Tag Archives: Press Release

[Press Release] Congress should check rather than support Malacanang’s ‘illegal’, ‘dangerous’ pact with the US -PM

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Congress should check rather than support Malacanang’s ‘illegal’, ‘dangerous’ pact with the US

A former partylist representative of Partido ng Manggagawa, Renato Magtubo, slammed the leadership of the House of Representatives for prematurely endorsing an illegal and dangerous military bases pact being cooked up by Malacanang and the Whitehouse.

pmLogo1

The new security deal would allow the US free access and use of Philippine bases particularly in Manila, Clark, Palawan, Cebu, Nueva Ecija and La Union.

Defense Undersecretary Pio Batino who headed the Philippines’ negotiating panel explained earlier that the agreement does not violate the Constitution.  There is also no need for this to be ratified by the Senate because it is just an implementing document of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

House leaders Deputy Speaker and Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao and Deputy Majority Leader Sherwin Tugna on their part welcomed this news as they approve the concept of “rotational presence” of American troops in the country.

But in a statement Magtubo said, “The new pact, to whatever model it shall be patterned, is aimed at getting around the constitutional ban on the presence of foreign troops in the country, the same way the VFA was framed under the guise of joint military exercises to justify temporary presence of American troops in the country.”

Magtubo pointed out that under the new deal, the Philippines does not just welcome the US forces as “visitors” but accepts them as a conjugal operator of its facilities under the veil of “rotational presence”.

He insisted that instead of giving a blanket approval, Congress should rather forewarn the Executive about the dangers in executing a kind of agreement that would clearly undermine the Constitution, otherwise they both fall under suspicion of plotting to bring this country back to the era of cold war where a weak country is forced to side with either of the contending global powers.

Magtubo argued further that giving the US forces unlimited access and free use of our facilities to serve as deterrent to China is in fact the weakest security argument of this pact, saying China is not blind to the mighty land, air, and naval powers the US had in the Pacific.

“So what do we gain from showing to China that we have a 24/7 US soldiers in our soil?  Nothing, we are just giving China “the bully” more reasons to believe that the Philippines exercises no sovereignty and independent foreign policy and thus may be a worrisome play pawn by the US,” said Magtubo.

Partido ng Manggagawa is advocating a negotiated solution to the disputed claims over the group of islands in the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea.

Magtubo said disputed islands are better left for common use and development of all claimants rather than making them springboards to a senseless war.

PRESS RELEASE
Partido ng Manggagawa
17 March 2014
Contact:  Renato Magtubo
09178532905

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[Statement] Adopt a human rights-based rehabilitation plan for ‘Yolanda’ victims -NFC

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Adopt a human rights-based rehabilitation plan for ‘Yolanda’ victims

We urge the Philippine Government to place the people’s basic human rights up front and center in its rehabilitation plan for those affected by the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda (also known by its international name, ‘Haiyan’). Included in these basic rights is the right to adequate food. Indeed, Super Typhoon Yolanda has interrupted the people’s enjoyment of this basic human right, taking its toll especially on the most vulnerable in our midst.

NFC

Any rehabilitation plan must adopt a human rights-based approach, and should ensure the right to adequate food. This is the right of the people to have regular, permanent and unrestricted access, either directly or through purchases, to quantitatively and qualitatively adequate and sufficient food. Such food should correspond to their cultural traditions, and ensure a physical and mental, individual and collective, fulfilling and dignified life that is free of fear.

In this regard, Aurea Miclat-Teves, convenor of the National Food Coalition, suggests that the Philippine Government explore, as possible elements of a rehabilitation plan, the following:
1)sustainable agriculture, which is farming that observes sound ecological principles;
2) resilient cropping, which is farming that anticipates and prepares for adversity, such as extreme weather events, fuel cost spikes, and restricted access to irrigation; and
3) organic farming, which employs crop rotation, green manure, compost,and biological pest control.

These practices are consistent with disaster risk reduction that aims to protect people’s livelihoods from shocks, and to strengthen their capacity to recover from disasters, such as super typhoons. These practices are also in keeping with a human rights-based approach to climate change. As we have stated before, it is essential to align climate policies with the right to adequate food. Climate change-induced super typhoons and other similar events compromise food production and interfere with the right to adequate food.

By way of emphasis, clear and comprehensive polices that promote the right to adequate food are urgently needed. In this regard, we reiterate our call for the immediate adoption by the Philippines of a right to adequate food framework law.

PRESS STATEMENT
13 December 2013

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.

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

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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.

KAMP

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

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.

3rd Human Rights Pinduteros Choice Awards

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3RD HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE AWARDS
Theme: Internet Freedom… our rights, our choice, our freedom.

For the third time, Human Rights Online Philippines or HRonlinePH.com will give recognition to human rights defenders’ efforts to promote, assert and defend human rights by maximizing online platforms. This year the event will celebrate the assertion for freedom of expression and opinion online and offline with the theme “Internet Freedom… our rights, our choice, our voice.”

pinduteros choice logo small

The successful online campaign against the unconstitutional RA10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Act of 2012 that temporarily stopped its actual implementation and the very recent August 26 #MillionPeopleMarch in Luneta, initiated online by netizens against the PDAF scam revealed the undeniable capacity of the Filipino people to assert its rights and the use of ONLINE MEDIA as a powerful tool. The power of the people that was manifested both online and offline in both instances had proven the world how true that Philippines indeed is the social networking capital of the world. Alongside, it exposes that the recurring and continuing threat of suppression of freedom of expression also holds true, thus the need to be on guard, more vigilant and assertive in defending for these freedoms.

The government has announced its intent to refile the amended version of the Anti-Cybercrime Law come the opening of the 16th Congress while Senator Meriam Defensor had initiated the Magna Carta of Internet Rights which according to her and the supporters of the proposed measure would protect the rights of the people online.

As issues like cyber bullying and many others plagued the cyberworld, and while it is the obligation of the government to come up with measures to stop crimes including those in the internet, we have to remain steadfast in asserting that the freedom of expression and speech in the internet or offline be respected, protected and fulfilled by the Government at all times.

THE 3RD HUMAN RIGHTS PINDUTEROS’ CHOICE AWARDS

To contribute in the promotion of the Human Rights Week celebration every December, HRonlinePH.com holds an annual HR Pinduteros’ Choice Awards that recognizes HRDs online efforts in promoting, defending and asserting human rights.

As an online event, the HR Pinduteros’ Choice Awards aims to give recognition to human rights defenders’ (Individuals and groups) relentless efforts to inform, inspire and mobilize the online readers to our common cause for HR that utilizes the internet as a tool. The event will also provide HR networks glimpses of how widely and effectively does their advocacies and issues reach the readers or segment of the internet world.

Online polling and popularization of the event also hopes to contribute in increasing awareness and build up for the international HR day celebration in December 10 through encouraging the netizens to visit and learn more about human rights issues, campaigns and etc. posted and featured in HRonlinePH.com with links to different HR sites months before the HR day.

Held for the first time last December 1, 2011 during the public launch of HRonlinePH.com initiative in Crystal Shift Restaurant in Quezon City, the event became our way to give thanks to the networks of human rights defenders who continued in contributing to the initial success of the site.

On December 10, 2012, the 2nd HR Pinduteros’ Choice Awards was held during the Active Vista Awards Night of DAKILA held in PETA complex.

Human Rights Pinduteros is a name we coined referring to HR community of internet users, HR advocates and activists and HR issues followers that as a network- promote and defend HR and believe in HRonlinePH.com’s call to inform, inspire and mobilize our readers to our cause.

THE PROPONENT -HUMAN RIGHTS ONLINE PHILIPPINES or HRonlinePH.com

Established in March of 2011 and was officially launched on December 1 of the same year, Human Rights Online Philippines or HRonlinePH.com was initiated by a group of individual human rights defenders working in different HR NGOs.

It started with the intention of creating a site that would help in popularizing Human Rights issues and concerns by mobilizing concerted efforts of individual defenders coming from different HR groups.

HRonlinePH.com aimed at organizing different campaigns through the building of an online HR network that will be working together with the call to inform, inspire and mobilize people to HR causes.

By generating readers and followers online the group aims to contribute in putting human rights online, thus making human rights issues, information and resources available and visible to the internet.

In its 2 year of existence, the HRonlinePH.com blogsite has generated a good number of reads. According to the wordpress.com’s statistics as of September 2013, the site has reached 398,015 hits, 1,618 subscribers and an estimated average of 600 visitors a day.

The site’s busiest day was on October 27, 2012, it was visited by 2,294 readers.

The site has 1,066 followers on facebook and 256 on Twitter. TopBlogs.com.ph consistently ranked HRonlinePH.com among the top 5 political blogs based from its unique visitors measured a day.

