Groups give Aquino admin failing mark on human rights protection

 

The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) urged Aquino to prosecute human rights violators with the same intensity his administration has been pursuing his immediate predecessor Gloria Arroyo.

 

"President Aquino might be popular now but this will change if he continues to be silent and ineffective in preventing human rights violations such as torture, extra-judicial killings, and illegal demolitions," PAHRA chairman Max de Mesa said.

 

De Mesa noted Aquino should particularly go after abusive military officials.

 

PAHRA scored the Aquino administration for:  

- failing to stop workers’ rights violations

- demolition of urban poor homes

- promotion of large-scale mining

- misguided strategy on climate change mitigation.

 

De Mesa warned Aquino's "Tuwid na Daan" (Straight Path) and the promises of change, of corruption-free and democratic governance may become meaningless because of continuing human rights violations leading to impunity.

 

Labor

 

For its part, the Philippine Airlines Employees' Association scored Aquino for upholding the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) decision to allow PAL management to spin off catering, reservation, and ground handling operations and sub-contract them.

 

“When Malacañang gave its blessings to PAL's outsourcing move, it not only led to the lay off of more than 2,000 PAL workers but also dealt a big blow to Filipino workers’ right to decent jobs,” said PALEA president Gerry Rivera.

 

Environmental advocates also scored Aquino for continuing his predecessor’s policy of promoting mining as tool for development.

 

They questioned his show of support to the mining industry when he let 15 mining executives join his official visit to China last August.

 

Environmental advocates maintained the push for large-scale mining would continue to destroy the environment and violate the rights of affected communities, especially indigenous peoples.

 

"We were shocked at his quick action to allow special military forces to ensure security in mining areas after the bombing incidents in Taganito, Surigao del Norte last October. First, we believe that mining militias will not address the issue at hand. Second, this will actually effect more human rights violations against mining-affected communities," said Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Ayansa Tigil Mina (ATM).

 

Climate change

 

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) said it was unacceptable for the government to contract loans to finance its climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts because this will only add to the country’s indebtedness.

 

PMCJ cited the $400-million Electric Trikes project with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the recent World Bank loan of $500 million for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

 

“This administration must immediately implement the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) to enable local communities to participate and integrate their interest in these efforts and call for climate justice now,” said Milo Tanchuling of PMCJ. — LBG, GMA News