ng priority.”

Evardone added:

“But there is no party stand. Is there a party stand of the Liberal Party? There is none! Kung merong party stand ang Liberal Party, no problem, ako I toe the line.”

With Evardone openly and publicly blaming President Aquino and his party for the delay in the passage of the FOI Act, we must hear from the President and LP reformers to refute Evardone, and take an unambiguous support for the FOI bill’s passage as they do on other measures such as the sin tax bill.

On our part we see the roadblocks to the passage of the FOI law as a challenge to strengthen our resolve to push for the immediate passage of the FOI law.

The importance of passing the FOI Act is acknowledged by the highest leaders of our country.

In his speech before the Makati Business Club – Management Association of the Philippines joint membership meeting on 19 November 2010, Speaker Belmonte emphasized that “the drive against corruption requires a comprehensive approach that includes enhancing law enforcement, increasing prosecutorial success, and establishing a culture of transparency in government.” He identified the FOI bill as among the legislative proposals being studied towards such ends.

Senate President Enrile provided a keen insight into the impact of passing the FOI Act, in his speech at the opening of the third regular session of the 15th Congress last July 23. He said:

“The benefits of transparency are mutually advantageous to civil society and government. The vigilance of our citizens becomes the standard (on) which our public leaders will be measured. Transparency parts the curtains of corruption and illegal practices. In turn, accountability, will refine decision-making, and make leadership and public institutions more responsive and efficient.”

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, in a statement released when he submitted Malacañang’s endorsed version of the FOI bill to the House last February, said that it is essential in the Aquino administration’s governance and anti-corruption plan:

“President Aquino believes that we can curb corruption more successfully and strengthen public institutions if citizens are given greater access to official information. Moreover, freedom of information—limited only by a few legitimate areas of confidentiality—will empower the people to hold their leaders accountable and get actively involved in governance.”

Time is of the essence to maximize the FOI law’s full potential in fighting corruption and ingraining the culture of transparency and accountability in government. If we again wait for the next Congress to pass the FOI law, there would be very limited time to ensure its proper and effective implementation that we hope an anti-corruption administration can ensure. One key lesson from anti-corruption efforts is that we are weakest in implementation.

Also, passing the FOI law now will reinforce the political statement that the fight against corruption applies equally to all. It will no doubt make a difference in the landscape of the anti-corruption efforts of government, which used to put political survival at the forefront while key measures are made to wait in order to manage politics.

We will not accept a non-passage of the FOI bill in the 15th Congress!

As part of our continuing expression of our collective demand for the immediate passage of the FOI bill, we shall peaceably assemble in Mendiola on 12 November 2012, and call on President Aquino as well as the leaders and members of the Senate and House of Representatives, to honor their promise to pass the Freedom of Information Act.
Signed (5 November 2012):

1. Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan
Co-Director, Institute for Freedom of Information and
Co-Convenor, Right to Know. Right Now! Coalition

2. Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, DD
Chairman, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – National Secretariat for Social Action-Justice and Peace (CBCP-NASSA)

3. Ms. Malou Mangahas
Executive Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

4. Ms. Annie Geron
General Secretary, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK)

5. Mr. Vincent Lazatin
Executive Director, Transparency and Accountability Network

6. Prof. Luis Teodoro
Deputy Director, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility

7. Mr. Josua Mata
Secretary General, Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)

8. Ms. Yuen Abana
Campaign Coordinator, Partido ng Manggagawa

9. Ms. Clarissa V. Militante
Coordinator, Focus on the Global South, Philippines Programme

10. Mr. Jun Aguilar
Mr. Elso Cabangon
Filipino Migrant Workers Group

11. Mr. Max M. De Mesa
Chairperson, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)

12. Mr. Ramon R. Tuazon, President
Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid, President Emeritus & Senior Adviser?
Ms. Madeline B. Quiamco, Dean
Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication

13. Atty. Roberto Eugenio Cadiz
Executive Director, Libertás

14. Prof. Leonor M. Briones
Lead Covenor, Social Watch Philippines

15. Ms. Maxine Tanya Hamada
Executive Director, International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov)

16. Mr. Norman Cabrera, Secretary General
Mr. John Carlos G. de los Reyes, Candidate for Senator (2013)
Mr. Rizalito Y. David, Candidate for Senator (2013)
Atty. Marwil Llasos, Candidate for Senator (2013)
Mr. Carlos Cabochan, Candidate for Representative, 2nd District of Caloocan City (2013)
Mr. Harry Tambuatco, Candidate for Representative, Lone district of Muntinlupa city (2013)
Mr. Edilberto M. Cuenca, Candidate for Representative, 1st District of Makati City (2013)
Mr. Frank Reyes, Candidate for Representative, Lone District of Mandaluyong City (2013)
Ang Kapatiran Party

17. Atty Eirene Jhone Aguila
FOI and New Politics Advocate

18. Ms. Joy Aceron
Program Director, Government Watch/ PODER, Ateneo School of Government

19. Dr. Segundo Romero
Program Director, Ateneo School of Government

20. Mr. Bong Fabe
Freelance journalist

21. Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez
Southeast Asia Monitor for Action

22. Dr. Joseph Anthony Lim
Professor, Economics Department, Ateneo De Manila University

23. Dr. J. Prospero de Vera
Professor, UPNCPAG
Executive Director, Pimentel Institute for Leadership and Governance

24. Atty. Risa Halagueña
Fellow, Action for Economic Reforms

25. Sr. Cres Lucero, SFIC, Co-Chairperson
Mr. Emmanuel Amistad, Executive Director
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines

26. Atty. Corazon Valdez Fabros
Lead Convenor, Stop the War Coalition Philippines

27. Ms. Ana Maria R. Nemenzo
National Coordinator, WomanHealth Philippines

28. Mr. Rolando Ocampo
Spokesperson, Prudentialife Warriors/Movement for Change and Good Governance

29. Ms. Cielo Magno
Coordinator, Bantay Kita

30. Mr. Red Batario, Executive Director
Ms. G. Sevilla Alvarez, Program Director
Center for Community Journalism and Development

31. Ms. Marjorie Anne Yoro
Suprema, UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo (KaPiTas), UP Diliman

32. Ms. Moses Albiento
Chairperson, Alliance of Student Leaders (ASL), Ateneo de Manila University

33. Mr. Joseph Angelo Gutierrez
Chairperson, Movement of Students for Progressive Leadership in UP (MOVE UP), UP Los Baños

34. Mr. Tristan Daine Zinampan
Chairperson, Linking Everyone Towards Service CDC (LETS CDC), College of Development Communication, UP Los Baños

35. Ms. Mary Ann Fuertes
Executive Director, Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (Davao City)

36. Atty. Arvin A. Jo
Focal Person, The Access Initiative – Philippines

37. Ms. April Lamentillo
Supremo, Sandigan ng mga Iskolar para sa Nagkakaisang CAS (SINAG CAS), College of Arts and Sciences, UP Los Baños

38. Mr. Curt Russel Lopez Delfin
President, Metro Manila Alliance of Communication Students (MACS)

39. Mr. John Mark Salvador
President, Bagong Benilde, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde

40. Mr. Van Battad
President, UP Sirkulo ng mga Kabataang Artista (SIKAT), UP Diliman

41. Ms. Luisa Lioanag
Bos Tsip-Tsip, UP Bukluran sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Buklod-Isip), UP Diliman

42. Ms. Starjoan Villanueva
Executive Director, Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao

43. Mr. Joseph Purugganan
Coordinator, EU-ASEAN FTA Network

44. Ms. Patricza Torio
Tagapangulo, UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan (LIKAS), UP Diliman

45. Ms. Marian Bahalla
Chairperson, Laban COC Party, College of Communication, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

46. Mr. Arjay Mercado
President, UP Economics Towards Consciousness (ETC), UP Diliman

47. Mr. Joshua Layog
Primer, Katipunan CHE, College of Human Ecology, UP Los Baños

48. Ms. Ema Escanilla
Speaker, UP People-Oriented Leadership in the Interest of Community Awareness (UP POLITICA), UP Diliman