HRonlinePH.com was also nominated as “Wiki-Pinoy of the year” in 2011.

We may not be the best blog in the Philippines, but through the concerted efforts of HR pinduteros and pinduteras, we are one of the most promising Human Rights online-community right now!

MECHANICS
Nominees were chosen from the top items per category posted in HRonlinePH.com based on the hits generated (site statistics) from the period of September 20, 2012 to September 20, 2013.

Scores for winning posts were based on HRonlinePH.com statistics combined with an online voting/polling results which will be held from the period of October 15, 2013 up to November 15, 2013 at the HRonlinePH.com FB page and Blogsite.
Winners will be awarded during the 2013 Human Rights week celebration (Date and venue to be announced).

RECOGNITIONS/CATEGORIES FOR HRONLINEPH.COM’S 3RD HRPINDUTEROS CHOICE
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR NETWORK‘S POSTS
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR PINDUTERO‘S POSTS
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR BLOGSITE
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR WEBSITE
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR EVENT
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR PHOTO
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR VIDEOS
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR FEATURED OFF THE SHELF/RESOURCES
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE MOST CLICKED FEATURED SITE
• HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR CAMPAIGN

NOMINEES FOR THE 3RD HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE AWARDS

HR NETWORK‘S POSTS
1. [Press Release] Teachers ask DEPED to expedite the release of bonus -TDC
2. [Statement] Human Rights Watch reaction on PNoy’s SONA 2013
3. [Press Release] DIGITEL Employees Shave Heads in Protest, Motion for Execution Pushed -Kilusan
4. [Press Release] Mining operations in Salcedo, Eastern Samar is “out of control” -PMPI
5. [Statement] Ibasura ang Pork Barrel! Pondo ng Bayan, Direktang Ilaan sa Serbisyo at Kabuhayan -KAMP
6. [Statement] Anti-Enforced Disappearance Law: A Precious Christmas Gift to All Filipino Desaparecidos -AFAD
7. [Statement] CYBER MARTIAL LAW -Dakila
8. [Press Release] Support Snowball for Digitel Employees -DEU
9. [Statement] Stop Cyber-dictatorship! SCRAP the cybercrime prevention act now! -SANLAKAS
10. [Statement] New Compensation Law (RA10368) for victims of human rights violations: right step but not enough to end Marcos impunity –PAHRA
11. [Featured Story] Political Prisoner Longs for Freedom, The Story of Juanito Itaas (Part 1)- TFDP
12. [Press Release] Children advocates to push for “child-centered” elections -Bata Muna
13. [Press Release] Summit on Credible Cebu Elections 2013 to Propose Concrete Actions for Electoral Reforms -Visayas Clergy Discernment

FOR HR PINDUTERO‘S POSTS
1. [Tula] Patula ng Pandaigdigang Pahayag ng Karapatang Pantao ni Greg Bituin
2. [Blog] THE SABAH ISSUE: The Betrayal to the Republic of the Philippines of Mr. Aquino by Jose Mario De Vega
3. [Blog] An Unconstitutional Law: A Discourse on the Cybercrime Law by Jose Mario De Vega
4. [Featured article] Ang Litrato ng Tatay Ko (Isang Pagbabahagi sa Araw ng Mga Nawawala) by Ron De Vera
5. [Statement] Isang Bukas na Liham para sa Lahat ng mga Mamamayang-Pilipino by Mario De Vega
6. [Blog] The most outrageous use of “Doublespeak”: The People’s Daily as the warmonger mouthpiece of China’s so-called ‘Communist Party
7. [Appeal] An Open Letter to Pond’s and All Whitening Products by Renee Juliene M. Karunungan
8. [Blog] Maid abuses and human exploitation: the highest form of dehumanization and barbarism by Jose Mario De Vega
9. [Blog] The Casiguran Marchers, tired and disappointed but not defeated! by Jofti Villena Delizo
10. [Blog] War on War: The House of Common’s Historic Vote and Question of the US impending war on Syria by Jose Mario De Vega

FOR HR VIDEOS
1. [Featured Video] Feminist Flashmob for Women’s Rights -PH TakeBacktheTech
2. [Featured Video] Liwanag Sa Dilim (by Rivermaya) feat the Bilibid Dancing Inmates by Baliklaya
3. [Featured video] March 8, 2013 International Women’s Day by ClydieCandy
4. [Video/Film] BALITOK goes to Nueva Vizcaya

FOR “OFF THE SHELF”
1. [Off the shelf] Mga rekomendasyon ng Komite Laban sa Tortyur ng U.N. para sa Gobyerno ng Pilipinas
2. [Resources] Myths and misconceptions about Filipino Sign Language (FSL) -Philippine Deaf Resource Center
3. [Off the shelf] Dissidente! by Jose Mario De Vega
4. [Off-the-shelf] Children of the Sunshine Industry: Child Labor and Workers’ Condition in Oil Palm Plantations in Caraga-CTUHR
5. [Off-the-shelf] Read less know more Primer on the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 published –CLRD

FOR HR PHOTO
1. [Featured Photos] Igalang ang Karapatan ng mga Katutubong Ati -photos by Bro. Martin Francisco
2. [Featured Photo] Rated PG at PETA Arts Zone: Love Does Not Hurt campaign launch

FOR HR EVENT
1. [Advisory/event] Rally for the recognition of Filipino sign language & Deaf access Nov. 5, 830am. Philcoa to Batasan -PFD
2. [Featured Event] Million people march to Luneta August 26: sa araw ng mga bayani. Protesta ng bayan!!!
3. [Event] Rock for a Fully Abled Nation Concert –Dakila
4. [Event] Protest Rally to stop DepEd Teacher Training on an artificial sign system in the education of Deaf students – Philippine Federation of the Deaf
5. [Event] Love is…Freedom from Violence!- World March of Women – Pilipinas
6. [Event] Forum on Effective Implementation of Republic Act No. 10353: A Collective Endeavor -AFAD, FIND
7. [Event] Rock against political dynasties! -Agaw Trip Komiks at Laya Sining
8. [Event] FIND’s press forum and 27th founding anniversary, 23 Nov 2012
9. [Event/Advisory] National children’s forum -Save the Children
10. [Event] Groups launch Anti Mining Solidarity Week of Actions -ATM

FOR HR CAMPAIGN
1. [Featured Event/Campaign] Million people march to Luneta August 26: sa araw ng mga bayani. Protesta ng bayan!!!
2. [Urgent Appeal] About the killing of family members of a B’laan tribe leader opposed to the entry of SMI in their ancestral domain area -TFDP
3. [Petition] No to cremation of medico-legal cases
4. [Appeal] for ACTION: Warrantless Arrest of Fourteen Farmers and Six other person in Mindanao -TFDP
5. [Campaign/Event] DIGITEL Employees put up a Protest Center in front of the DOLE Office
6. [Appeal] Panawagan para sa kalayaan ni RODELIO “DONDON” LANUZA, OFW on Deathrow, KSA -Barya Mo Buhay Ko
7. [Campaign] “Rights All- You-Can” campaign –UPJC
8. [Campaign] Tao Muna Hindi Mina – TFDP
9. [Campaign] Freedom Ride –Dakila
10. [Featured Site/campaign] Hey Coke! RESPECT workers’ rights! -APL

FOR FEATURED SITE
1. [Featured Site/campaign] Hey Coke! RESPECT workers’ rights! -APL
2. [Featured Site] PIFA FB Group
3. [Featured Site] MD4HR.net
4. [Featured Site] Visual Spectrum by Carlo Dimaano

HR WEBSITE
1. clrdc.wordpress.com
2. philrights.org
3. phildeafres.org
4. ctuhr.org
5. find.org.ph
6. amnesty.org.ph
7. philippinehumanrights.org
8. alyansatigilmina.net
9. humanrightsdefenderspilipinas.wordpress.com

10.balayph.net

FOR HR BLOGSITE
1. renatomabunga.wordpress.com
2. taomunahindimina.wordpress.com
3. koihernandez.wordpress.com
4. anakngdesaparecidos.wordpress.com
5. rodrigo75.wordpress.com
6. digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com
7. rodgalicha.com
8. dars0357.wordpress.com
9. matangapoy.blogspot.com
10. cannotallowtorture.blogspot.com

[Press Release] Measly wage hike is demeaning and cruel amid rising prices, pork scam—CTUHR

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Measly wage hike is demeaning and cruel amid rising prices, pork scam—CTUHR

CTUHR logo

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights criticized the recent wage adjustment saying the it is “demeaning” and “cruel” to workers especially amid rising prices and the P10- billion-peso scam.

On September 6, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced the wage adjustment integrating P15 of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to basic pay and adding P10 of COLA. The new basic pay is now at P451.00 while the additional COLA will be effective only on January 2014.

