LAWMAKERS crossed party lines to form a coalition called Mambabatas para sa Karapatang Pantao (Makatao) with the view of pushing measures promoting human rights.
The alliance was led by House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, herself a human rights activities, professor, and erstwhile chairwoman of the Commission on Human Rights.
De Lima, who served as lead convenor of the group, said the Makatao Coalition will “serve as an active and progressive sentinel for the protection of human rights in the Philippines and act as a bridge between national and local lawmakers and civil society, ensuring that legislation reflects the realities on the ground.”
“This is a renewed call to solidarity and courage in the fight for human rights and human dignity. Together, we commit to ensuring that human rights remain the foundation of our laws, our governance, and our national development, as well as to striving to keep Philippine laws aligned with our international human rights obligations,” De Lima said.
The coalition’s launch came in conjunction with the observance of Human Rights Defenders Day, and on the eve of International Human Rights Day.
Aside from De Lima, members of the coalition included Senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV and Francis Pangilinan, along with Reps. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, Arlene Bag-ao, Lorenz Defensor, Edgar Erice, Cielo Krisel Lagman, Gerville Luistro, Bella Vanessa Suansing, and Alfonso Umali Jr.
The alliance also included Akbayan party-list Reps. Jose Manuel Tadeo Diokno, Percival Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, Kamanggagawa party-list Rep. Elijah San Fernando, and Makabayan bloc Reps. Renee Louise Co, Sarah Jane Elago, and Antonio Tinio.
