The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday lauded members of the House of Representatives for the approval of the Human Rights Defenders Protection bill.
“We welcome with jubilation and gratitude this positive development,” lawyer-spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.
“It reflects the commitment of our legislators to human rights as they accord legal protection to those championing for it. We look forward to the same expression of support from the Senate,” she added.
Congress “overwhelmingly” passed House Bill No. 9199 “with no opposition nor abstention.”
“The recent socio-political climate has been hostile toward human rights defenders. The community faces demonization, stigmatization and various threats and harassment. Some even culminated to killings. This move from the lower house provides a wave of fresh hope for the human rights community that continue to steadfastly pursue the human rights cause amidst these challenging times,” De Guia said.
She believes the “legal” measure shall provide concrete protection, ensure a system that would enable prosecution of those that would do harm or commit violations, and “more importantly,” help prevent human rights violations and abuses.
“We hope that the bill will progress expediently given the urgency of the matter. Prioritizing the welfare and rights of the human rights defenders extends to the protection of the most vulnerable sectors, which they serve,” she said.
Last June 3, the House of Representatives gave its nod to the bill with 183 legislators voted yes and with no other lawmaker voting no or abstaining from the vote.