Daisy Arago, Executive Director of CTUHR said, “Such measly amount is demeaning and cruel to workers and the poor as rising prices of basic commodities and utilities in the recent months have already depressed the real value of wages.”

The group further explained that the wage adjustment is negligible as wage levels will remain below half of the family living wage estimated at P1,039.

Arago added that the wage adjustment is both very insulting and cunning, “It is the lowest wage adjustment in NCR in the last decade however, the government is trying to present it as good news by saying the it is the first time that the regional wage board made a unanimous decision over wage hikes.”

“We are even more repelled by the Aquino government’s display of insensitivity by giving Filipinos token wage adjustments amid corruption scandals involving billions of pesos from people’s taxes being pocketed by a few,” Arago pointed out.

Arago also berated a recent statement of Malacañang spokesperson, Edwin Lacierda who belittled the 5-million peso controversy thrown at Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas, “It is extremely appalling that Malacañang is taking 5 million pesos as non-issue when the government is only giving workers 10 pesos in a time when most Filipinos are worried of the rising prices of rice which is now at P42 per kilo.”

In the end, the group challenged the government to support the workers demand for a substantial and legislated wage hike. The group said that a substantial wage hike will provide immediate relief to many Filipinos and a legislated increase will benefit all workers across the country.

NEWS RELEASE
7 September 2013

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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.

[Press Release] Teachers ask DEPED to defer make-up classes -TDC

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Teachers ask DEPED to defer make-up classes

logo TDC

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) appealed to the DepEd central office to consider deferment of the scheduled make-up classes in several divisions of Metro Manila, CALABARZON and Central Luzon. The group argued that the DepEd has yet to come up with a clear and uniform guidelines and the holding of make-up classes is contrary to its earlier pronouncements.

“While we recognize the authority of the schools division superintendents in imposing make-up classes, we would like to appeal to the DepEd Central Office to clarify the guidelines first for the purpose of fairness and uniformity.” Said Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson.

Basas said that based on the reports gathered by the TDC from the field, make-up classes differ in every school even those within the same district, division or municipality

“It creates confusion and comparison between and among the teachers in the field.” Basas continued.

Basas said the problem is due mainly to the policy of class suspension where the LGU executive has the authority to suspend classes in his jurisdiction while the DepEd field officials- from school heads, district supervisors, division superintendents and regional directors are empowered to impose make-up classes.

The group also asks the DepEd to clarify the use of buffer days.

“The school calendar since 2011-2012 up to the current school year declares 180 non-negotiable teaching and learning days or days where teacher is in full contact with the learners. It also sets aside buffer days for class disruptions, for SY 2013-2014, we have 21 buffer days out of 201 school days. How come that some schools and divisions are already having make-up classes? Are buffer days already consumed?” asked Basas.

TDC reiterates that make up classes may only be imposed once the 180 non-negotiable teaching days have been compromised. The DepEd in a statement on August 23 said, “The DepED annual calendar of around 200 school days already includes 20 days buffer for class disruptions. There may still be enough buffer days at this time of the school year so as not to require make up classes following the days lost this week.”

Basas said that th eDepEd is consistent with its position, in fact on October 24, 2011 press release on the clarification of semestral break, DepEd said, “Education Secretary Armin Luistro specified that the total number of school days shall be 202 while the total number of teaching-learning days shall be 180 days. The 22-day difference shall be for national and local events and celebrations, national, division and regional achievement tests and class suspensions due to calamities.

Basas reiterates that the scheduled make-up classes for tomorrow and on following Saturdays be defer until a clarification and unified guidelines from the DepEd Central Office have been issued.

“We believe that there may be a need for make-up classes would be necessary to cover the lost learning days of our pupils and students, however, we appeal to all the field officials of the DepEd to do it in a proper manner and the clarification from the office of Secretary Armin Luistro would be necessary.” Basas ended.

The group formally wrote to DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro to act on the matter immediately.

NEWS RELEASE
September 6, 2013
Reference: Benjo Basas, Chairperson- 09205740241

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] Fund People’s Protection against Poverty and Inequality -KAMP

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Fund People’s Protection against Poverty and Inequality

KAMP

President Benigno Aquino III’s pronouncement scrapping the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) could have been an affirmation of government’s subservience to people’s sovereignty, but the president chose to hoodwink the people and cheat on his own “matuwid na daan”.

He announced the abolition of the annual Php25 billion lump-sum appropriation and its removal from the discretion of lawmakers, but in the same breath offered it again as a multi-purpose fund for legislators. What makes this more suspicious is the president’s continued silence on his own and Vice-President Jejomar Binay’s discretionary funds of P450 billion and P200 million, respectively. Aside from the 7.8 % exclusionary GDP growth, this is another sign of PNoy’s misplaced priorities.

The Kampanya para sa Makataong Pamumuhay (KAMP) denounces the president’s cheap tricks. People’s taxes are people’s funds and must be used for the benefit of the people.

Prioritize public spending on people’s protection against poverty and inequality

Official statistics show the country’s glaring poverty incidence and gross disparity in terms of access to resources and essential services. Measures should be implemented to ensure income and wealth redistribution, and protect the people already reeling from the financial crisis that threatens to get worse. PNoy should go beyond the confines of his current fragmented, temporary and palliative social assistance and institute a comprehensive and universal social protection program provisioning for a life of dignity for all. This includes:
Universal health care based on the primary health care principle that ensures the well-being of the citizenry and not limited interventions in times of illness;
Generation, not merely facilitation, of employment with living wages and of livelihoods protected against unfair competition and monopoly by big capitalists;
Guaranteed and quality education;
Living pension or subsidy for the elderly and the differently abled;
Socialized housing programs that guarantee adequate and humane shelter for all;
Access to and availability of basic services such as water, power and transportation.

Review budget laws and processes and ensure equitable sharing of national revenues

KAMP does not buy the line that only Senators and members of the House of Representatives know what development projects to propose and approve and how much of the people’s money should go to their favored districts and sectors. This lame excuse for patronage politics, in effect, continues to distort national economic planning and undermines development programs. Provided there are clear national priorities and responsive development plans, local development and resource allocations are best left to the local government units. This is based on the assumption that the pork barrel system is eliminated from the national down to the local level, and people’s participation is accepted as part of the political process.

Lump-sum funds or lawmaker-sponsored projects only foster increased reliance on favors from the president and the legislators. The question of ensuring that territorial and political subdivisions get equitable share of national revenues immediately calls for a review of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) formula and criteria to check if these are still relevant to the current needs of localities.

The pork barrel scandals involving public officials also point to the need to fix loopholes in budget laws and processes starting with the review and amendment of the Administrative Act of 1987. The national budget exercise has been corrupted to an extent that the “power of the purse” which used to be exercised by Congress to check and balance the president’s fiscal powers has been surrendered by legislators more concerned with getting a substantive slice of public funds.

Strengthen mechanisms for people’s participation; Pass FOI bill

PNoy administration’s bottom-up planning and budgeting approach is a welcome effort to encourage people’s involvement in determining projects responsive to their needs. The process, however, should be more inclusive of the wide range of civil society formations. Moreover, bottom-up planning and budgeting requires strong people’s movements and participation.

P-Noy’s statement on the PDAF seems to focus more on the Napoles P10 billion pork barrel scam by banning the NGOs from receiving public funds. Yet this is just the tip of the iceberg. What has scandalized the people to outrage are the extent and thoroughness of budget scams that have defrauded them of vital social services and protection, and the involvement of the executive and legislative officials, the bureaucracy, NGOs and even religious leaders. Implicated too is the judiciary by turning a blind eye to the scams. More than ever, the need to pass the Freedom of Information bill becomes more urgent, and tests the administration’s and legislators’ sincerity in addressing the web of corruption that has engulfed the entire political system.

Transparent and Thorough Investigation

All transactions related to the misuse and abuse of all discretionary funds, not just PDAF, must be investigated by the newly formed Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council (IAAGCC). This includes appropriations and disbursements done under the administration of PNoy.

IAGCC’s investigation must not result only in punishing the guilty and in recovering stolen assets. The council’s work must also aid in strengthening laws and processes on the utilization of public funds and point out the accountability—the sins of commission and omission—of concerned public officials in the performance of their duties. The list of robbers in government includes all those who feign public interest for personal gain and disregard the people’s will. PNoy joined this list when he attempted to cheat the people out of their victory over corruption.

Let the Million People March to Luneta and Mendiola on Monday, 26 August 2013, be a reminder to the president and all public officials that this government exists to serve the interest of the people and not the other way around.

Fund Social Protection Against Poverty and Inequality!
Life of Dignity for All!