49. Mr. Edward Dayog
President, UP Organization of Human Rights Advocates (OHRA), UP Diliman

50. Mr. JC Tejano
National Chairperson, Bukluran ng mga Progresibong Iskolar – UP System (BUKLURAN – UP SYSTEM)

51. Ms. Ara Tan
President, UP Kalipunan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Sosyolohiya (KMS), UP Diliman

52. Mr. Ace Ligsay
Chairperson, UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA), UP Diliman

53. Mr. Mickey Eva
President, Coalition for Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW Coalition)

54. Mr. Carlo Brolagda, Chairperson
Mr. Chris Alquizalas, Councilor
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC), UP Diliman / Convenors, FOI Youth Initiative (FYI)

55. Mr. Joshua Young
Chairperson, Bigkis ng mga Iskolar Para sa Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago – UPM (BIGKIS-UPM), UP Manila

56. Mr. Viko Fumar
President, BUKLOD CSSP, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman

57. Julliano Fernando A. Guiang
Councilor, University Student Council, UP Diliman
Convenor, Disclose All Records (DARe) Movement

58. Mr. Deg Daupan
President, Alternatibong Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral (AKMA), UP Baguio

59. Mr. Walter Tamayo
History Department Representative, AngKAS (CSSP History Department Core Group), UP Diliman

60. Mr. Gio Alejo
President, Sanggunian ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Manila University

61. Mr. Jose Valencia
President, KASAPI Kaisahan ng Migranteng Manggagawa sa Gresya

================
REFERENCE:

ATTY. NEPOMUCENO MALALUAN
Co-Convenor, Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition
Email: nepo_m@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0918 927 1501

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

Statement

[Petition] Save our RH Bill! -AVAAZ.org

Posted on August 4, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Dear friends across the Philippines,

In days, our Congress could take the pivotal step of securing universal access to birth control and maternal care for all Filipinos — but the powerful religious lobby and its political allies could kill it unless we act now. Sign this urgent petition so the House of Representatives secures birth control now — and then forward widely:

In days, our Congress could take the pivotal step of securing universal access to birth control and maternal care for all Filipinos. But the powerful religious lobby and its political allies could kill it unless we act now.

Over 70% of the Filipino population supports the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, but politicians fearful of Church pressure have for years been ignoring public opinion. The tide, however, may be turning. Experts say President Aquino’s brave endorsement of the Bill last week could convince other lawmakers to do the same – let’s tip the balance in our favor by telling Congress we won’t sit by idly while they kill the bill for the 14th year in a row.

The House of Representatives votes in 5 days and it’s likely to be close – if it dies here, we’ll have to wait one more year to even bring up the subject. Sign this urgent petition now and forward widely – when we reach 10,000 signatures, we’ll deliver it straight to Congress before voting begins:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_rh_bill_ph_a/?bSItwcb&v=16877

Passing the RH bill is crucial at this moment in history when birth control is out of reach for most women. The Philippines has one of the fastest growing populations in Asia, half of all pregnancies are unintended, and there are over 475,000 illegal abortions every year. Granting greater access to birth control could make all the difference in reducing abortions, improving maternal health, and even combating poverty.

But politicians and religious leaders opposed to the bill are distorting public debate by wrongly claiming that those of us who support the RH Bill are anti-life. The truth is millions of Catholics throughout the Philippines and around the world support access to birth control because it can save lives by reducing illegal abortion.

It’s time for our elected leaders to be fearless in representing the views of most Filipinos rather than cave in to pressure from outside lobbies. Let’s let Congress know where we stand. Sign the urgent petition now and send to everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_rh_bill_ph_a/?bSItwcb&v=16877

Contraception is vital for women everywhere, but especially where birth deaths are rampant, unplanned pregnancy rates are high and access to regular birth control is severely limited. Let’s stand together as Filipinos now and ensure our politicians vote for the future of our country.

