Tag Archives: Quezon City

[Statement] On the Killing of Transpinay Jennifer Laude -QCPC

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Statement on the Killing of Transpinay Jennifer Laude
Quezon City Pride Council (QCPC)
www.qcpridecouncil.com

Photo from QC Pride Council

Photo from QC Pride Council

Every human life is precious.

Jennifer Laude had lived a life of courage and strength embracing her gender identity as a Woman of Transgender experience. Last Oct 11, 2014, Jennifer was found dead at 11:45PM in a motel room severely beaten before being killed. The autopsy report revealed that she died from “asphyxia by drowning” and that the transgender woman’s body showed contusions and blood clots on the scalp, chest, arms and legs. Police investigators reported that she had cuts and bruising on her head and neck, including a cut on her tongue, bruising around her eyes and cheekbones, and abrasions on her left forearm and right leg. Furthermore, police described the killing as a “crime of hatred,” when the suspect, US Marine Pvt. 1st Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, “discovered that his sex partner was a gay (sic).”

QC Pride Council

A death perpetuated by hate. Hate perpetuated by Transphobia. Transphobia perpetuated by a myriad of issues, including but not limited to ignorance, economic situation, prejudice, and lack of respect.

A senseless ending of a beautiful life. ..

Even more disturbing is the reality that Transgender people lived in. Facing discrimination, prejudice and violence, Transpinays had to go through life risking their lives.

QCPC prides itself as a body that upholds the rights and celebrate the lives of LGBT people. As a steward of human dignity, We envision Quezon City as the most open and welcoming city that protects and promote the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons by promoting cultural, economic, environmental, educational and spiritual events without prejudice and discrimination.

QCPC’s unwavering efforts on education regarding LGBT concepts and issues hopes to combat ignorance and prejudice. Our livelihood programs targeted to LGBT people hopes to alleviate economic gap and lack of access to employment. Lastly, the recently passed Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill in Quezon City aims to uphold the individuality and lives of LGBT people.

With QCPC and everyone’s effort we truly hope to live a hate free society that values human dignity and human life. There will be no other Jennifer Laude, no other LGBT persons, Not in Quezon City, not in my beloved country.

ABOUT QCPC

Quezon City Pride Council (QCPC) was constituted to oversee the integration of all city programs and projects for the LGBTs (lesbian, gays, bisexual, and transgender) community. QCPC, created by Mayor Herbert Bautista thru an office order, was formally launched March 25, 2013 to highlight the city government’s continuing support for the implementation and enforcement of gender-based policies, programs and activities.

The QC Pride Council is a pioneering initiative of the QC local government and the first of its kind in the country. Learn More.

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.

[People] Searching for abused children and Yolanda orphans. By Fr. Shay Cullen

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Searching for abused children and Yolanda orphans
By Fr. Shay Cullen
Mobile No: Sun +639228768621, Globe +63 917 627 4910

Immediately after the typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the strongest typhoon ever to hit land on 8 November this year, I wrote an article titled “The Lost Orphans of Yolanda” on 12 November in the knowledge that the children without parents are the most vulnerable to abuse, abduction, malnutrition and human trafficking. Hungry children go wandering off in search of food their parents cannot provide and you see them at city street corners begging and asking strangers for money.

325-fr-shay-cullen

That article on the orphans was based on the initial report that as many as ten thousand people had been killed by the storm surge and high winds and flying debris. The confirmed death toll has reached 6,500 dead and more bodies are uncovered as the debris is gradually removed. It was expected that there would be many homeless, hungry and orphaned children. They tend to be overlooked in the chaos that follows a great storm or disaster.

It was published in several newspapers and online and flew around the world via the internet and seemingly had its desired effect to alert the agencies, government and non-government agencies helping children in the disaster area of Yolanda to be on the lookout for homeless and abandoned orphaned children. Preda Foundation cares for almost 90 children in residential care and fifty in after care and did not have the resources for an immediate relief response until donations began arriving. Then we immediately set off to the disaster areas to assess the damage and the needs of children and learn how best we could help.

The article seemed to ignite a flurry of concern and press releases and stories about the dangers these vulnerable children faced. This may have had a preventive educational impact, I hope so. According to the DSWD Regional Director Bonoan, no orphaned children have been found, and none came into her Manila based evacuation centers. Preda social workers worked there and did not find any orphans there either. However, there are three posters appealing for information about missing children, one as young as 3 years old. Likewise in the Cebu evacuation center which we also visited, none were found according to the officer in charge. In Tacloban, reportedly there were none either, other than one family of five taken by the Council for Inter-county Adoption to an orphanage in Quezon City.

However, with 6500 people dead, it’s highly unusual that no children have been found homeless and orphaned. Perhaps relatives have taken them into their care already as informal fostering and undocumented adoption is customary. Perhaps, the fact that local government is so overwhelmed with so many other problems, they cannot cope or even know if there are orphaned children being sheltered by other families. The greatest concern is the vulnerability of boys and girls to local pimps and recruiters and foreign paedophiles disguised as government officials or charity workers.

Kandy is a 15 year-old victim of human trafficking from Samar. Before the typhoon, her parents fled the poverty and brought her and her sister, 20 years old, to Metro Manila but left them with an auntie and returned to Samar. Her sister Karina was lured to Limay, Bataan, a port, and she was ensnared in a videoke sex bar. The recruiter trafficker then texted Kandy inviting her to come and work in a bakery, she was given advance money and then to pay it off, she was forced to work in another sex videoke bar at Pexsite. Intimidated and scared, she went and was offered as a live-partner to a Korean. She ran away from this sex-slavery but because of debts, she had to go back to another videoke bar. A concerned citizen texted Preda’s hot line and within two days, Preda social workers and legal officer rescued her. She is finding a new life of dignity now at Preda home for trafficked girls. The Preda legal officer filed the criminal charges. The trafficker was arrested and is facing arraignment in Balanga, Bataan, Regional Trial Court.

Many people may know of abducted or recruited children or see trafficking or abuse happening but are afraid to report it or have no one to trust to whom they can safely and anonymously report it and get immediate action. What Preda Foundation does best is immediate response and through its highly trained personnel, it can do undercover surveillance and research on the one hand, and give public community training to develop awareness and trust in communities and empower women and children to report human trafficking and abuse of any kind through texting to the hotline mobile number +63 917 532 4453. The one utility back on in most disaster hit areas is the mobile phone systems.