KAMP is a broad, multi-sectoral and inclusive network that is focused on pushing for universal and transformative social protection towards attaining social justice. It pushes for a five-point agenda: employment guarantee, universal health care services, adequate food, humane housing, and social insurance particularly universal pension for the elderly and differently-abled, and agricultural insurance.

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[Press Release] Teachers acknowledge DEPED pronouncement on bonus by TDC

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Teachers acknowledge DEPED pronouncement on bonus

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The Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday announced that the performance-based bonus (PBB) for teachers may be released next. The DepEd last week submitted the requirements to Department of Budget and Management (DBM), thus the processing of said incentive started early this week.

The TDC acknowledges the response of both the DepEd and the DBM since according to the group, this PBB is for their performance during fiscal year 2012 and it should have been released on the first quarter of the year. The group held a series of dialogues with representatives of the said agencies that started December last year.

TDC however said that while they work to expedite the release of PBB, they still we believe that the scheme used by the government to reward the performing employees is defective and needed to be reviewed and amended.

The PBB is an incentive granted by the government to public school teachers and other employees under President Aquino’s executive order number 80, signed in July last year. It is a merit-based incentive system that would give the employees of the government a cash bonus ranging from P5, 000 to P35, 000 depending on their and their agency’s performance. The TDC however remained apprehensive of the scheme which they describe as “deceptive and unfair.”

Press Release
July 17, 2013

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Reference: Benjo Basas, National Chairperson 0920-5740241/ 0923-8643887

[Press Release] Only 90% Submitted PBB requirements, DepEd Admits -TDC

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Only 90% Submitted PBB requirements, DepEd Admits

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While reiterating the opposition to the scheme of Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) used by the government for year 2012, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) asked the Department of Education (DepEd) to expedite the process so teachers will be able to receive the promise bonus within the month of July.

“The 6-month delay in the supposed release of this particular bonus is a manifestation that there are flaws in the scheme and it has to be reviewed.” Said Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson.

Earlier the group revealed that the teachers’ PBB for fiscal year 2012 has not been paid and the succeeding dialogue with some officials of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that many agencies, especially those with large number of employees are also in the same predicament with that of the DepEd.

“It is clear that this is not the fault of the teachers and employees, yet they suffer.” Basas added.

The group also called the attention of Malacanang and asked the president to order the concerned agencies to fast track the processing of PBB release. The Palace through Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte responded by saying that the delay was caused by the late submission of documents from the DepEd field offices.

In a dialogue with the DepEd, Thursday, the TDC aired their grievance to Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo, the department’s focal person on the matter of PBB. Mateo confirmed that as of the moment, only around 90% of the DepEd system has submitted the documents and only 50% of such were validated by the DepEd.

TDC asked the DepEd to remind the remaining field offices to immediately submit the necessary requirements so it could start the process. Mateo promised them that he would call the respective schools division superintendents right after the meeting.

“Still, we believe that the scheme used by the government to reward the performing employees is defective and needed to be reviewed and amended.” Basas ended.

The PBB is an incentive granted by the government to public school teachers and other employees under President Aquino’s executive order number 80, signed in July last year. It is a merit-based incentive system that would give the employees of the government a cash bonus ranging from P5, 000 to P35, 000 depending on their and their agency’s performance. The TDC however remained apprehensive of the scheme which they describe as “deceptive and unfair.” #

NEWS RELEASE
July 5, 2013

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[Press Release] Bleak future for K-12 predicted -TDC

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Bleak future for K-12 predicted

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“If we are going to predict the K-12 implementation through the first week of school year 2013-2014, we can easily conclude that there would be a bleak future for the education sector.” Benjo Basas, national chairperson of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said Monday.

The TDC said that while they agree that this year’s school opening is generally orderly, it doesn’t hide the fact that the government needs to address the basic requirements for a successful implementation of its flagship program.

While the DepEd boasts of a record-high recruitment of teachers numbering to more than 60, 000 this year, TDC said that it will not essentially lessen the teacher to student ratio in actual classroom situation. “Let us also remind the DepEd that there are still those volunteers and locally paid teachers all over the country who are tasked to perform the same workload as their nationally-paid counterparts but are paid much lesser.” Basas said.

The group is opposed to the K-12 program since the Aquino administration publicly stated its plan to expand the basic education system in 2010. “Education must be prioritized in budgeting and the welfare of the teachers should be in paramount consideration. The K-12 is now a law, thus the government is also mandated to provide all the necessities of the program.”

Basas noted that while the Department of Education (DepEd) claimed that it has closed the gaps in shortages of books and chairs, it is very evident that many schools lack chairs and has no provision of books. “Many students as evidenced by the news reports and our observations in the field were forced to sit on the floor, others brought their own chairs or mats.” Basas recalled.

The shortage in books is yet to be observed since books are released to students several weeks after the school opening. “But we are sure that in some subject areas, like in Filipino, there is no provision of books for a decade now. The teachers produce their own reading materials for their students. The distribution of learning materials to respective schools should have been finished before the school year opens, because we are now in the second year of implementing K-12.” Basas continued.

The DepEd earlier said it would soon deliver the learning packages to students and teachers as alternative to textbooks.

Lack of classrooms, toilets and other facilities such as computers and libraries are also noted during the first week.

“These perennial problems which again surfaced during the first week of new school year show that the government’s fund for education sector is not even enough to operate the 10-year program, yet it pushed for a more expensive K-12 program unprepared.” Basas ended.

The TDC will join forces with other stakeholders and the members of the civil to mount campaign for greater government subsidy on public education.

Reference: Benjo Basas, Chairperson– 02-3853437/ 09205740241

NEWS RELEASE
June 10, 2013

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[Press Release] COMELEC lauded for speedy Baguio & Comval response, urged to allow “live-streamed manual counting” for “special cases” -SANLAKAS

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COMELEC lauded for speedy Baguio & Comval response, urged to allow “live-streamed manual counting” for “special cases”

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Multisectoral partylist group Sanlakas lauded the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for a “speedy response” to the ballot switching in Baguio and Compostela Valley and urged the commission to allow for “special cases” of poll failure “live-streamed manual counting” monitored by mainstream media and social networks.

“We know that COMELEC is doing all it can to make every vote count, as fast as it can. Maybe it can do better by conducting tech-assisted manual counting for similar incidences,” Sanlakas Secretary-General Aaron Pedrosa said.

Pedrosa believes that the combined power of mainstream and social media can discourage anomalies in manual counting and canvassing in small cases, and can do away with the need to conduct special elections.

“It might be easier for COMELEC to conduct manual counting in cases similar to Bgy. Lualhati’s involving 638 voters, as long as it is closely monitored by the public,” Pedrosa said.

Accountability

Pedrosa also said that the people responsible for the “Baguio and ComVal mishap” must be held accountable and be prosecuted.

“Electoral justice necessitates penalties to people responsible. Since we do not know yet whether this is accidental or concious on their part, we need an urgent investigation on the matter,” Pedrosa said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE

Contact Person: Aaron Pedrosa, Sanlakas Secretary-General @ 0932-364-3137
Val De Guzman, Media Liaison @ 0919-965-7509

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[Press Release] PM slams PNP harassment of Cebu union, demands release of Toledo Four

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PM slams PNP harassment of Cebu union, demands release of Toledo Four

pmLogo1The militant Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) slammed as harassment the early morning raid by the police of the office of the union of the giant mining company Carmen Copper in Toledo City, Cebu last March 22. The raid follows a similar raid on the house and resort the union treasurer last Tuesday in which four persons were arrested.

“With a month to go before Labor Day, the union repression in Cebu sadly highlights the state of workers rights in the Philippines. Truly the Philippines is the second most dangerous place for trade unionists in the whole world,” Renato Magtubo, PM national chair said.

PM is also demanding the release of the Toledo Four arrested in the Tuesday raid. The group is accusing the police of planting a 45 caliber pistol allegedly found in the union office this morning and other arms supposedly seized in the raid last Tuesday. The police raid of the residence of union treasurer Roldan Cansancio was supposedly due to his involvement in the killing of a ward leader of Sonny Osmena in Toledo last month.

“The police in collusion with certain elements in Carmen Copper management are trying to divert the real issue which is the brewing labor dispute. They are also trying to silence one of the very vocal critics of management’s contractualization scheme and unfair labor practices,” insisted Dennis Derige, PM-Cebu spokesperson.

Labor relations at Carmen Copper started to get strained late last year when management started to implement a contractualization scheme that affected regular jobs. The union Panaghugpong sa Mamumuo sa Carmen Copper (PAMCC) also became increasingly critical of the damaging impact to the environment of the company’s open pit mining. A full blown labor dispute erupted when it was discovered that management formed a company union in a bid to bust PAMCC.

