PRESS STATEMENT OF THE CHR ON THE SENATE’S INQUIRY
ON EXTRA JUDICIAL KILLINGS (EJKS)
The Commission on Human Rights welcomes the recent decision of the Senate to resume the hearings on Senate Resolution No. 9, which seeks to strengthen the accountability of law enforcers and to institute corrective legislative measures to ensure full respect for basic human rights. The Commission reiterates the importance of the Senate’s inquiry on the issue of EJK as it continues to serve as another valuable mechanism to discover the truth in drug-related killings, which have remained unabated. The hearings provide an opportunity to access justice for the victims and their families as well as for the public to be educated and kept abreast on this important human rights situation involving the right to life and due process, among others.
The recent headline in the Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled, “CHR slams Gordon for suspension of Senate inquiry,” is not accurate, as the Commission En Banc has not deliberated any position on the matter.
The Commission respects the independence of the Senate and recognizes its authority to conduct hearings, in accordance with its own rules.
The Commission hopes that the Senate will come up with fair and credible results, cognizant of the latter’s independence and competence. The Commission continues to be ready to assist the Senate and its Committees in shedding light on matters pertaining to human rights. Under Sen. Richard Gordon’s chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, the Commission continues to pray that the Committee will succeed in ferreting out the truth.
Contact Person:
Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia
OIC, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Office
Telephone No: (02) 528-5792
Email address: comms.chr@gmail.com