PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 in ceremonies marking the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power held at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Monday.
In his speech, the President said the new law recognizes the heroism and sacrifices of Filipinos who were victims of summary execution, torture, enforced or involuntary disappearance and other gross human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos from September 21, 1972 to February 25, 1986.
Under the new law, human rights victims and their heirs are entitled to monetary compensation to be sourced from the P10-billion transferred to the Philippines as adjudged by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court on December 10, 1997 and non-monetary compensation to be provided by the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Education, CHED and TESDA and other government agencies. (PCOO)
Malacanang bares members of Transition Commission
PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed the 15 members of the Transition Commission that is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the announcement at a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.
On the part of the Government of the Philippines panel, the seven appointees are: Hon. Akmad A. Sakkam, Hon. Johaira C. Wahab, Hon. Talib A. Benito, Hon. Asani S. Tammang, Hon. Pedrito A. Eisma, Hon. Froilyn T. Mendoza, and Hon. Fatmawati T. Salapuddin.
Those selected by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are: Hon. Mohagher Iqbal, who is the chairman of the Transition Commission; Hon. Robert M. Alonto, Hon. Abdulla U. Camlian, Hon. Ibrahim D. Ali, Hon. Raissa H. Jajurie, Hon. Melanio U. Ulama, Hon. Hussein P. Munoz and Hon. Said M. Shiek.
Pursuant to Executive Order 120 series of 2013, the Transition Commission is composed of 15 members; seven to be chosen by the President and eight, including the chairman, selected by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
According to Lacierda, the seven appointees of the government panel underwent thorough screening and evaluation by a Transition Commission Selection Body composed of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, and the Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Mehol Sadain.
Among the qualification requirements considered by the body for each appointee include: a Bangsamoro, a track record in support of the peace process, established probity, and untainted by any charge or suspicion of corruption or abuse of power.
Lacierda said the transition commission has an initial budget allocation of P100 million. (PCOO)