“Elements of the PNP are being used by powerful interests in Carmen Copper to criminalize the labor row. They maliciously link Cansancio to the killing last month of a certain Rene Embranilag, who is not an employee of Carmen Copper nor related to the labor dispute, to justify the entry of PNP to the labor problem,” asserted Derige. Osmena himself attributed the killing of Embranilag as politically motivated and unrelated to the labor dispute.

Meanwhile PAMCC president Tony Cuizon condemned the raid and defended Cansancio. “This is unacceptable! The PNP Regional Intelligence Division has no business intervening in the labor dispute. They timed the raid when all of union officers, including Cansancio, are here in Manila attending an International Labor Organization seminar so that we cannot defend ourselves from their malicious attack. This is a cowardly act.”

Cuizon further added “They are trying to silence my long time partner in the union because he is my alter ego and very vocal against management abuses. They are trying to discredit his credibility by portraying him as underworld character when in fact he is active in fighting criminality in the province as a CIDG volunteer. Roldan could have turned his back on me when management people tried to convince him to capitulate but he did not and remained loyal to the union. This is the kind of men the union movement needs and I have high regard for him.”

Cansancio and PAMCC declared that they are readying their own charges against those responsible for the raid. PAMCC and PM also announced protests are to be held in the coming days. The groups are also alleging police brutality occurred as a 13-year old minor was pinned down the floor, an Armalite rifle was pointed at him and he suffered verbal abuses from the raiding team.

“We cannot take this sitting down. The raids have a chilling effect not on PAMCC but also to the labor movement in general. We call on the Department of Labor (DOLE) and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to intervene and investigate this act by the police. Certainly, the PNP violated our human rights and rules on labor disputes,” Cuizon ended.

Press Release
March 22, 2013
Partido ng Manggagawa
Contact Dennis Derige @ 09166058407

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[Press Release] Organic Shop Turns On the Lights for Earth Hour -Dakila

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Organic Shop Turns On the Lights for Earth Hour

dakilaIn celebration of this year’s Earth Hour, Got Heart Foundation, together with SolarSolutions and DAKILA – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism will switch on the lights of the Got Heart Shop in the evening of March 23, 2013, Saturday, in White Plains, Quezon City.

For the past six years, celebrating the earth hour means switching off the lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm all over the world. This event is joined by households, business establishments, and some local government units. It aims to raise awareness and engage the public to act on the need to address climate change.

In contrary to this practice, an organic shop in Quezon City will turn on their lights in this year’s Earth Hour. While the whole world turns dark, the shop will switch on all their lights with the use of solar power. With the theme “Go Beyond Earth Hour. Go Solar.” , Got Heart Foundation, SolarSolutions, and DAKILA aim to campaign another way of addressing climate change. Instead of switching off the lights for one hour to help the earth, the event will highlight the benefits of using renewable energy to lessen the carbon emissions that contribute to heating the planet, thus, helping the earth in the longer run, beyond the celebrated earth hour.

The Philippines is one of the countries that receive a great amount of sunlight. This is one major source of renewable energy that the country could take advantage of. Using solar power is beneficial for the planet and economical for the electrical energy consumers. This is why Got Heart Shop decided to switch to using renewable energy source.

According to the shop owner, Mel Yeung, “We decided to go solar because we want to share the light of hope through sustainable social enterprises and green technology.” Today, the shop is entirely run by solar power.

DAKILA will organize the event on Saturday, March 23, 2013 in White Plains, Quezon City. The program will run from 8:00 to 9:30 pm. Some climate action advocates will gather in support of the call to address climate change. A renewable energy source will be used in the entire program with the help of SolarSolutions Inc.

For more info, contact Dakila at 4354309, 09238285454 or email mabuhay@dakila.org.ph

Press Release
21 March 2013
Dakila

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[Press Release] Urban poor to ERC: Not so fast -SANLAKAS

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Urban poor to ERC: Not so fast
March power hike to cost a kilo of rice a month, says activist group

sanlakas-logo2Ortigas, Pasig City – An urban poor group led by Sanlakas and the Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Tagalungsod (KPML) trooped in front of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) office at Ortigas to insist that ERC’s rejection of a petition to include stranded debts (SD) as part of the universal is not enough and that it should have rejected the petition on stranded contract cost (SCC) as well.

“If ERC thinks that it can already get away because it rejected the petition of Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) on stranded debts, it has to think twice. It is still guilty of passing to consumers an illegitimate claim on stranded contract costs,” Sanlakas Secretary-General Manjette Lopez said in a statement.

Republic Act 9146 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) defines stranded contract costs as the excess of the contracted cost of electricity under the contracts of National Power Corporation (NPC) with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) over the actual selling price of the contracted energy output of such contracts in the market. ERC allowed this week PSALM to claim as much as P53.58 billion worth of SCC from the consumers.

Electoral backlash

Sanlakas also claims that the disapproval of stranded debt petition after approving stranded contract costs “smacks of hypocrisy”.
“Rejecting the stranded debt petition gives credence to the argument that SCC should not be included in the universal charge. We suspect that the ERC backed off on stranded debts in order to protect its Liberal Party bosses from further backlash as we approach the 2013 elections,” Lopez claims.

Lopez said that ERC should instead probe PSALM’s failure to reduce NPC debts despite selling 80 percent of its generation assets and IPP supply contracts, as well as initiate another investigation on “onerous IPP contracts”.

A Kilo of Rice a Month

The urban poor group KPML on the other hand slammed ERC for “denying the urban poor a kilo of rice a month”, claiming that the ERC failed in its mandate to protect the consumers.
“The 19.38 centavos to be collected starting next month will cost us an additional P38.76 which is even more expensive than a kilo of rice which costs P35-P38 only,” said KPML.

The protesters dramatized their “disgust at the ERC sell-out of the poor’s interests” by holding a boodle-fight in front of the ERC office.

February 22, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Contact Person: Manjette Lopez, Sanlakas Secretary-General @ 0922-860-8863
Val De Guzman, Media Liaison @ 0919-965-7509

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[Press Release] Mall dev’t in Cavite stalled by community barricade -PM

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Mall dev’t in Cavite stalled by community barricade

market site barricade 2

pmLogo1Two bulldozers and two backhoes lie unused in a disputed lot near the municipal hall of GMA, Cavite as residents have barricaded their community to stop a mall from being built. For more than a week now some 60 families and vendors in Market Site, a depressed area, have been in protest at the planned eviction to give way to Lotus Mall.

Construction crew attempted to build a wall to enclose the development site but were resisted by the residents. In a confrontation last January 9, community leader Virginia Panahon was physically threatened using a bolo and also warned with arrest by the barangay captain. Since then residents and vendors have maintained a vigil to defend their community and livelihood.

Last December 18, some 100 residents and vendors marched from the Market Site to the municipal hall to demand a relocation site. Members of Samahan ng Naninirahan sa Market Sitewere joined by supporters from the Partido ng Manggagawa Coalition (PM Coalition) and Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino in the protest. The dialogue with an official of the office of Mayor Leonisa “Ona” Virata yielded no result.

“The people want social progress with social justice. We appeal to be treated as human beings not rags that can be thrown when not needed. If our community is to be demolished then we demand decent relocation and financial assistance,’ declared Ramil Cangayao of the Cavite chapter of PM Coalition.

Since July this year, the community residents have been holding protests and negotiations with the National Housing Authority, which owns the open space sold to Lotus Mall, and the administration of Mayor Virata. But residents complain that they are being given the runaround. On November 19, the Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution No. 0735-2012 approving the application of Lotus Mall to develop a commercial building at Market Site.

Cangayao added that “If there is any shred of good governance in the administration of Mayor Virata, then residents deserve transparency as to the local government’s plans about relocation. They keep on promising there is a relocation site but there are no details. We also want the implementation of the Office of the Court Administrators Circular No. 72-2003 mandating a financial assistance to relocatees amounting to 60 days times the minimum wage or a total of P19,628 per family.”

Press Release
January 19, 2013
Partido ng Manggagawa
Contact Ramil Cangayao @ 09499797400

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[Press Release] Teachers ask DEPED to expedite the release of bonus -TDC

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Teachers ask DEPED to expedite the release of bonus

TDCThe Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) calls on the Department of Education (DepEd) to release a department guidelines to implement the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for its more than 500, 000 employees this year. Last week the group staged a protest at the gates of the Budget Department to denounce the deliberate cutting down of their traditional P10, 000.00 productivity enhancement incentive (PEI) by half. The symbolic caroling was followed by a dialoigue with some DBM officials.

“The traditional year-end incentive amounting to P10, 000.00 which we also call P-Noy should be enhanced especially this year that the government employees face many challenges.” Said Caloocan teacher Benjo Basas who also the the group’s national chairperson.

