of the Philippines the criminal justice system is - Article 2

While it can be said that the election of the Philippines to the
ECOSOC Council is a victory at the diplomatic level for the
country, this should not be seen as a vindication of the
Philippines’ human rights record or a laundering thereof.
Having taken this position, can you confirm that you believe
that the government’s current human rights record enables it
to have the credibility and reputation required to represent the
global community? Are you convinced that the government is in
fact conducting itself in line with the highest standards
concerning the implementation of human rights recognized in
the International Covenants and Conventions to which the
Philippines is party? Are you of the opinion that the government
is effectively implementing its laws on economic and social
reform, more specifically the Social Reform and Poverty
Alleviation Act (RA 8425), Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
of 1988 (RA 6657) and Urban Development and Housing Act (RA
7279)?
Furthermore, do you claim that your office has adequate
capacity and the Constitutional mandate to investigate, seek
justice and provide compensation for human rights victims
involving economic and social rights?
We are disappointed by the position you have taken, since we
do not believe that the situation of human rights in the
Philippines is in any way a matter that can be celebrated, or
that the Philippines can be considered as a credible ambassador
of human rights at the international level. The attack on the
credibility and roles of NGOs and the media from a person in
your position is a serious concern. We strongly believe that the
above questions require clear answers, in light of your recent
comments. It would be interesting to understand how you can
characterize the situation in the country as anything other than
“negative” at present.
We would also like to draw your attention to why we believe
the Philippines, under the current administration, does not
deserve its ECOSOC seat or its membership in the UN Human
Rights Council.
Extra-judicial killings and disappearance of social
activists continue unabated
The relentless extra-judicial killing and forced disappearance
as well as the continuing threats to activists and leaders from
various sectors, including peasants seeking genuine land reform,
fisher folks, the urban poor, labour groups and indigenous peoples’
groups, are a stark manifestation not only of the government’s
inability to protect the lives of its citizens but also the undue
punishment of those who seek to protect them. You are aware of
the number of cases sent to your office and the fact that most of
the perpetrators of these acts have not been identified, arrested
and charged in court. In cases where suspects or perpetrators
have been identified, there are rarely arrests and, even when
there are, such cases are showing little or no progress in court.
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article 2 • February 2007 Vol. 6, No. 1