Besides giving relief foods and seeds to farmers, we need to give this public education and empowerment training seminars to parents and youth on the dangers of falling for the offers of traffickers and spread the message through radio, seminars and puppet shows and distribute information cards with the contact information and hotline number.

This way, the people knowing about trafficked children or adults can report it without fear of retaliation or threats. It’s important to involve the local officials and train and hire local youth to take on the preventive educators’ job and continue the empowerment and information project. The feedback to the Preda coordinator of any trafficking or child abuse will be met with an immediate response. The hotline number for reporting trafficking or child abuse of any kind is +63 917 532 4453. We can make this a better world for children at risk.

Donations: Preda Foundation, Metrobank, Rizal Ave., Olongapo Bank Account 144-2-14403962-3, Swift code MBTCPHMM

shaycullen@preda.org , http://www.preda.org
Mobile No: Sun +639228768621, Globe +63 917 627 4910

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[Press Release] Hundreds of cyclists demand passage and implementation of human rights laws -AIPh

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Hundreds of cyclists demand passage and implementation of human rights laws

Photo grabbed from AIph FB

Photo grabbed from AIph FB

 

More than a thousand participants of the Amnesty International Philippines’ Bike for Rights PadyaKarapatan 2013 cycled through 7 cities of Metro Manila reminding the Aquino administration and the 16th Congress of their obligation to enact and implement legislation necessary for protecting human rights of Filipino citizens.

AI small

The 78-kilometer Bike for Rights which is now on its 19th year carried the theme ‘Sampung Tanong ng Bayan sa Pamahalaang Aquino at Kongreso’ reiterating the 10 Point Human Rights Legislative Agenda of Amnesty International Philippines and its previous calls and demands upon the Aquino government.

“Before the 2010 and 2013 elections, Amnesty International presented its Philippine Human Rights Agenda to the candidates and promises were subsequently made. As the year ends, we ask 10 questions – ‘Sampung Tanong ng Bayan sa Pamahalaang Aquino at Kongreso’ – to remind the Aquino government and the 16th Congress about important human rights agenda which they need to act upon immediately starting 2014,” explained Dr. Aurora A. Parong, Director of Amnesty International Philippines.

The 10 questions highlighted, among others, the need for Congressional oversight in the implementation of the Anti-Torture Law, ratification of the International Convention on Enforced disappearances, amendment of the Witness Protection Program, review of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and repeal of discriminatory laws against women, gender and ethnic minorities, as well as the strengthening of the Commission on Human Rights through the adoption of its Charter.

Amnesty International recognizes that many good laws for the protection of human rights were enacted in recent years. Yet the organization is deeply concerned on the continuing crimes and abuses as well as the failure of the Philippine criminal justice system to ensure that justice is served fairly and without delay to victims of human rights violations. Impunity exists, perpetrators of crimes and human rights abuses are not prosecuted and justice is not served to the victims and their families.

“Our laws penalize killings, torture and other human rights violations, however, the killings continue, torture continues, and enforced disappearances remain realities in our country. Three journalists were killed during the past of two weeks. Perpetrators of these killings and abuses get away with their crimes. The good laws do not positively impact on people’s lives,” added Dr. Parong.

Three journalists were killed in the last two weeks – Rogelio Butalid was shot dead in Tagum City on Wednesday while Michael Milo of Tandag City and Jash Dignos of Valencia City was killed on 29 November according to news sources.

Amnesty International reminds the Philippine government to work towards better governance, at the national, provincial and municipal levels, by combating impunity within their jurisdiction. The criminal justice system must be made to work effectively towards penalizing perpetrators of abuses to end impunity and prevent extra judicial killings, unlawful arrests, secret detention, enforced disappearances, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

“Amnesty International Philippines calls on the Aquino government to take immediate steps to diligently implement pro-human rights laws and enhance our system of laws by acting on the10 points human rights agenda within the 16th Congress.” concluded the Director.

The Bike for Rights: PadyaKarapatan 2013 culminates Amnesty International Philippines’ celebration the 65th year of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The cycling event started in Quezon City traversing though Marikina, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay, Manila and back to the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

The complete Amnesty International’s Legislative Agenda to the 16th Congress can be downloaded here: bit.ly/legagenda16th

Amnesty International Philippines
Press Release
15 December 2013

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[Event] 1st PHBS Health Bloggers Meet -PHBS

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1st PHBS Health Bloggers Meet

1st PHBS Health Bloggers Meet

December 14, 2013
Time7:00am until 6:00pm
Trimona Healthy Dining, 112 Anonas Ext., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

The Philippine Health Bloggers Society (PHBS) in cooperation with HealthActivist.ph and @IYCPilipinas present the PHBS Health Bloggers Meet this coming December 14, 2013 (Saturday) in Quezon City featuring speakers Ana Santos, Grace Nicolas, and Alvin Dakis (IYC PH Chair).

Please contact Jofti Villena 0949-535-3494 or Janina Santos at 0905-416-7233 should you wish to attend. The event is for FREE.

Register @https://www.facebook.com/events/249768371848531/?source=1

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[Press Release] Rights groups hold nationwide candle lighting for Yolanda Victims on International Human Rights Day -TFDP

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Rights groups hold nationwide candle lighting for Yolanda Victims on International Human Rights Day
Call on government to prioritize the rights of victims and stop politicking

TFDP Visayas and other HRDs LightUP4 Yolanda Victims LightUP4 Rights on December 10 Human Rights Day in Cebu

TFDP Visayas and other HRDs LightUP4 Yolanda Victims LightUP4 Rights on December 10 Human Rights Day in Cebu

In commemoration of the International Human Rights Day of 2013, human rights groups held nationwide solidarity candle lighting in several parts of the country, for victims of typhoon Yolanda and other natural disasters and victims of human rights violations.

“We devote today’s comemoration of International Human Rights Day for all those who suffered and continue to suffer the result of climate change and environmental destruction caused by greed, development aggression and government neglect,” said Emmanuel Amistad, Executive Director of the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP).

While the group extends their heartfelt solidarity to all victims, they are also calling on government leaders to prioritize the needs of the victims and refrain from politicking.

