A new proposed legislation wants to provide better government protection for stateless individuals seeking refuge from war, violence, persecution and insecurity.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla introduced this measure under Senate Bill 2548 in accordance with Section 11, Article 2 of the 1987 Constitution, which values the dignity of every person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
Under this proposal, the government will institutionalize this policy by creating a “Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Board” that will be attached to the Department of Justice. The board is tasked to determine the eligibility of asylum seekers.
In a statement released by his office Thursday, Feb. 15, Padilla said his proposal is consistent with the Philippines’ commitment to international treaties such as the 1951 and 1954 United Nations conventions related to the status of refugees and stateless persons respectively.
Padilla also noted that the Philippines throughout history has become a home for migrants and refugees from various nations since the 1980s.
“Bound by the Filipinos’ innate compassion and humanitarian spirit, it is no surprise that the country has provided asylum to a succession of refugee populations over time,” he said.
“Passing this measure will also pave the way for the Philippine government’s stronger and more effective coordination and cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Commission on Human Rights, and other relevant institutions and agencies,” Padilla added.
The bill prohibits the State from removing or expelling a refugee, except for grounds of national security or public order, from the Philippines to a country where he/she would be at risk of persecution.
It also disallows penalties on refugees who enter Philippine territory when they come from a territory where their lives or freedoms were threatened. Refugees will likewise be given reasonable time if they want to obtain admission to another country.