Basas continued, “Until now, the DepEd has no clear guidelines to implement the order of the president contained in his EO No. 80 last July. Thus, the amount which we expect before Christmas may be delayed.”

The group is worried that the teachers and DepEd employees would not receive the PBB or even the PEI before Christmas due to time limitation.

For this year, teachers and government employees would be entitled to a PEI in the amount of P5, 000.00 and a performance-based bonus (PBB) that varies depending on the performance of the agency and the individual employee. Thus the PBB would range from P5, 000.00 for the good performing individuals in a good performing agency up to P35, 000.00 for the best performing individuals in the best performing agencies. Best performing agencies are those in the top 10% while the better performing are those in the next 25% and the good performing or actually the least performing agencies are those in the bottom 65 per cent.

The group however dismisses the PBB scheme for being unfair, divisive and deceptive and instead calls for an across the board incentive that according to them “will benefit all the government employees and public school teachers and could reach the supposed recipients on time.”

Previously, PEI is released to government employees before Christmas break. “But for this year, the guidelines to determine the performance of agencies was only released by the inter-agency task force (IATF) lead by DBM last November 12, the agencies, especially the Department of Education (DepEd) would have a hard time to comply with the complicated requirements to determine the eligibility of agencies and employees to the PBB.” Basas added.

The group reiterates their call to the DBM and President Aquino to defer the implementation of the PBB this year and instead provide the P10, 000.00 across-the-board PEI to all government employees.

“For this year, the PBB would not be practical. The president may opt to give us the 10, 000.00 PEI or even greater amount. He should play a Santa for his employees.” Basas ended.

For details: Benjo Basas, 0920-5740241/3853437

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:
• i-LIKE ang thumbnail/s ng iyong mga ibinoboto sa HRonlinePH facebook, i-share at
ikampanya.
• Bisitahin ang post sa HRonlinePH.com (links sa bawat thumbnail) at pindutin ang button sa
poll sa ilalim ng bawat nominadong post.
• Most number of the combined likes sa FB at sa poll buttons ang magiging 3rd HR Pinduteros
Choice na kikilalanin sa 2013 HR week celebration.

Makiisa sa pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon hinggil sa karapatang pantao. Pindot na!

WHAT IS 3RD HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE AWARDS? https://hronlineph.com/2013/10/01/3rd-human-rights-
pinduteros-choice-awards/

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[Event] HR Pinduteros and Pinduteras have spoken, 2nd Human Rights Pinduteros Choice are…

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2nd Pinduteros Choice winners. Photo by Active Vista

2nd HR Pinduteros Choice winners awarded during Human Rights Day 2012 Celebration and Active Vista HR Films Awards Night. Photo by Active Vista

Overview

2nd HR Pinduteros Choice Awards is an event that aims to contribute in promotion of human rights online while we give recognition to efforts of HR pinduteros.

Human Rights Online Philippines or HRonlinePH.com started last March of 2011 and was officially launched in December 1, 2011 at Crystal Ship Café in Quezon City.  The launch was highlighted by recognizing individuals and networks that contributed to the HRonlinePH.com’s initial success as an online community and resource on the country’s human rights condition through the 1st HR Pinduteros Awards.

More than a year after, as of December 2012 HRonlinePH.com has reached 283,598 hits or views.  Last October 2, 2012 (During Black Tuesday) and October 27, 2012 were its busiest days with 1,541 and 2,294 visitors respectively according to our statistics provided by wordpress.com, giving us an estimated average of 600 hits a day since its conception last year.

We are consistently ranking in the top 10 of the site TopBlogs.com.ph under the category politics, government and more. In fact as of December 9, 2012, we are ranked 3rd among other blogs. We have also reached 573 followers in facebook and 196 in twitter. We are also being visited by thousands of readers from other countries like the US, United Kingdom, Austria, our neighboring countries and more.

We may not be the best blog in the Philippines, but we are one of the most promising Human Rights online community of pinduteros right now!

2nd HR Pinduteros Choice Awards

In our fight against the present state of the Cybercrime prevention law, we will not be stopped in using the internet in informing, inspiring and mobilizing the netizens to our cause. We will defend internet freedom! Let our voices be heard.

In celebration of 2012 Human Rights Day and as a way to give thanks to HR Defenders who continued their support by patronizing and contributing online articles, photos, statement, press releases and other resources, HRonlinePH.com is awarding its 2nd HR Pinduteros Choice Awards.

The HR Pinduteros Choice Awards is an online event that aims to give recognition to human rights defenders’ online activities (Individuals and groups) that informed, inspired and mobilized the online readers to our common cause that is to promote, defend and assert human rights utilizing the internet as a tool.

Online polling and popularization of the event also hopes to contribute in increasing awareness and build up for the international HR day celebration every December 10, through encouraging the netizens to visit and learn more about human rights issues, campaigns and etc. posted and featured in different HR sites.

Human Rights Pinduteros is a name we coined during Dakila’s Digital Activism Training or DIGIBAK in 2011 referring to HR community of internet users, HR advocates and activists (as a network) that promote and defend HR and believe in HRonlinePH.com’s call to inform, inspire and mobilize our readers to our cause.

“2nd HR Pinduteros Choice Awards” aims to:

  1. Encourage active HR promotions and posting
  2. Recognize online efforts for human rights
  3. Promote HR activities online and offline
  4. Encourage more readers and patronage for HR sites and causes
  5. Give a glimpse on measures of effectivity and popularity of HR posts, campaigns, advocacies etc.

Recognitions/Categories for HRonlinePH pinduteros’ (readers’) choice 2012

  • HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR NETWORK‘S POSTS
  • HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR BLOGGER‘S POSTS
  • HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR BLOGSITE
  • HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR WEBSITE
  • HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR EVENT
  • HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR PHOTO
  • HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR VIDEOS
  • OFF THE SHELF -SPECIAL RECOGNITION
  • MOST CLICKED LITERARY POST -SPECIAL RECOGNITION
  • MOST CLICKED FEATURED SITE -SPECIAL RECOGNITION
  • POP ONLINE CAMPAIGN -SPECIAL AWARDS

 

Mechanics

Nominees were chosen from the top items per category posted in HRonlinePH.com based on the hits generated (site statistics) from the period of October 2011 to September 20, 2012.

Scores for winning posts were based on HRonlinePH.com statistics combined with an online voting/polling that was held from the period of October 2012 and ended in November 20, 2012 at the HRonlinePH.com FB page.

The Categories and winners

HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR NETWORK’S POSTS

This recognition goes to our networks of human rights defenders, NGOs, institutions and campaign centers that have their Press Releases, statements and articles submitted to HRonlinePH.com for posting and generated the most number of readers.

HR Pinduteros and Pinduteras have spoken. The HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR NETWORK’S POST is a Press Release about a protest against the proposed bill that recommends lowering the age of accountability for juvenile delinquents…

“House Bill 6052 Threatens Children’s Human Rights” 

by Children Legal Rights and Development Center (CLRD)

CLRD 

 

HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR BLOGGER’S POSTS

This recognition goes to the bloggers’ articles that generated the most number of readers in HRonlinePH.com.

The HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR BLOGGER’S POSTS is about a group of blogger’s opinion on tuition fee increase expressed in a comic strip…

“Tuition Fee Nakamamatay”

By Agaw Trip Komiks

Agaw trip komiks

HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR BLOGSITE

This recognition goes to HRonlinePH.com’s fellow pinduteros/pinduteras. A small community of human rights bloggers, digital activists and humanrights defenders that continuously utilize the internet for expressing their opinions, shared articles and promoted events and campaigns about human rights. Their links posted in HRonlinePH.com were the most clicked hr blog.

The HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR BLOGSITE is a blog which according to the author is about his simple way of joining the global chorus for the protection of human rights. His page welcomes lively, fruitful discussions, a platform for opinions, and an arena for constructive dialogues where we may all learn and share thoughts on human rights and our fundamental freedoms.

FREE ZONE by Dr. Renato Mabunga

(renatomabunga.wordpress.com)

Free Zone

HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR WEBSITE

This recognition goes to Human Rights websites that generated the most number of clicks from pinduteros in the HRonlinePH.com’s  “HR websites tub” where the list of HR websites can be found.

The HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR WEBSITE is an official site of a human rights institution established in 1991 it works with human rights research and information. It envisions a just, democratic, peaceful and prosperous Philippines founded on a culture of human rights and gender equity.

philrights.org

by Philippine Human Rights Information Center

PhilRights

HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR EVENT

This recognition goes to the most popular human rights events posted in HRonlinePH.com.

The HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR EVENT is about a human rights training held in November 5 to 12, 2012 in Tagaytay.   Its goal is to increase participants’ knowledge of international human rights laws and its mechanisms, domestic laws, legal remedies, and engage in critical reflection and inquiry and apply the same in their human rights education work, and discuss the role of human rights education in building a culture of human rights in their region, to share strategies and best practices and to encourage networking.