“We Light UP for Yolanda Victims, we Light Up for Human Rights, dahil higit sa lahat ay dapat unahin ng pamahalaan ang kapakanan ng mga taong nasalanta kaysa pagpapabida. Dapat matauhan na ang mga kurap na pulitiko at tigilan na ang pamumulsa ng pondo ng bayan at ilaan sa dapat nitong puntahan. Dahil dapat Tao muna! Hindi tubo at kita, dahil dapat tao muna hindi pamumulitika at pabida,” Amistad added.

“Although our fellow Filipinos in disaster stricken areas, especially in Leyte needs all the help, relief and support we can provide, it will not be enough to solve the problems. Other future disasters will come and if the government will not be serious and sincere in performing its duty to protect its people instead of profit and corruption, all these will just be repeated,” Amistad said.

In Visayas, members of TFDP and its allies from the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) held their “Light UP 4 Yolanda Victims, Light UP 4 Rights,” at the University of the Philippines Cebu. “We light candles in solidarity for all victims of climate disaster, mining and other profit driven development projects that does not benefit the people, instead harm them and lead to violations of their human rights.”

In Mindanao, human rights defenders, TFDP, PMCJ and Freedom from Debt Coalition together with other social and climate activists led the candle lighting activities in Centennial Park, San Pedro Street, Davao City. Candle lighting activities at Bukidnon, Surigao Del Sur and Iligan were also held simultaneously.

LightUP4 Yolanda, LightUP4 Rights, in Davao. Photo by TFDP Mindanao

LightUP4 Yolanda, LightUP4 Rights, in Davao. Photo by TFDP Mindanao

According to the group they are also dedicating the solidarity candle lighting for victims of Zamboanga siege, Bohol and Cebu Earthquake, and other natural and manmade disasters that devastated our peoples and communities. Saying, “We hope we can help inspire them to stand up and we are with them in struggling to regain what has been damaged and lost from them.”

Youth and students in several universities also gave their solidarity LightUP activity. Students from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde participated in the Quezon City Memorial Circle LightUP activity. Members of Youth for Rights (Y4R) and Teatro Kahimanawari of Marikina Polytechnic University held their candle lighting in front of Marikina City Hall Freedom Park. Others participated in the online solidarity in the social networking site Facebook.

In Quezon City, more than 300 members of the Philipppine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), Amnesty International – Philippines and Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), held the LightUP for Yolanda Victims, LightUP4 Rights activity at the fountain area in Quezon City Memorial Circle.

The group lamented that “Sa kulang-kulang na pamamahala, Tao ang kawawa.” The group also reminded PNoy of his obligation to issue a National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) in compliance with the recommendation of the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council. ###

For more details pls contact:
Egay Cabalitan
TFDP Advocacy Staff
Mobile: 09288443717; Office: 9950246
Email: egay.advocacytfdp@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE
December 10, 2013

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[Press Release] EU supports human rights groups to protect human rights defenders

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EU supports human rights groups to protect human rights defenders

The European Union (EU) provides financial support to two national human rights groups namely the Medical Action Group (MAG) and the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) worth Php 25 million in their work for the protection of human rights defenders and in their fight against impunity in the Philippines.

MAG TFDP

On December 10, during the celebration of 65th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 14th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, MAG and TFDP announces a 3-year project supported by the EU to provide support for and strengthen protection of human rights defenders and their families.

Dubbed “Use of Evidence Based Approach to Human Rights Documentation and Monitoring for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and their Families, and in the Fight Against Impunity”, the project will be implemented by MAG and TFDP. A key component in engendering this approach is the use of evidence based approach to human rights documentation and monitoring for the protection of human rights defenders at risk and their families.

Protection and supporting human rights defenders is a “long established element of the EU’s human rights policy” and has long been a priority for the EU. The main international instrument on human rights defenders is the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/defenders/declaration.htm Likewise, the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cmsUpload/16332-re01.en08.pdf which “provide for interventions by the Union for human rights defenders at risk and suggest practical means of supporting and assisting human rights defenders.”

The Declaration defines a human rights defender as anyone who, individually or with others, working for the promotion and protection of human rights. At present, one of the issues facing human rights defenders is that they are often perceived by the government as, among others, “enemies of the State”, “terrorists” and “members of armed groups”.

This project aims to provide support for human rights defenders so that they can work safely and effectively, free from intimidation and reprisals. Likewise, the project will be implemented in key provinces/cities in the Philippines where human rights violations are rampant, and where human rights defenders have become targets of rights violations themselves by authorities, mining corporations and private landowners because of their work in exposing human rights abuses and support victims of human rights violations to seek redress.

The project has several major components: documentation and reporting of human rights violations cases; supporting human rights defenders and their families; legal action; capacity building; education and; advocacy and lobby.
For more information, please contact:

Jerbert M. Briola, Project Officer
Medical Action Group
129-D Matatag Street, Barangay Central, Quezon City
Mobile phone no. +63915-9629237
E-mail address: mag.1982@magph.org
jerbertph@yahoo.com

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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.

[Event] 1st PHBS Health Bloggers Meet -healthactivist.ph

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1st PHBS Health Bloggers Meet

1st PHBS Health Bloggers Meet

Saturday, December 14, 2013
Time7:00am until 6:00pm
Trimona Healthy Dining, 112 Anonas Ext., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

The Philippine Health Bloggers Society (PHBS) in cooperation with HealthActivist.ph and @IYCPilipinas present the PHBS Health Bloggers Meet this coming December 14, 2013 (Saturday) in Quezon City featuring speakers Ana Santos, Grace Nicolas, and Alvin Dakis (IYC PH Chair).

Please contact Jofti Villena 0949-535-3494 or Janina Santos at 0905-416-7233 should you wish to attend. The event is for FREE.

Visit and like healthactivist.ph @ https://www.facebook.com/healthactivist.ph

Join the event, register @https://www.facebook.com/events/249768371848531/

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] PERSONALAN NA! Isang daang araw na ang nagdaan, pangatawanan ang tuwid na daan, panagutin lahat ng kawatan! -#ScrapPorkNetwork

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PERSONALAN NA! Isang daang araw na ang nagdaan, pangatawanan ang tuwid na daan, panagutin lahat ng kawatan!
A CALL TO UNITY ON DECEMBER 6, 2013

100-day-protest. Extracted from http://scrapporknetwork.com/

100-day-protest. Extracted from http://scrapporknetwork.com/

Source: scrapporknetwork.com

A year of unprecedented natural and man-made disasters, a display of unparalleled corruption are what most Filipinos will remember of the year 2013.

