CLIMATE OF IMPUNITY | Remulla vows ‘real justice in real time’ concerning human rights

October 6, 2022 , 03:29 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(October 6, 2022) – As human rights organizations continue seeking change, Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Boying Remulla on Wednesday claimed that the Philippines is undertaking “transformational reform” in the justice system.

Remulla, in the regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), said they aim to incorporate human rights into law enforcement and judicial processes. He said the DOJ is “serious” in dealing with human rights.

“It makes for a solid foundation of a civilized, democratic society, which is at the heart of Filipino culture, identity, and history. We are reforming our system to deliver what our people deserve—real justice in real time,” said Remulla in his opening statement.

Among the reforms that Remulla touted in his speech was the domestic review panel on the killings under the brutal war on drugs of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Over two dozen police officers were reportedly indicted recently after prosecutors elevated seven cases before the local courts, according to Remulla.

He added that the DOJ’s review panel referred roughly 300 cases to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for case build-up. Initially, the Philippine National Police (PNP) merely shared details on 52 cases.

“We continue to invite CSOs (civil society organizations), witnesses, and families of victims to come forward and provide information and file appropriate cases that will help the review panel in the investigations and to secure justice for the family of victims,” said Remulla.

President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and some government officials touted the ongoing review as proof that the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not need to interfere in probing the brutal campaign. Remulla recently blasted ICC prosecutor Karim Khan for seeking to push the investigation.

According to Khan, the scope of the local investigation only covered a small number of cases that focused on low-ranking police officers. He also noted that the cases were only seen as “isolated instances.”

“We are on a new pathway towards an inclusive and empowering ecosystem of social justice. President Marcos is a consensus-builder and has a deeply human approach to law enforcement and the anti-illegal drug campaign,” claimed Remulla.

But Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay noted that the Marcos administration has not been able to address their demands for change, noting the continued climate of impunity.

On Monday night, veteran radio commentator Percival Mabasa was shot dead in Las Piñas, making him the second journalist killed under the Marcos administration. Rappler, citing the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said 197 journalists have died since 1986.

“We emphasize that cases of rights violations in the country continue without let-up, as domestic mechanisms continue to fail to hold the perpetrators accountable and render justice to the victim,” said Palabay.

Earlier, Human Rights Watch said the unabated abuses should have prompted the UNHRC to pass another resolution that formalizes the continuation of the UN Joint Program. The UN member-states said they will continue to support this program.

(PM | With reports from Marlene Alcaide, News5)

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