With hope and determination,

Jamie, Laura, Ian, Dalia, Diego, Ricken, Maria Paz, David and the whole Avaaz team

Sources:

Congress urged to pass RH bill for the future (Manila Standard Today)
http://manilastandardtoday.com/www2/2012/08/02/congress-urged-to-pass-rh-bill-for-the-future/

House to decide on RH bll next week (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=833063&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Proponent unfazed, Palace appeals for support over RH measure (Business World Online)
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Proponent-unfazed,-Palace-appeals-for-support-over-RH-measure&id=56114

Mention of reproductive health bill in Philippines’ president’s speech seen as endorsement (National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/mention-reproductive-health-bill-philippines-presidents-speech-seen-endorsement

Congress leaders push RH bill passage, Charter amendment (Sun Star)
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/07/23/congress-leaders-push-rh-bill-passage-charter-amendment-233512

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Appeal] Letter to PNoy: Juvenile Justice Law must be effectively implemented, and the further recommendation that minimum age of criminal responsibility should not be lowered

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street , San Miguel, Manila 1005
Philippines
Dear His Excellency President Aquino,

We, the Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center (CLRDC), an NGO that monitors, documents, investigates and provides direct services to cases of violence against children, with special focus on children in conflict with the law and child sexual abuse through our direct legal assistance and awareness-raising program on children’s rights and the law, write with grave concern regarding House Bill 6052, amending the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (a.k.a. Republic Act 9344), specifically on lowering the age of criminal responsibility The said bill has already passed the third reading in the House of Representatives on 4th June 2012, when the whole nation was glued at the Corona impeachment trial.

The CLRDC, together with our nationwide networks of community-based NGOs that promote human rights of all people, were saddened and at the same time alarmed by the hastily passage of HB 6052 at the House of Representatives,
This HB 6052 undermines all efforts to build a child friendly juvenile justice system that supports rehabilitation and reintegration. Moreover the most marginalized and neglected group of our society, children from very low socio-economic backgrounds, would even more have to suffer from degrading and humiliating treatments by being locked away in detention centers or jails; often even together with adults. All this runs counter to the principle of the “child´s best interest” and against the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which the Philippine government has acceded to.
The supporters of HB 6052 refer to unfounded and baseless reports that criminal gangs and syndicates are hiring minors in order to avoid arrest and prosecution. The logical solution would have to be to run after the gangs and prevent them from exploiting children by efficient police work, and not to punish the children. Why suffer the children for the ineffective implementation by the law enforcers of RA 9344.

Instead of amending a six-year old law, inefficiency in the implementation by local and law enforcement and authorities must be reviewed, let alone the alleged cases of torture committed against Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) while they are being arrested and / or while being detained.

CLRDC and its nationwide networks of children’s organizations support the recommendations of Germany and Norway in the recent Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Philippines by the UN Human Rights Council, when they pronounced that Juvenile Justice Law must be effectively implemented, and the further recommendation that minimum age of criminal responsibility should not be lowered. Further recommendations by the European Delegations and majority of States during the UPR stressed the promotion and protection of the best interests of the child.

In this regard, we kindly appeal to your Excellency, to give RA 9344 a chance to be effectively implemented, Amendment is not the solution for the State implementers’ failure to fulfil and discharge its human rights obligations. Violations committed against CICL such as torture, as well as their inhumane conditions in jails must be investigated. Under no circumstances that House Bill 6052 is fair to our children! Consequences such as higher numbers of child prisoners will be a step backward on our common goal towards the full enjoyment of human rights by everyone.

Please find attached briefing paper on RA 9344 as well as factual information why RA 9344 should not be amended.

Thank you very much and sincerely,

Rowena Legaspi
Executive Director

The Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center, Inc. (CLRDC) is the Convener-Secretariat of Children’s Legal Advocacy Network (CLAN)[1], a coalition of NGOs that promotes the human rights of children.

Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC)
Child Justice League (CJL)
Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center (CLRDC)
Children’s Rights Action Watch
Kapatiran Komunidad Peoples Coalition (KKPC)
KKPC Youth Federation
Kokyo Naki Kodomotachi (Children Without Borders) – Philippines
Kongresong Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Lungsod (KPML)
Legal Aid Center for Human Rights (LACHR)
Lingap-Kapwa Operasyong pang Dalita (LingKod)
Open Heart Foundation
Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy
Samahan ng Mamamayan – Zone One Tondo (SM-ZOTO)

[1] CLAN is a member of Juvenile Justice Partnership Network (JJPNet), a coalition of networks of networks that promotes the human rights of children in conflict with the law.