On the one hand, reports of massive corruption, of people toying around with billions of pesos of our money — and a government preoccupied with defending the infrastructure that props up these wrongs. On the other, millions of survivors of disasters reeling from their loss and the balance of the population struggling to fill the vacuum in government services.

scrap pork network

The deaths, injuries and scale of destruction highlight the gaps in disaster reduction and management that an efficient budget process and exercise of fiscal responsibility could have plugged.

What we have, however, is a system that diverts too much public funds to Pork: the whole-scale award of state monies to institutions and official positions and the assigning of vast discretionary powers that often place them beyond the pale of accountability.

‘Walang personalan?’ Hindi po. No Filipino has been spared the direct impact of the corruption bred by pork. Personalan na! Walang Pilipino na ligtas sa epekto ng korupsyon.

The Scrap Pork Network believes there can be no piecemeal approach to the eradication of pork. Thus, our three main calls (1) Scrap the pork barrel system. 2) Account for all funds spent. 3) Investigate and punish ALL who misuse pork.

December 6 marks 100 days since the surrender of Janet Napoles, a major conduit for diverted pork funds. No case has yet reached the Sandiganbayan. Very few from the huge cast detailed in special PDAF audit have been charged for the loss of public funds. Nor has the public been shown detailed accounting of pork spending outside of 2007 to 2009.

The Supreme Court has recently declared the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) as illegal; a move which we certainly welcome. However, this only comprises a small fraction of “pork”, which plagues our nation.

Year after year, grassroots calls for improvement in government service have been met with one excuse: lack of funds. The billions of pesos that are just the tip of the pork iceberg show the real story: Pork and its accompanying corruption steal funds that could have improved people’s lives.

We, the #ScrapPork Network, a network composed of many different groups, as well as many unaffiliated individuals—students, activists, economists, faith-based leaders, young workers, artists, businesspeople, educators, together with other groups and individuals, are calling on all Filipinos to join us on at 4pm on December 6 to point to the failure of the Ombudsman to file cases within 100 days of Napoles’ surrender. And to call the government to account for its inadequate response to the disaster brought about by typhoon Yolanda.

We are also calling for concerned citizens all over the Philippines and even in different parts of the globe to join us at 5:00pm on December 6th in giving voice to our call to demand for systemic change.

Program:
4:00pm— Assembly and program at the Office of the Ombudsman
5:00pm— Noise barrage and united raising of the Philippine Flag
5:15pm— Torchlight Walk from the Office of the Ombudsman to Quezon City Memorial Circle
6:15pm— Program for Yolanda survivors at Quezon City Memorial Circle

[Event] PERSONALAN NA! (100 Days Deadline) By Million People March to Scrap Pork Barrel

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PERSONALAN NA! (100 Days Deadline)
By Million People March to Scrap Pork Barrel

Scrap pork Network Personalan na

100 araw na ang nagdaan, patunayan ang tuwid na daan, panagutin lahat ng kawatan!
Ibasura ang Pork Barrel System!
Ilatag lahat ng pinagkagastusan!

Dec 6, 2013 4pm, Ombudsman Building, Agham Road, Diliman, QC. At 5pm, the 100 Days’ deadline, there will be a NOISE BARRAGE (bring bells, cymbals, tambourine, gongs, etc.), followed by a march (carrying our torches, candles, laser swords, lanterns, anything that lights up) towards Quezon Memorial Circle where we will hold a program. Wherever you are, feel free to hold a parallel/simultaneous event! Please invite and share!

This is a #ScrapPork Network event to support 100 Days’ Countdown to Justice https://www.facebook.com/events/565677033491951/

LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/ScrapPork

http://scrapporknetwork.com/scrappork-network-unity-statement/
scrapporknetwork@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MillionPeopleMarchForum/

https://www.facebook.com/events/386097468189389/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

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.

[Event] 3rd HR Pinduteros’ Awards on December 2, 2013, 7:00PM, at KALAYAAN BISTRO GRILL, #106 Kalayaan Road, Diliman, Quezon City

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pinduteros choice poster teaser copy

Dear fellow human rights defender,

Greetings from the Human Rights Online Philippines!

“Internet Freedom… Our right, Our choice, Our voice.”

For the third time, the Human Rights Online Philippines or HRonlinePH.com https://hronlineph.com/ will give recognition to human rights defenders who, individually or with others, work to promote and defend human rights by using the online platforms.

On 2nd December, HRonlinePH in partnership with the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) http://fma.ph/ will hold the 3rd Human Rights (HR) Pinduteros’ Choice Awards, which give recognition to exceptional individuals and organizations in recognition of their achievement in defending all human rights through online and offline.

Bringing HR Pinduteros to life….HRonlinePH knows that as good as its site content might be, its impact would be solely dependent on the number of readers, number of hits, number of generated feedbacks, and motivating those readers to become regular readers. HRonlinePH turned its focus to increasing ease of access to site content through effective and systematic use of social media tools and by consolidating selected groups of bloggers, writers and human rights defenders, through the HR Pinduteros, who all work to protect and defend all human rights.

The 3rd HR Pinduteros’ Choice Awards is an opportunity not only to give recognition to the work and achievements of HR Pinduteros, but also to participate and to join the public in celebration of the International Human Rights Week.

We would like to invite you to join us at the 3rd HR Pinduteros’ Awards on December 2, 2013 (Monday), 7:00PM, at KALAYAAN BISTRO GRILL, #106 Kalayaan Road, Diliman, Quezon City, for a day of coming together to assert and to stand up for “Internet Freedom… Our right, Our choice, Our voice.”

