18 November 2016
PRESS STATEMENT
CHR STATEMENT ON THE BURIAL OF THE REMAINS OF FERDINAND E.
MARCOS AT THE LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI
He who lives the life of a thief, gets buried like a thief.
They stole from the coffers of government and deprived us of our dignity. And like thieves, they now surreptitiously undertook a patently illegal act, totally disregarding the ongoing judicial process where a decision has not even attained finality, and continue to deprive us of a just conclusion to a dark period in our nation’s history.
The Commission on Human Rights reiterates that it strongly believes that the burial of the remains of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani is patently unlawful as it contravenes the human rights obligation enshrined both in the Philippine Constitution as well as in international law.
The Commission reaffirms that the burial does not and cannot erase the uncontroverted fact of impunity for human rights violations committed during Martial Law that continues to demand justice. The Commission believes that the Filipino people shall always remain steadfast in asserting all their fundamental rights and they will demand that freedom, rule of law, and democracy must be protected and guaranteed at all times. These constitutional values will constitute the same bonds that keep us together as a people and as a nation, as we press on in pursuing the ideals of the people power revolution that restored our democracy, the very fabric that shall keep society whole.
The Commission also reminds the law enforcement agencies to exercise maximum tolerance in accordance with the precepts of BP 880 in the ongoing protests and rallies in connection with the burial of the former President.
A CHR Quick Reaction Team has been dispatched to monitor the situation and the Commission shall remain vigilant in the protection and promotion of the human rights of all.
Contact Person:
Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia
OIC, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Office
Telephone No: (02) 528-5792 / 09175919833
Email address: comms.chr@gmail.com