The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the statement of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra urging an end to red tagging.
In a media forum, Secretary Guevarra recognised the dangers of labelling people and organisations as fronts of communist rebels without sufficient evidence and the possibility of them being targets of attacks for just being vocal about their political views.
Resorting to red-tagging, especially if coming from public servants, contradicts the obligation of duty bearers to protect and promote the universal and constitutional rights of the people.
CHR has constantly stressed the grave harms brought about by red-tagging on the lives and liberties of civilians, human rights advocates, and civil society organisations among others who are merely exercising their right to free expression.
Related to this, we equally welcome the clarification from Secretary Gueverra asserting respect for the people’s exercise of human rights, particularly of peaceful assembly and expression. He said, “The right of peaceful assembly, regardless of one’s political beliefs or affiliation, is guaranteed by the Constitution, subject to reasonable regulations to maintain peace and order, including the requirement to obtain a prior permit. As long as their statements do not constitute an actionable offense, such as inciting to sedition or oral defamation, rallyists enjoy freedom of expression.”
CHR stresses that criticism and dissent are functions of a vibrant democracy. The free exchange of ideas through healthy discourse is meant to improve laws, policies, and the general affairs and welfare of the people.
At the same time, CHR cautions against the exercise of rights resulting in the violation of law, as well as the rights of others. We stress that assertion of rights equally entails obligations to respect the rights of others and to exercise one’s rights responsibly.
In the wake of these positive statements, CHR remains hopeful that government will continuously protect and support the primacy of human rights by revisiting practices and policies that inflict harm to the freedoms of the people. ###