For more information please contact HRonlinePH team at +63921-9645017, +63933-4654904, +63928-8443717, +63906-3959976 and +63923-4261110 and through e-mail hronlineph@gmail.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Human-Rights-Online-Philippines/160809923975269?ref=hl

Thank you. Way to go HRonlinePH.
Sincerely,

HRonlinePH Team

[Event] launching of the Philippine Parallel Report for the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

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To our esteemed colleagues, supporters and co-advocates ~

We are pleased to invite you to the launching of the Philippine Parallel Report for the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

*December 3, 2013*
*9am -12 noon*
*Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) Club, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.*

UN logo small

Pls confirm attendance by Friday, November 29.
For details, see attached files. The Report, At a glance

For accessible format, see below

Philippine Coalition on the UNCRPD

*Philippine Coalition on the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities *Alyansa ng may Kapansanang Pinoy *Autism Society Philippines *CALL Foundation of the Blind*Deafblind Support Philippines* Government Union for the Integration of Differently-Abled Employees * Katipunan ng mga Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas * Las Pinas Persons with Disability Federation * Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines * Life Haven *National Organization for Visually Impaired Empowered Ladies*New Vois Association * Nova Foundation* Parents Association of Visually impaired Children * Philippine Alliance for Persons with Chronic Illness* Philippine Association for Children With Developmental and Learning
Disabilities * Philippine Chamber for Massage Industry for Visually Impaired* Philippine Deaf Resource Center * Philippine Federation of the Deaf *Punlaka *Quezon City Federation of Persons With Disabilities *Tahanang Walang Hagdanan *Women with Disabilities Leap To Social and Economic Progress*

—–

CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE

Please RSVP on or before 29 November
*lifehaven@gmail.com <lifehaven@gmail.com>**, or* tel. 355-3572 c/o Mary Ann Dau

  • Name
  • Organization
  • Contact information
  • Will you be attending with a personal assistant?

*Venue directions:
Enter Camp Aguinaldo from Boni Serrano. From Gate 1, turn left at the first corner. After the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office is the NDRRMC bldg. Behind it is the AGFO Club.

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[Event] Bayanihan Republic, a fundraising festival

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bayanihan republic
What: Bayanihan Republic, a fundraising festival
When: November 30, 7:00AM to 10:00PM
Where: Quezon City Memorial Circle


The days after Typhoon Yolanda have proven that there is so much that can be done by a nation that moves as one. This is the inspiration behind Bayanihan Republic, a fundraising festival that calls on everyone to ride, jam, and pledge as one in support of relief and rehabilitation efforts for affected communities who are yet to rebuild homes and lives.

For a minimum pledge of Php100, audience will have access to the whole day event. A Php250 pledge gives the audience a Bayanihan Republic shirt and grants them access to the whole day event.

For more details, see https://www.facebook.com/events/1411166472452641/

This event is made possible by Dakila in cooperation with Jam 88.3, with the support of The Asia Foundation and the Quezon City Government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21 NOVEMBER 2013
CONTACT: AYRIE CHING / 0908 814 8703

dakila plus

 

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[Urgent Action] Harassment Against Resident-Farmers and Aeta IP Group in Porac Pampanga -TFDP

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Urgent Action
November 20, 2013

(PHILIPPINES) Harassment Against Resident-Farmers and Aeta IP Group in Porac Pampanga

Issues: Harassment, Threat and Intimidation; Forced Eviction; Damaged to Property; Denied of Means of Subsistence

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Dear friends,

The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) is forwarding to you an appeal regarding the harassment and intimidation against resident-farmers of Hacienda Dolores in Porac, Province of Pampanga who were forcibly evicted by two private firms who claimed ownership of a disputed land.

If you wish to make any inquiries please contact the Research, Documentation and Information Program of TFDP at: 45 St. Mary Street, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines 1109; or call: +632 4378054.
____________________________________________________________________________

Case Title: Harassment of Porac Farmers
Case: Harassment/Forced Eviction
Name of Victims: Hector Angeles, etal.
Date of Incident: 2011-2013
Place of Incident: Barangay Hacienda Dolores, Porac, Pampanga
Alleged Perpetrators: employees and security personnel of LLL Holdings Incorporated (LLHI) and FL Properties (FLLH)

Account of the Incident:

Farmers and their families experienced series of harassment from employees and security personnel of LLL Holdings Incorporated (LLHI) and FL Properties (FLLH). Cases of harassment happened inside a 700 hectare contested land by the said companies who claimed as owners.

The squabble started when the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) issued an order exempting the LLL and FL landholdings from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) coverage in 2005. LLHI claimed about 298 hectares of the land, while FLLH claimed the other 456 hectares.

In September 2013, farmers are prohibited to do farming inside the supposed company property. Their crops were destroyed. Trumped up charge of illegal possession of firearms has been filed against Hector Angeles and 2 Aetas (an Indigenous group). There were also incidents of verbal abuse of the company personnel against farmer residents.

At present, Victor Tolentino, Ruben Salta, Fortunato Salta and several of the farmers are still receiving death threats.

Aside from the latest incident that happened, on June 25, 2013, Antonio Tolentino and Victor Tolentino’s house were demolished by 30 hooded persons when he refused to reconcile and agree with the terms offered by Atty. Carlos, lawyer of LLL Holdings for allegedly staying inside the company’s property. They even stole their livestock (chicken and ducks) and destroyed their crops (papaya, banana, bitter gourd, yam, chilies, eggplants, rambutan, guyabano and avocado)/

The Conflict intensified when the claimant FL Properties (now Terrafirma Holdings, Inc.) and LLL Holdings, Inc., forcibly evicted 8 families from their homes, and started to put up boarders and fences on July 14, 2013.

Houses demolished are those owned by families of Herminio M. Santiago, Boy Angeles, Edgar O. Angeles, Ignacio S. Ignacio, Cesar M. Santiago in Maniknik; and, those of Roger Parungao, Rexsy P. Santiago, and Mario P. Santiago located in Mapita.

On July 28, 2013, , at around 9 AM, a certain Jimmy Alvarado identified with FL and LLL Holdings, encroached Urbano Barcia’s farm land and damaged his fruit bearing plants such as: 30 guyabano trees, 50 guava trees, and crops like yam, mulina trees including fences using a bulldozer and a back hoe.

The farmer residents asserted that they are in actual possession and cultivation of the large tract of land before the contested land was exempted from CARP coverage. The Aniban ng Nakakaisang Mamamayan ng Hacienda Dolores (ANIBAN), representing the farmer claimants formally petitioned the DAR on June 7, 2011, to revoke the Exemption Order dated March 15, 2006 on the grounds that: (a) the subject areas are being actively cultivated, planted with various crops by tillers who were born and raised in Hacienda Dolores whose parents and their grandparents passed on to them their land; and, (b) the landholdings covered are mostly plain, while there are hilly portions (18% slope), the same constitute a minor part of the landholding, and are agriculturally productive.

