Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the release of narco-list

The Commission on Human Rights welcomes the filing of charges to some of the government officials implicated in the illegal drug trade. By trying allegations through a fair trial, we can assure that the Constitutional guarantee of due process and equal protection of laws can be served to the accused. However, until a judgment by a competent court or authority is final, then can we only determine innocence or guilt and subsequently make them accountable before our laws for the violations. As such, we urge the government to do the same for the rest of the names in the narco-list that remains to be unverified. Presumption of innocence and due […]

Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the release of the “list of narcopoliticians”

Making the “List of Narcopoliticians” Public Violates a Person’s Right to Due Process The Commission on Human Rights reiterates that the publication of a “List of Narcopoliticians” would constitute a denial of a person’s right to due process. The timing of the publication, set by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año at the start of the local campaign period for the May 13 elections, will only fuel reckless mud-slinging, character assasinations, and violence. If we can withhold judgment against some candidates still facing plunder cases before the Sandiganbayan, Secretary Año can also respect and follow due process. We urge our government to improve the PNP’s and PDEA’s evidence-gathering capability, and to undertake […]