Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in his speech before the 44th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that human rights has always been in the agenda of the government.
Guevarra emphasized that the Philippines values its democracy despite the problems on illegal drugs, corruption, and terrorism. The country’s democracy and legal system ensure that addressing the said problems are bound within the law, and high regard is given to human rights.
Guevarra said the administration has always been transparent on its campaign against illegal drugs through Real Numbers PH. An inter-agency panel led by the DOJ is on the move for a judicious review to look into more than 5,000 illegal drugs operations with reported fatalities.
“The panel intends to engage affected families, provide them with legal options and assistance in criminal prosecution of law enforcers who have overstepped legal bounds in their operations. It will present a report on its work by the end of November of this year.”
The justice secretary shared “there should be no moral ambiguity in looking at efforts to strengthen anti-terrorism legislation as it is the State’s duty to address, within the bounds of law, all threats and challenges to the security and safety of our communities.”
He also cited the Terrorism Index which ranked the country as among countries most impacted by terrorism. Guevarra assured the Philippines will keep on cooperating with the United Nations to promote the human rights of every Filipino. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