It was revealed that the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) had already issued a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title RO3POR-0709 123, covering some 18 hectares, for the Ayta Tribes of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. But some 200 hectares of these areas also claimed by the Aetas are already acquired and titled to FL and LLL Corporations.

The Municipal Council of Porac currently moved to call on both parties to refrain from resorting to violence, while there is yet no final decision on the case. The Provincial Board of Pampanga is planning to make an official statement and discuss the issues raised in an official session.

Suggested Action:

A. Call upon competent authorities to intervene, observe and uphold the rights of resident-farmers and the Aeta (Indigenous group-IP) and recognized their land claims
B. Facilitate a continuous dialogue between the LLL Holdings Incorporated (LLHI) and FL Properties (FLLH) with the resident-farmers and indigenous groups to come up with an acceptable and justifiable resolution of the case;
C. To provide immediate protection for resident-farmers and IP group against possible physical and emotional harm;
D. Guarantee the means for the victims to access their land, rebuild their houses, cultivate crops and raise their livestock without any fear of reprisal
E. Assurance the
E. Guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution and international human rights standards.

Please send your letters to:

1. Hon. Benigno Simeon Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Manila 1005
Philippines
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
Email: corres@op.gov.ph / opnet@ops.gov.ph

2. Secretary Virgilio R. Delos Reyes
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Philippines
Fax: +63 2 920 0380
Tel: +63 2 929 3460; 928 7031, Local 401
e-mail: secretary@dar.gov.ph / gildlr2010@gmail.com

3. Chairperson Loretta Ann P. Rosales
Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2929 0102
Email: rosales.chr@gmail.com

4. Police Director General Alan LA Madrid Purisima
Chief, Philippine National Police
Camp General Rafael Crame
Quezon City, Philippines
Fax: +63 2 724 8763/ +63 2 723 0401
Tel: + 63 2 726 4361/4366/8763
Email: feedback@pnp.gov.ph

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[Event] Bayanihan Republic- for the benefit of typhoon Yolanda survivors. By DAKILA

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bayanihan republicJoin DAKILA at the #BayanihanRepublic on November 30, 7am-10pm at the Quezon City Memorial Circle for a day of coming together to help the survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

Entrance fee is 100 pesos which will also serve as your donation or 250 pesos inclusive of a limited edition Bayanihan Republic shirt! See you there!

Watch out for more details at the event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1411166472452641/

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[Event] Bike for Rights 2013 -AI Ph

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Join Amnesty International Philippines’ Bike for Rights 2013
#BFR2013 #padyakarapatan2013

AI Bike for Rights

15 December 2013, run starts at 6:00am at the Quezon City memorial Circle

Registration Fee:
P300.00 – Jersey AND snacks
(limited supply and available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis)
P 50.00 – Snacks ONLY

*certificates and raffle prizes await cyclists who will finish the event

AI small

Registration is every Sunday from 7am – 10am starting November 17 at QCMC Gate facing North Ave., Mall of Asia near Jetti Gas Station and UP Diliman Palma Hall steps

Or you can visit the Amnesty International Philippines Office: 18-A Marunong St., Bgy. Central, Q.C. Tel. Nos. 4338100, 3764342

Route:
Start (Phase 1) Quezon City Memorial Circle – Commonwealth Avenue – Katipunan Rd. – Marikina – Marcos Hi-way – A. Rodriguez – Ortigas Ave. – Dr. Sixto Antonio – Shaw Blvd. – West Capitol Drive – Pioneer St. – Boni Ave. Francisco – J.P. Rizal – Pasong Tamo – Buendia – K. Jalandoni – PICC (stop over)
(Phase 2 ) Roxas Blvd. – Luneta – A. Bonifacio – ADVA Circle – A. Soriano – Intramuros – Postal Bank – Jones Bridge – Quintin Paredes – Reina Regente – J. Abad Satos – Rizal Ave. – Sgt. Rivera – Araneta Ave. – Quezon Ave. – Quezon City Memorial Circle (Finish)

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[Statement] Humanrights group assails judge for soldier’s acquittal in couple’s slay in TagumCity -TFDP

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Humanrights group assails judge for soldier’s acquittal in couple’s slay in TagumCity

The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) assailed the judge for the military’s acquittal over the slaying of the couple Bacar and Carmen Japalali during a military operation headed by Sgt. Serafin Jerry Napoles last September 8, 2004 in Barangay Bincungan, Tagum City.

TFDP logo small

In a nine (9) page decision, on October 29, 2013, after six (6) years of litigation Acting Presiding Judge Ma. Susana T. Baua manifested her arguments based on the accounts and testimonies of the accused military and negated the documentary evidences which also corroborated the testimonies of the prosecution’s witnesses.

This case stemmed when elements of Army’s 404th Infantry Battalion conducted an operation in Sitio Talaba, Barangay Bincungan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, on September 4 in 2004 in response to a reported presence of allegedly heavily armed men in the area. The operation resulted in the death of the spouses. Both succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the different parts of their bodies. Bacar died on the spot while his wife who was able to shout for help was also gunned down by the military. She was rushed to the hospital but later died due to severe gunshot wounds and massive blood loss.

The court quoted the testimony of Dr. Arnel Florendo, Medical Officer V of Tagum City, Davao del Norte Health Office, who examined Bacar’s body while still in the house. It was stated that the “victim died of massive blood loss due to gunshot wounds”. He found wounds on the right arm of the deceased, at chest level as well as in the lower back of the body, above the hips. The left leg was fractured, broken and twisted. All in all there were five wounds. He did not retrieve any slug from the body of the victim. This testimony was supported by the Certificate of Death previously signed by Dr. Arnel Florendo on September 9, 2004.

The qualitative examination conducted by the SOCO on the pair of paraffin cast taken from both hands of the victim yielded a negative result to the test for gunpowder nitrates. The court also cited the testimony of Dr. Bernardo Adolfo, Jr., Head of the Department of Surgery of the Mission Hospital, who attended to Carmen Japalali when she was brought to the said hospital at 6:00 a.m. of September 8, 2004. Carmen was almost dead when admitted and actually expired after approximately one hour.

Carmen died of massive loss of blood due to gunshot wounds. She had multiple injuries and fracture on her back. Her feet also had fractures. This testimony was also supported by the Certificate of Death previously signed by Dr. Adolfo on September 10, 2004.

