Marking the International Human Rights Day on Thursday, a broad coalition of groups supporting Senator Grace Poe’s presidential bid urged the Commission on Elections to uphold basic human rights as the pillar of civilized and democratic governments, notably the rights to nationality, democracy, fair treatment by fair courts, fair play and equality.
Speaking in behalf of the broad-based coalition here and overseas, Ang Grasya ng Masang Pilipino Movement spokesman Jose “Chichok” Samson lamented that Senator Grace Poe, being a foundling and shortly after her formal announcement to seek the presidency in 2016, has been subjected to a series and continuing violation of her human rights regarding her nationality or citizenship and even her tenure of residency to exclude her from presidential race by mere technicalities.
“The three Comelec commissioners may have been guilty of abuse of discretion to exclude Grace Poe in the 2016 presidential elections by disqualifying her for allegedly being short of residency requirement without properly scrutinizing the documents presented such as the enrolment of her minor children in 2005, the buying of a house, securing of BIR tax account number, the employment of her husband here—all indubitably show actual residence per law,” Samson, a constitutional law professor, explained.
“At the very least, Senator Grace Poe is entitled to her basic human rights to fair treatment by fair courts and in this case the Comelec, to fair play and equality and not to favor an administration candidate so as not to distort the truth and to preserve democracy by giving the sovereign Filipino the right to choose their leader,” he added.
In arguing his case for Grace Poe, Samson quoted a line from former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno who wrote a concurring opinion in the 2003 case (Republic v. Sandiganbayan) where Justice Antonio Carpio categorically said that the UNDHR and ICCPR must be applied even in the absence of a Constitution during the period of interregnum from Feb 25, 1986 through March 25, 1986.
“Without respect for natural rights, man cannot rise to the full height of his humanity. It will be a profanity to deny her the right. For as a human being, she has a natural right to life, liberty and property that she can exercise regardless of existing or non-existing laws and irrespective of the will or lack of will of governments,” Justice Puno wrote.
“Justice Puno’s inspiring words should properly locate not just our arguments but should properly locate us all in what we ought to be as children of God of the one Father and Creator of all. There are human rights precisely because there are natural rights of individuals proceeding from all as children of God of the same Father and Creator of all,” Samson said.
Meanwhile, in her Facebook post, Senator Grace Poe issued this statement: “The majesty of the law flows from the nobility of its purpose: to protect the weak and the oppressed from tyranny. Above all, it is fair and just. God-given rights are not subject to the whims and caprices of men. They are universal. They are constant. They are inviolable. They are forever. And no amount of legal acrobats can alter or worse, take away our basic, inherent rights. The string of disqualification cases were planned and eventually filed against me when I was still contemplating a run for the Presidency by people whose motives were suspect at best. Powerful groups with personal agenda are behind these cases. But I am not afraid. Not when the people are behind me. This battle is far from over. I will continue to fight for the rights of Filipinos to elect their next president. However, I cannot do this alone. This is our fight. It has to be an alliance between you and me, together. Together, let us choose what is right. Together, we shall win this battle.”