The University of the Philippines (UP) on Tuesday said the construction of the planned Martial Law museum in its Diliman campus has been delayed since a “necessary deed of transfer and possession has not yet been signed with the Human Rights Violation Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC).”
The state university explained that HRVVMC had funded a new P80-million building, where the UP Diliman Campus Maintenance Office will be transferred after it vacates the site where the museum will rise.
“The main cause of delay has been the absence of the deed of transfer document (for the building) that is still with HRVVMC for approval,” UP Vice President for Planning and Development Dan Peckley said.
He said that UP requires the deed of transfer, signed by both parties in order to complete the building transfer and clear the site where the HRVVMC plans to construct the museum.
The university’s legal office approved the draft of the deed and sent it to HRVVMC on April 18, according to Peckley.
He likewise mentioned that UP followed up on the document’s status in May, June, August, and this Tuesday.
“Previously, HRVVMC informed the university that the draft was still being reviewed by the Office of the Solicitor General and Commission on Human Rights,” Peckley said.
Meanwhile, UP said it is “committed to work with the museum stakeholders and provide assistance to ensure the establishment of the Martial Law Museum in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.”
UP President Angelo Jimenez has since called an emergency meeting this week regarding the matter.
“We take criticisms, even harsh ones, positively as part of the difficult challenges we face but we know that at its core, it is an expression of our shared commitment to human rights… This project is a go so let’s finish it,” Jimenez said.