These evidences clearly shows how the victims were killed, but the court did not give weight to the evidences at hand but rather argued that “Sgt. Napoles and most of his men seem to be battle-hardened veterans. Being such, they could not be expected to fire their guns on the mere shout of Sabellano (one of the soldiers) that he saw a gun; there is probability that indeed, they were fired at before they opened fire themselves”.

The reasoning and argument of the court totally disregards human rights. Right to life is inviolable and even in extreme emergencies cannot be derogated. Why does it seem that it is being justified in this case?

In the case of Carmen, it was clearly presented and stated by the prosecution witnesses that while
she was shouting for help, she was shot by the military at the back. Still, the court ignored the testimony of the witnesses which was supported by documentary evidence. No one was held liable.

This case totally demonstrates how the court which is tasked to impartially dispense justice deprived victims of human rights violations in obtaining justice. This case, like that of the Capion massacre in Davao del Sur which was dismissed by the Prosecution’s office, is clearly an example of how the culture of impunity exists in the country. The case at hand clearly identified and established the perpetrators of the crime and yet
justice remained elusive.

Are we to believe that the judiciary is condoning injustice? Or was the judge among those who are afraid to implement the law because the accused were military personnel? The acquittal of the military in this case does not show otherwise.

Ms. Rita M. Melecio
Deputy Executive Director
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines
# 45 St. Mary St., Cubao, Quezon City
(02) 995-0246/ (02) 437-8054

November 14, 2013

Follow TFDP on facebook and twitter: @tfdpupdates

visit: http://www.tfdp.net

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[In the news] After hacking spree, Anonymous Philippines takes anti-pork protest offline -InterAksyon.com

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After hacking spree, Anonymous Philippines takes anti-pork protest offline
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com
November 5, 2013

MANILA, Philippines — After hacking government websites over the weekend in protest of the pork barrel system, members of the hackers’ collective Anonymous Philippines took their protest offline on Tuesday with a rally near the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

InterAksyon logo2

Around 200 protesters, wearing Guy Fawkes mask, said they represent Filipinos‘ sentiment against the misuse of billions of pesos in pork barrel funds, including those controlled by President Benigno Aquino III.

“We should sustain the protest in denouncing the use of pork,” said one of the masked protesters.

Read full article @www.interaksyon.com

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[Statement] Mga guro hindi pa rin bayad ng COMELEC -TDC

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Mga guro hindi pa rin bayad ng COMELEC

Higit isang linggo matapos ang halalang pambarangay, marami pa ring mga guro na nagsilbing board of election tellers (BET) ang hindi pa rin nakatatanggap ng kanilang honorarium. Gayundin ang mga nagtrabaho bilang barangay board of canvassers (BBOC), support staff at mga supervising officials.logo TDC
Mga guro ang umuupo bilang BET, (kung minsan naman ay maaring hindi rin guro ang 3rd member kung hindi sapat ang bilang nila). Samantala, ang BBOC naman ay mga chairman din ng mga BET mula sa mga presinto sa isang barangay. Ang mga support staff ay kadalasang mga utility personnel sa paaralan at ang supervising official ay yaong mga principal o department heads. Lahat sila ay mga tauhan ng Department of Education (DepEd).

Magkano ba ang dapat nilang matanggap? Para sa mga BET, dapat silang makakuha ng kabuuang halagang P2, 500.00, ang P2, 000.00 ay para sa honorarium at at P500.00 naman ay para sa transportation allowance. Sa supervising official ay P1,000.00 ang bayad, samantala P500.00 sa support staff.

Kung tutuuisin, napakaliit ng halagang ito kumpara sa trabahong ginawa ng bawat isa. Lahat sila- BET, supervisor, support staff ay nagtrabaho ng higit 24 oras nang walang patid. Kaya naman, karapat-dapat lamang silang mabayaran nang wasto. At dapat ay hindi na matatagalan kagaya ng muli na namang naranasan ng mga guro ngayon.

Hanggang ngayon ay may ilan pang mga guro mula sa Caloocan, Quezon City, Marikina, Maynila, Dasmarinas, Pasay, Mandaluyong, San Juan at Las Pinas ang hindi pa rin nakatatanggap ng kanilang kabayaran. Anuman ang kadahilanan ng delay na ito ay hindi ito kasalanan ng mga guro.

Ang pag-upo sa eleksiyon ay isang trabahong ginagawa ng mga guro alinsunod sa mandato ng batas at nasa Comelec at gobyerno ang obligasyon upang matiyak na ito ay magiging maayos. #

Nobyembre 5, 2013

Reference: Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, 0920-5740241
Teachers’ experiences in their respective areas were posted as comments in TDC’s Facebook account an page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teachers-Dignity-Coalition-TDC/136307986398924?ref=br_tf

https://www.facebook.com/teachers.dignity?fref=ts

Hotline: (02)3853437 • Telefax (02)4350036 • Mobile: 0920-5740241
Email: teachersdignity@yahoo.com.ph • Website: http://www.teachersdignity.com/

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[Event] National Conference on Peoples Energy -PMCJ

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National Conference on Peoples Energy

8 x 12 ft blue small

November 4-6, 2013, Balay Kalinaw Hall, University of the Philippines – Diliman, Quezon City
Convened by Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)
In cooperation with Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC)

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) is a national coalition of 103 national and local organizations, national networks, peoples organizations, community organizations and NGOs currently doing work in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon Region, Quezon, Laguna, Samar, Leyte, Catanduanes, Cebu, Iloilo, Negros, Misamis Occidental, CARAGA region, Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Sur, SOCSARGEN Region, and Davao, .

PMCJ LOGO NEW

Since its inception in 2009, PMCJ has been actively working on developing a national climate justice movement in the country. One of its aims is to build strong campaign centers and chapters in strategic regions across the country, to develop and escalate local, regional and national concerted actions on many climate related issues and key political moments in the country.

PMCJ’s work on addressing and contributing in solving the climate crisis requires a strategic shift in the balance of power, a comprehensive transformation of societies at all levels – local, national and global – and along the way winning urgently needed immediate and medium term victories that contribute in the overall goal of preventing catastrophic climate change.

A key element of its work is building strong national campaigns on transforming energy systems, as well as contributing in the regional (Asia Pacific) and international levels.