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

Appeal

[Press Release] Groups welcome P-Noy’s Call for New Mining Law -SOS Yamang Bayan

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Groups welcome P-Noy’s Call for New Mining Law
But assert for a paradigm shift from the Mining Act of 1995

Advocates of a new minerals management law that will replace the flawed Mining Act of 1995 were pleased by the recent pronouncement of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday as he laid out his legislative stand on mining.

In his SONA, President PNoy urged Congress to pass a law that will protect the environment, while reaping just benefits out of mineral extraction not only for this generation but for the next to come.

Fr. Edu Gariguez, Executive Director of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) and also one of the council of leaders of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) said that “This is a good gesture on behalf of the President; it is an acknowledgement that his mining EO (EO79) is not enough. to rationalize mining industry in the country.

EO 79 received negative responses from groups led by CBCP-NASSA, ATM, Philippine Miserior Partnership (PMP), and Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC).

“The question now is what new mining law that the President is pertaining to? He should know that we have been advocating for the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) in Congress “Fr. Edu added.

In the recently concluded CBCP national plenary convention 72 out of the 89 Bishops signed a petition of support urging for the immediate passage of the AMMB.
Champions of the AMMB in Congress also welcomed this development. Ifugao Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat claimed that “the AMMB is already being deliberated in the Lower House of Congress”.

“While we welcome the President’s pronouncement, we ask him to make this Bill (the AMMB), a priority bill that this Congress should pass before the end of the 15th Congress. On behalf of my colleagues in the lower house championing this bill, we will work with him to make this happen.” asserted Rep. Baguilat.

The AMMB is a consolidated bill of House Bills 206, 3763, 4315 and several minor mining bills and is now authored by 41 Representatives in the congress. A senate version of the consolidated bill was also filed last February 15, 2012 by Sen. Sergio Osmena III.

Gerry Arances, program officer on mining of the Legal Right and Natural Resources Center (LRC) asserted that “AMMB is what our country needs. “A new minerals management laws that will address the issues and concerns that mining-affected communities, indigenous peoples and farmers, have long been raising which includes the devastation of our rich but fragile ecosystems” Arances added .LRC is the lead convener of SOS-Yamang Bayan Network.

“AMMB promotes the rational, needs-based, rights-based and domestic-oriented utilization and management of our mineral resources which is a break from the ‘profit-oriented’ framework pushed by the Mining Act of 1995.” Arances explained.

Ka Ponyong Kadlos, Coordinator of Kapulungan Para Lupang Ninuno (KPLN) and representative of the affected-mining Mangyan communities and indigenous peoples said that “by supporting the AMMB and making it a priority bill, the President and the Congress are making a stand with the people— This upholds the fight of the mining-affected communities, indigenous peoples to protect our environment, and for the present and future generations of our country.”

“For us this is the real essence of their ‘tuwid na daan’ for our mining industry, our communities and environment” Ka Ponyong concludes. KPLN comprises of different Mangyan groups in Mindoro.

***

The SOS-Yamang Bayan Network is a national multi-sectoral movement composed of individual advocates, mining-affected communities, national peoples’ alliances, environmental organizations and networks, church based organizations, national NGOs,human rights organizations,sectoral organizations from the indigenous peoples,youth,women,farmers,Congressional representatives, leaders and personalities advocating for the repeal of of Mining Act of 1995 and the enactment of a new minerals management bill.

For inquiries please contact:

Fr. Edu Gariguez – CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary, 09198005595
Rep. Teddy Baguilat – 09209108253
Gerry Arances – gerry.arances@lrcksk.org; 09228307758
Ka Ponyong Kadlos – 09207116147
Val de Guzman –val_lrcsosyb@yahoo.com
Farah Sevilla – policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel Garigan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.