THE House of Representatives has passed on third and final reading a joint resolution extending by six months the period for human-rights victims during martial law to file their claims for recognition and reparation.
House Deputy Speaker Carlos Padilla said the majority of the lawmakers voted unanimously to pass Joint Resolution 16 late Wednesday.
The resolution, which was principally authored by Party-list Reps. Barry Gutierrez and Walden Bello of Akbayan, seeks to move the deadline of filing on November 10 to May next year to cope with the large number of persons seeking for reparation and recognition under Republic Act 10368, or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.
“We laud the leadership and members of the House of Representatives who have taken a decisive stand during this very critical moment in bringing justice and redress to the thousands of victims of martial law. We also laud the various human-rights defenders and organizations who have consistently gave their utmost support to the passage of this measure. Through the passage of the resolution extending the deadline of the filing of reparation claims for the human-rights victims, we are giving the victims the full opportunity to get the recognition they deserve for their sacrifices in protecting this nation’s liberties and freedom, especially as they enter their final years,” Gutierrez said.
The lawmaker said the six-month extension was sought to allow the legitimate claimants, especially those living in far-flung areas of the country, full opportunity to file their claims with the Human Rights Victims Claims Board.
The lawmakers said that, as of October, the board has received more than 29,000 claims under the law, while the expected number of claimants is at 55,000 to 90,000.
“With the November deadline fast approaching, it is evident that the set time frame needs to be expanded to ensure that all victims will be given their proper recognition and compensation, and no victim will be unduly cut off from their rightful claims,” Gutierrez said.
“We are happy, therefore, that the leadership of the House lent its full support, leading to the swift approval of the measure. This is a clear signal that Congress is serious in its commitment to seeing justice served to the thousands of victims of martial law,” Gutierrez added.
Gutierrez also underscored the importance of the measure in providing redress to the victims of human-rights violations during the imposition of martial law, and “making certain that they take their rightful place in our history.”