In 2010, PMCJ as a national coalition, started working on energy issues in the country. This year, PMCJ have focused on coal (mining and combustion), along with its alternatives, and launched its national campaign “Resist Coal! RE-Energize All!” to contribute in the fight against a particular dirty and harmful energy that the current government and coal corporations have been pushing heavily. Under this campaign, PMCJ last October 22, 2013 successfully organized a nationally coordinated action against coal and shift to renewable energy in 15 coal sites of struggles in 13 provinces across the country.

This year, PMCJ is also convening a national energy conference that aims to take stock of the current overall energy situation in the country and the government’s energy program and policies, and build consensus around a comprehensive Platform on Energy in light of:

1. Peoples’ right to universal access to energy and the obstacles to the fulfillment of this right
2. Issues and problems posed by dirty and harmful energy policies and projects
3. The urgent need to shift as quickly as possible democratic, equitable, renewable, clean and universally accessible Philippine energy system for people and communities
4. Facing the challenge of the climate crisis

The Conference is part of a collective effort to build and strengthen a Philippine movement resisting dirty and harmful energy, promoting peoples and community energy alternative systems, and linking energy campaigns to campaigns for climate justice.

Objectives of the Conference

The over-all goal is to lay the grounds for more intensive, larger scale and scope, coordinated and joint campaigning on energy in the country.

More specifically, the Conference will be an occasion for participants:
1. Gain an overview, exchange analyses and deepen collective understanding of the situation, critical trends and challenges in the energy sector in the Philippines; Examine the issues in the light of the climate crisis and the challenge of shifting to low-carbon, climate resilient, equitable and democratic development pathways and societies;
2. Take stock of ongoing local, national, including regional and global campaigns on energy ( against dirty and harmful energy; for peoples access to energy; for democratic governance of energy systems);
3. Build on existing unities and further develop a common comprehensive platform on Energy in the country, that also clearly addresses the climate crisis and is part of a broader Climate Justice platform;
4. Start developing a common action plan and mechanisms for pursuing coordination and collective actions
5. Put together movements and organizations who can serve as the active core that will drive and animate the process forward, reach out to others for broader, more inclusive convergences and collaboration in 2014 and beyond.

Conference Participants

The conference aims to gather about 50-60 representatives and leaders from PMCJ member organizations and allied organizations and networks working on energy issues from the different parts of the country.

Dates and Venue

The Conference proper will be held on November 4 to 6 at Balay Kalinaw Conference Hall, University of the Philippines – Diliman, Quezon City.

Resource Persons and Guests

Most of the resource persons will be coming from PMCJ, FDC and other allied organizations and institutions who have been working on energy for the past years in the country and who can also help update participants on national efforts and serve as resource persons on some of the topics.

Follow PMCJ @ https://www.facebook.com/ClimateJusticePH

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[Press Release] Teachers make last-minute appeal to COMELEC, candidates -TDC

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Teachers make last-minute appeal to COMELEC, candidates

Three days before the Barangay Elections, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) made a final appeal to the Comelec for their demands that include higher compensation package, assurance of security and legal protection for the teachers who will sit as Board of Election Tellers (BET) on Monday’s village election. The group expressed dismay because according to them, the Comelec seems to ignore their request for a meeting they have submitted as early as mid-August.

TDC

“Teachers will work for almost 24 hours or even more, from the time of distribution of election materials in the respective Comelec centers at early dawn of Monday up to the completion of all the tasks that usually up until the morning of the next day.” Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson said. “Yet teachers are only paid half the amount of the honorarium in the last automated elections held in May.” He continued.

Basas said that manual elections like the one in Monday would expose the teachers in more possible errors, physical and mental fatigue, health risks, legal trouble and threats of harassment and physical attck. Thus, according to him, teachers deserve more than the total of P2, 500.00. The TDC proposes a payment of at least P4, 000.00, the total amount Comelec paid the teachers who sit as members of BEI last May.”

Basas also noted that the Comelec still failed to review and implement its legal mandate that prohibits the appointment of teachers who are not registered voters in the city or municipality as members of the BET.

“Both the election code and the subsequent Comelec Resolutions including the one for this October 28 Barangay polls prohibit the non-registered voters of the locality to sit as members of election tellers, yet the Comelec, in many instances allowed this to happen. Our teachers who are actually compelled to do this duty may face a possible election offense.” Basas explained.

Last week, teachers of Manila raised this issue and ask a Comelec representative during the training in Araullo High School, the Comelec personnel agreed that indeed there may be a violation but told them to address the concern to the Comelec national office.

Aside from these two issues of compensation and legal protection, the group also appeal to the Comelec and the national government to ensure that teachers will be protected against physical harm. Basas noted that Barangay elections, most of the time, are most intense and tensionable due mainly to the clannish nature of Philippine villages and the opposing candidates and their supporters are coming from the same grassroots localities, some are actually blood relatives.

“We call on the Comelec to ensure the visibility of law enforcement authorities in areas they declared as election hot spots, from the start of the teachers work until they have finished all the tasks including the transportation of election paraphernalia from Comelec centers to polling places and vise versa.” Basas said.

Basas believe that the presence of law enforcers may deter those who are planning to disrupt the process thru violence, tension and disorder on election day.

“The problem with the bad politics and ailing electoral system is, everything may be blamed to the teachers, the front liners in elections, as if we have a direct stake in it.” Basas lamented. “We are the hapless victims of pre-election harassment, we cannot just leave the polling precincts whenever violence erupts on election day and after the polls, we are also subjects of electoral protests filed by the losing candidates.”

Basas added that most of the time, they face these difficulties alone for the DepEd has no readily available legal assistance and the Comelec serves as prosecutors in election-related cases.

“We appeal to the candidates and the general public to please spare the teachers. We do this task because we consider this as our patriotic duty, aside from this is our mandated work as public school teachers. However, given the choice, many of us would be opted not to sit as BET and would not risk our profession, our safety, our limbs or even our lives.”

The TDC is one of the most active organizations advocating the amendment to election laws to effect the relief of teachers from ‘hazardous non-teaching related assignments’ especially poll duties and make these optional.

TDC members who will not sit as Board of Election Tellers (BET) on Monday will man the group’s Command Post in Quezon City to monitor and document the field situation and provide any possible assistance from the organization and concerned agencies.

TDC News Release
25 October 2013

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