#SONA2016: Commendable But Lacks Human Rights Lens

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA) has laudable parts but lacked a strong human rights framework.

"I commend President Duterte's commitment to implement the RH Law to the full extent of the law and expand the coverage of the PhilHealth. Together with the enactment of other important health measures, I am hopeful that we will soon provide universal healthcare for the people," Hontiveros.

The neophyte Senator also praised Duterte's recognition of The Hague ruling over the West Philippine Sea. Hontiveros said the ruling must be used by the government to mobilize allies and international public opinion to assert the country's sovereignty and in advancing genuine peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros welcomed Duterte's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF. "At a time when it is easier to wage war than seek peace, President Duterte's decision is a bold move. I challenge the armed communist left to match this gesture by imposing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire,"the Senator said.

However, Hontiveros lamented the lack of human rights lens in Duterte's SONA. She expressed her concern over the President's order to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to double or triple its anti-crime and anti-illegal drugs efforts and put all alleged criminals and drug pushers "below the ground."

"It could be percieved as public endorsement of more extrajuidicial killings. I am afraid that President Duterte's statement might further embolden some overzealous police elements and vigilantes to disregard the rule of law and circumvent our juidicial system," she explained.

Hontiveros also took exception with President Duterte's warning "not to use human rights to destroy the country."

"It's dangerous. The statement puts human rights advocates and criminals in one basket. It makes human rights defenders target of random killings done in the name of fighting crime," she said.

"President Duterte must understand that safeguarding human rights is not anathema to the effort to protect the people from crime. The day we abandon human rights is the day we commit the highest of crimes: the failure to recognize the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all people," Hontiveros concluded.

BrainGain Workshops on September 3

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Everyone is invited, especially you and your parents, followers on a rare opportunity by which we will be joined by two international neuroscience experts who will share with us the latest neuroscientific development in education and how neuroscience can impact parenting / classroom learning.

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September 3, 2016 at the Bayanihan Center (Pioneer St, Mandaluyong)

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Data Privacy Act Cannot Be Used As Shield Against FOI

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The Data Privacy Act of 2012 cannot be used by government officials as protection against the Freedom of Information Executive Order issued by President Duterte last week, this was said by the Data Privacy Commission” in a position paper in reaction to concerns that the Data Privacy Act will be used by Government Officials to deny access to information.

In the Position Paper the Data Privacy Commission said that, “A government official who abuses his position or takes undue advantage of his functions for personal benefit will not be able to use the Data Privacy Act to restrict access of the people to information”

It also added that Data Privacy Section (7) of the FOI Executive Order, “is not intended to shield government officials but is for the protection of any personal data that may be contained in government records that is not relevant to the freedom of information request, particularly when it affects private citizens.”

Section 7 should not be viewed as restricting the freedom information upheld by the Executive Order. It defined information and public records broadly, which would include all government records, even those containing personal data of citizens. Section 7 is a recognition of the responsibility of government to protect personal data under its custody, and gives due regard to the equally important right to privacy.

According to Data Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro, “We laud the signing of the Executive Order on the Freedom of Information as an important step towards greater transparency and people’s participation in government. The right to information on matters of public concern is a fundamental right provided in the Constitution and the right to privacy must always be balanced with the right of the people to be provided information on matters that affect their lives. The Executive Order was well-written to observe these two fundamental rights”. Commissioner Liboro Said.

About the National Privacy Commission - The National Privacy Commission is an independent body mandated to administer and implement the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and to monitor and ensure compliance of the country with international standards set for data protection.