ASEAN lawmakers' group urges Marcos Jr. to honor reparations for human rights victims

An organization of lawmakers in Southeast Asia has expressed concern over the possible state of human rights in the Philippines following the projected landslide win of presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) on Tuesday said human rights might not be included in the agenda of the next administration.

“Even though the electoral process has been conducted in a formally correct manner, we are concerned that voting choices based on lies and harmful narratives could have seriously undermined the integrity of the elections and democracy itself,”  APHR chairperson Charles Santiago said in a statement.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Marcos' camp but has yet to receive any as of posting time.

Based on the partial, unofficial counts from 97.93 percent of nationwide election returns as shown in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Transparency Server, Marcos Jr. is expected to win Eleksyon 2022 by a historic majority vote — the first time since 1986.

As of 4:17 PM on May 10, he garnered 30, 993, 431 votes while his contender Vice President Leni Robredo got 14, 775, 449.

His running-mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio likewise maintained a wide lead among vice-presidential bets with 31, 435, 335 votes.

Santiago said the tandem’s possible victory “does not bode well” for the “restoration” of rule of law and respect for human rights in the country given their familial ties.

Duterte is the daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte whose administration met criticisms due to his controversial war on drugs.

The APHR called on the next administration to protect the Constitution and ensure the government abides by all international human rights obligations. It also appealed for the end of “baseless red-tagging” or “narco-tagging” of critics and political opposition.

The group also urged Marcos to return his family’s ill-gotten wealth and settle their controversial tax liabilities amounting to P203-billion.

“We call on Marcos, Jr. to honor and provide reparations to the victims of human rights abuses committed during his father’s regime, as prescribed by the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013,” APHR said.

“He should also cooperate with the ICC (international criminal court) and allow a full investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency,” it added. —NB, GMA News