CHR: Bill seeking presumption of guilt for drug suspects defies universal human rights

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday expressed “serious concern” on a recently approved House bill that seeks the presumption of guilt for drug suspects, saying it contravenes a universal human right.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said House Bill 7814, which was approved on third and final reading on Tuesday, violates the presumption of innocence that is guarded by both universal human rights standards and the 1987 Constitution. 

“Justifying the departure from safeguards and to assert that it serves the community's interest exposes innocent individuals to wrongful accusations and abuse of authority,” De Guia said in a statement.

The measure, intended to strengthen the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, states that a suspect is presumed to be an illegal drugs importer, financier, and protector or coddler “unless proven otherwise.”

The lower chamber of Congress approved the bill in a vote of 188-11-9.

“Enacting a law that might produce more problems than actually addressing the drug problem must be reconsidered,” the CHR said.

“Instead of reversing the burden to prove the innocence of the accused, the CHR urges the government to ensure that its accountability mechanisms are working for the best interests of the people while looking into the drug problem holistically,” it added.

The human rights body also pointed out that irregularities in the Duterte administration’s drug war have resulted in illegal arrests, wrongful convictions, and even deaths of innocent individuals in the pursuit of drug offenders. 

“While CHR supports the efforts of the government to eradicate the illegal drug menace in the country, we have been staunch in emphasizing that it must be at all times in accordance with the rule of law and human rights standards,” it said.

ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro and Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, who voted against the measure, also underscored that all accused should be presumed innocent until proven guilty under the law. — Julia Mari Ornedo/RSJ, GMA News