PIHRTPA 4thNational Human Rights Training Program

(NHRTP) 2012

NHRTP

HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR PHOTO

This recognition goes to HR Photos that caught the attention of HRonlinePH.com’s visitors.

The HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR PHOTO is a picture of a protest action against corporate greed.

“Images of protest action against Greed 3”

Photo by Bro. Martin Francisco

1protest-against-cutting-of-trees-baguio-by-bro-martin-francisco-copy

HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR VIDEOS

This recognition goes to a Video that tackles a human rights issue or campaign produced by HR groups and most viewed by our visitors.

The HR PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR PHOTO is an informative and educational video released during the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.  It informs the youth that during the Marcos years, there was dictatorship, there was revolution – a revolution enlisting the participation not of a few but by millions of Filipinos.

Ano bang alam mo tungkol sa Martial Law?

by Subversive Lives (Susan Quimpo)

Ano ba ang alam mo sa ML

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

 

OFF THE SHELF -SPECIAL RECOGNITION

OFF THE SHELF is a category in HRonlinePH.com featuring reading materials produced by Human Rights Groups and Individuals.  This recognition goes to the most popular resource material posted and shared in HRonlinePH.com.

Karapatan sa kalusugan by

Medical Action Group (MAG)

OFF THE SHELF karapatan-sa-kalusugan

MOST CLICKED LITERARY POST -SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Isa sa pinakapopular na artikulo sa HRonlinePH.com ay nakasulat sa wikang Pilipino.  Mula sa isang manunula, manunulat at aktibista, kinikilala natin ang tulang may pinakamaraming mambabasa.  MOST CLICKED LITERARY POST goes to…

Lahat ng tao’y may karapatan

by matangapoy.blogspot.com (Greg Bituin)

Greg

MOST CLICKED FEATURED SITE -SPECIAL RECOGNITION

One of HRonlinePH.com’s objective is to help promote HR sites through the featured site category.  This recognition goes to this year’s most clicked featured site. MOST CLICKED FEATURED SITE plays with humor and satire, the recognition goes to an opinionated site…

Agaw Trip Komiks sa FB

Agaw Trip Komiks logo

POP ONLINE CAMPAIGN -SPECIAL AWARDS

This recognition goes to the most effective and popular online campaign conducted this year.  An online campaign that was able to mobilized netizens in an online action day complementing an offline mass action. POP ONLINE CAMPAIGN is an online protest against the Anti-Cybercrime Law…

Black Tuesday – Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance

PIFA October 9 Black Tuesday 2 at SC Photo by PAHRA

[Statement] We urge President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III to immediately sign the bill into law -FIND

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[Today] November 23,2012, as we mark the 27th founding anniversary of FIND, we dedicate the soon-to-be law on enforced disappearance to the desaparecidos; thank the authors of the measure and all those who joined and supported us in pushing for its passage; and urge President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III to immediately sign the bill into law.

The bill seeks to institute effective mechanisms and processes of accountability. It is intended to help government prevent, suppress, investigate and penalize enforced disappearance and provide victims and their families reparation that includes pecuniary compensation, restitution and psychosocial rehabilitation.

The upcoming Republic Act makes enforced disappearance a special crime distinct from kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The law will allow the filing of an appropriate complaint—enforced disappearance—against public officers who arrest, detain or abduct a person but deny such act or conceal the fate and whereabouts of the victim. The recognition of the latter element (concealment) will facilitate prosecution despite the absence of the body of the victim.
The proposed penal law corrects the imbalance in the prosecution of private and public offenders. It has been extremely difficult to bring to justice perpetrators of enforced disappearance and other human rights violations as the offenders are government authorities who use their position and power to escape accountability. Thus, the proposed law provides for the preventive suspension or summary dismissal of government officials and personnel who, as a result of a preliminary investigation, are found to be perpetrators of enforced disappearance.
Worth noting, too, is the strengthening of sanction on command responsibility by holding a superior officer liable as a principal to the crime of enforced disappearance committed by his subordinates.

Also, persons who are charged with and/or guilty of enforced disappearance shall not benefit from any special amnesty law or similar measures that shall exempt them from penal proceedings and sanctions.

Moreover, the offenders’ criminal liability under the anti-enforced disappearance law shall be independent of their culpability under other distinct laws. Hence, a public officer who is already charged with arbitrary detention may still be accused of enforced disappearance if the detainee under his custody later involuntarily disappears.

Likewise, any investigation, trial or decision in any Philippine court or other agency for any violation of the enforced disappearance law shall be without prejudice to the same processes before an international court or agency under applicable international human rights and humanitarian laws.

These are some of the strong safeguards against enforced disappearance that should convince the President to immediately sign the anti-enforced or involuntary disappearance bill into law to show his administration’s condemnation of enforced disappearance and allied human rights violations and its commitment to end impunity.

PRESS STATEMENT 23 November 2012

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[Press Release] 24-hour global #DirtyWeather report starts online -The Climate Reality Project

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24-hour global #DirtyWeather report starts online

Manila, Philippines – Climate activists around the world decided to be united online to expose the realities of and solutions to the climate crisis through Internet broadcast by featuring news, voices, and multimedia content across all 24 time zones.

“Join us on November 15 at 9AM, Philippine time, until the next day for 24 Hours of Reality: The Dirty Weather Report. Broadcast live on the Internet, it’s an event that anyone can attend. And it’s your chance to join millions around the world to demand real solutions,” said climate leader Rodne Galicha, Philippine district manager of The Climate Reality Project (TCRP), a global movement founded by Nobel laureate and former United States vice president Al Gore.

Galicha, also of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), reiterated the call of TCRP for global action against dirty energy as it holds the second global event which started last year exposing the myths and deniers of climate reality and extreme weather conditions.

The global climate movement declared that dirty energy has created a world of Dirty Weather, “Today, climate disruption affects us all and it will take all of us together to solve it – join us in the Dirty Weather Report, when together we will stand up and demand real solutions to the climate crisis.”

“We must admit that we have been experiencing unusual and extreme weather conditions due to our careless and uncontrollable utilization of dirty energy like coal, oil and gas which in effect produces a lot of greenhouse gases trapping a lot of extra heat rising up the temperature of our planet,” said human ecologist and TCRP climate leader Floro Francisco, former assistant general manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

Franciso explained that extreme heat accelerates evaporation and warm air holds more moisture increasing more water vapor in the atmosphere resulting to an increase of rainfall.

“Extreme weather conditions means longer and deeper droughts killing crops and livelihoods, even people; more intense typhoons, heavy rainfall resulting to flooding and mudslides,” said disaster risk reduction specialist and TCRP climate leader Miguel Magalang, executive director of Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MACEC) with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boac.

For Magalang, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation initiatives should not be standalone ones but should form integral part of an integrated and sustainable development framework. Coming up with a convergent institutional framework in the local governments that would push for the whole sustainable development platform is necessary.

“We have to live with bad weather sometimes through adaptation but there is a need to mitigate further disasters caused by dirty weather. Human beings can leave dirty energy and switch to clean ones such as solar, wind and hydropower,” Magalang said.

“Filipinos cannot solve the climate crisis alone – it must be a global action, together. Countries with high-level carbon emissions like the United States must lead in this global change through deeper emission cuts,” said lawyer and TCRP climate leader Persida Rueda-Acosta, chief of the Public Attorney’s Office.

Acosta made it clear that climate justice is being sought in the 24-hour event. Whatever adaptation and mitigation poor, developing or smaller states are doing if larger and overly-consuming countries continue to exploit the natural resources of the powerless using more dirty energy, continuously polluting our water and air, heating up our climate – this crisis will still continue until it becomes too late to save the only planet we have.

Leading the event will be TCRP Chairman Al Gore, joining the opening of the event on November 15 at 9AM (PH time) and conclude with a presentation on November 16 at 8AM (PH time) in New York, USA. In the Philippines, live broadcast via internet are scheduled in Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod, Frendz Resort in the beach island paradise of Boracay, Aklan. Interested viewers are advised to check the details at http://www.facebook.com/groups/climate.ph.

In preparation for next week’s Climate Change Consciousness Week initiated by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), TCRP is requesting all Filipinos who have access to the internet to watch the global event to understand fully the need for a united effort to address the most pressing crisis the world is facing today. The 24-hour event will be discussed and analyzed next week in a series of activities like the ‘Climate and Mining Film Showing’ in Marinduque on November 19 and CCC’s GREENERATION: National Gathering for Youth Empowerment Program in Manila on November 22.

“Most of all, we want to hear from you – anytime during these 24 hours – gather your friends, family or loved one, we’ll ask you to sign a pledge and join a global movement to demand action. Visit our website http://www.climaterealityproject.org, use #DirtyWeather in Twitter and join the social media conversation; make connections, and send us your ideas. Find out how we can, and we must, solve the climate crisis — and how you can help,” Galicha reiterated TCRP’s global call.

Founded and chaired by Al Gore, Nobel Laureate and former Vice President of the United States, The Climate Reality Project helps citizens around the world discover the truth about the climate crisis and take meaningful steps to bring about change. Our mission is to reveal the complete truth about the climate crisis in a way that ignites the moral courage in each of us.

The Climate Reality Project employs cutting-edge communications and grassroots engagement tools to break the dam of inaction and raise the profile of the climate crisis to its proper state of urgency. With a global movement more than 2 million strong and a grassroots network of Climate Leaders trained by Chairman Al Gore, we stand up to denial, press for solutions, and spread the truth about climate change to empower our leaders to solve the climate crisis.

CONTACT:
Rodne Galicha, The Climate Reality Project – Philippine District Manager
+63-905-2850700, kalikasan101@gmail.com
http://www.Facebook.com/groups/climate.ph
http://www.climaterealityproject.org

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[Appeal] Letter of concern regarding the investigations and processes undertaken by PNP and PA in the Capion killings -PAHRA

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GEN. NESTOR FAJURA
Chief, Human Rights Affairs Office
Philippine National Police
COL. ERICK PARAYNO
Chief, Human Rights Office,
Philippine Army

November 5, 2012

Sir,

Warm greetings.

With due respect to the Kiblawan Philippine National Police (PNP) Progress Spot Reports and the Press Release of the 10th Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army (PA), the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) would like to express its concern regarding the investigations and processes undertaken by both institutions.

PAHRA fears a possible suppression of data and glossing over of possible human rights violations and criminal liabilities by the 10th ID, PA and the Kiblawan PNP on what actually transpired in the Kiblawan Massacre last October 18, 2012 due to either lack of due diligence, thoroughness or transparency in their investigations and institutional procedures.

Comparing the results from the Fact-Finding Mission conducted by civil society and human rights defenders led by the Diocese of Marbel Social Action Center, the Kiblawan PNP Spot Reports and the 10th ID, PA Press Release, PAHRA’s analysis, among others, showed major discrepancies which could be vital to verifying what really happened in that bloody fateful day that killed Jordan and John Mark Capion y Malid and their mother, Juvy Capion y Malid, who was 2-3 months pregnant. These discrepancies were neither addressed in the PNP Progress Spot Reports nor in the Press Release.

A Philippine Army unit led by 1Lt. Dante Jimenez from the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, unaccompanied by any police, was supposed to serve a warrant of arrest against Daquil Capion. Closing in on the Capion family farm hut, which was located in the midst of an open field, four dispatched soldiers were “fired upon by shooters from the direction of the house prompting them to also return fire.”1 According to the Press Release, presumably based on the 6-page report and/or transcript of the PA Board of Inquiry, “there were 43 bullet entry holes on the hut alone but, based on the spot report, only 19 bullets were expended by the troops. However, the result of the investigation did not determine as to whose bullets killed the victims.”2

The above statement on ammunition expended by the troops insinuates that the difference of 23 bullet entry holes are coming from unknown sources firing at the Capion hut. There is no mention, much less an explanation, of these entry holes which exceeded the expended bullets in the Press Release. Were there other armed elements with the unit of 1Lt. Jimenez who fired at the Capion hut but whose weapons have not be accounted for? Why is he and his men not forthcoming about this fact? Is this a preparation of the public mind that, though fire-testing would still be conducted, the bullets that killed Juvy Capion and her two children did not come from his unit’s weapons and thus mitigate, if not absolve, 1Lt. Jimenez and his men?

When the police finally arrived at the scene of the tragedy, there was nothing in the progress spot report released3 by Arnold Bacaling Absin, Kiblawan Chief of Police, about the number of entry holes nor of any collection of 19 empty bullet casings supposedly expended by the army unit within the perimeter covered by the soldiers during the alleged exchange of fire.

In both the PA Press Release and the PNP Progress Spot Reports, there is obviously a lack of extraordinary due diligence and thoroughness in the investigation especially to do justice for the Capion deaths. Nowhere are the positions and movements of the contesting armed parties and that of the unarmed wife and children during the supposedly exchange of fire. There is just an over-all statement that the soldiers were “fired upon by shooters from the direction of the house prompting them to also return fire.

Was there any reason that justified the soldiers for firing into the part of the house or area that killed Juvy and her children? No bullet casings were found in that part of the hut to prove that gunfire was emanating from there to provoke retaliatory fire. Perhaps there were none in the first place. One sure thing was clear when relatives of the Capion family and the police arrived at the hut.

The place where the Capion’s bodies laid was already cleaned by the soldiers. Why?
Is this to pre-empt any possible damaging testimony that a survivor witness child4 could give regarding the supposed firefight?

It is strange that an Army Officer who has taken on himself the police power, perhaps wrongly, to serve a warrant of arrest had not obligated himself in implementing Command Responsibility both as Military and Police in preserving evidence. Rather, evidence, not without an order from and/or acquiescence by 1Lt. Jimenez, was tainted and destroyed by his men. This was not a “lapse of judgment” but a deliberately willed violation of the rule of law.

Instead of enhancing Command Responsibility, what seems to have happened is a Command Conspiracy between 1Lt. Jimenez and his men against the human and legal rights of the Capion family.

Has the Board of Inquiry (BOI) taken these facts into serious consideration in concluding that it was just a “tactical lapse” or “a lapse of judgment” on the part of 1Lt. Jimenez when evidences that could prove contrary to his action have been destroyed? If the latter action was disclosed to the BOI, did 1Lt. Jimenez include the detail that a relative witnessed the soldiers starting to remove the slain bodies and put them on the ground. And that they were strongly advised by the same relative: “ayaw lang ninyo ipababa, kay pamilya lang niya ang maghipos” (don’t put the bodies to the ground just let the families do it). Is this a failed case of internalization of a people-centered orientation of the AFP?

Furthermore, the dead body of Jordan was seen by the same witness lying face down on the ground a few meters away from the house where his mother and younger brother were slain. Details of the scene showed that Jordan was already taking his coffee when he was shot. Was Jordan not seen by the soldiers in their approach to the hut? Did the command and the soldiers care at all even if Jordan was seen at all before the former opened fire at the direction of the hut?

Why have the police not mentioned the foregoing facts in any of their Progress Spot Reports5 and followed up such evidences and diligently obtained the testimonies of witnesses?
Are the omissions deliberately paving the way to a cover-up as to whether there really has been an “encounter” or truth in the statement that soldiers were “fired upon by shooters from the direction of the house prompting them to also return fire.”6?

There is now an opportunity to move forward the paradigm shift of our security forces, particularly the 10th ID, PA, and the Kiblawan Police towards the primacy of human rights.
The Human Rights Officers of the concerned level of PA and PNP command should evaluate and report on the incidence from a human rights perspective. Such action would help in the internalization of human rights and international humanitarian law, and ultimately, the Rules of Engagement. If none of the HR Officers had been present in the sessions of the BOI, they should be invited to the General Court Marshall.

For the sake of transparency and justice, both for the Capion family, and for 1Lt. Dante Jimenez and his men, the Philippine Army should make available to the public the transcript and the 6-page report of the PA Board of Inquiry.

PAHRA suggests that in the coming conduct of a General Court Marshall, the Philippine Army should invite, in this case, the surviving witness and his guardian, counselor and legal counsel, as well as witnesses and their counsels in a converging effort to break impunity.

Thank you very much for your kind and objective consideration of this letter of concern. In no way may this note be construed other than ensuring the convergence of our efforts to realize what the 10th ID has in its website banner: “Sa Sundalo [at sa Pulis] Katungod Protektado?.

Justice and dignity for us all,

Max M. de Mesa
Chairperson, PAHRA

CC:
PSupt. Arnold Bacaling Absin
Chief PNP, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur

BGen Yerson E. Depayso
Human Rights Officer, 10th ID

Col. Manuel Felino Ramos
Human Rights Officer, 10th ID, 2 BDE

Maj. Gerald Monfort
Human Rights Officer, 27th IB

Gen. Domingo Tutaan, Jr.
Head, AFP Human Rights Office

Hon. Manuel Roxas, Jr.
Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government

Hon. Loreta Ann P. Rosales
Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights

Hon. Manuel Mamauag
CHRP Focal Commissioner for Mindanao

Atty. Jacquelyn Mejia
Executive Secretary, Commission on Human Rights

Atty. Christina Haw-Tay Jovero
Director, CHR Region 12

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.

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