STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE

August 10, 2024 Community Billboard

As an organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights, we commend the initiative to
establish protective mechanisms and appropriate funds for human rights defenders operating in the City of Baguio through the proposed Human Rights Defenders Ordinance. However, we urge our esteemed lawmakers to exercise due diligence in ensuring that this vital ordinance is not exploited as a cloak to shield groups with malicious intentions under the guise of human rights advocacy.

Quoting directly from the Maikling Kurso sa Lipunan at Rebolusyong Pilipino, Ikaapat na Edisyon (2019): “Ano
ang rebolusyonaryong kilusang inilulunsad sa kalunsuran? Habang pangunahing tungkulin na isulong ang matagalang digma sa kanayunan, segundaryong tungkulin naman na paunlarin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusang lihim, at ang malawak na demokratikong kilusang masa sa kalunsuran. Ang pangunahing katangian ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang inilulunsad sa kalunsuran ay ang pagiging ligal at depensiba.

Sa kalunsuran pinupukaw, inoorganisa’t pinapakilos ang masa ng mga manggagawa at iba pang maralita, gayundin ang petiburgesya (laluna ang mga estudyante’t guro), at iba pang gitnang pwersa para sa mga pakikibakang anti-imperyalista at antipasista, at para suportahan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa kanayunan” (p. 202). “Ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa kalunsuran ay nagbibigay ng kinakailangang suportang pampulitika, tao at materyal sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa kanayunan.

Nagpapakahusay tayo sa pagkukumbina ng mga aktibidad na ligal, iligal at malaligal sa pamamagitan ng laganap at matatag na kilusang lihim. Ang rebolusyonaryong kilusang lihim na umuunlad sa tabing ng mga aktibidad na
demokratiko at ligal ay dapat magtaguyod sa komprehensibong pag-unlad ng mga pwersang rebolusyonaryo, mag- ugnay sa magkakahiwalay na bahagi ng Partido at hukbong bayan sa bawat antas” (p. 203).

This passage proves the existence of groups that might exploit the ordinance to further their agenda, potentially
strengthening forces that pose a threat to our democracy. Thus, there is a critical need for safeguards. To this end, we recommend the inclusion of the following safeguards: 1. Precise Definitions: Clearly define what constitutes a human rights defender within the ordinance. This definition must distinguish between genuine human rights advocacy and activities that threaten public safety and national security.

2. Rigorous Vetting and Monitoring: Implement a comprehensive vetting process for individuals organizations
and seeking recognition as human rights defenders. This process should include background checks, activity audits, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with lawful and peaceful advocacy. 3. Strong Accountability
Measures: Establish strict accountability measures for those who misuse their status as human rights defenders to
engage in or support illegal activities, including terrorism and armed insurgency.

Violators appropriate should face legal consequences, including the revocation of their recognized status. 4. Collaboration with Security Agencies: Foster a framework of cooperation between human rights organizations and security agencies to balance the protection of human rights with the imperative of national security. Such collaboration should be guided by clear protocols that respect human rights while addressing security threats. 5. Public Transparency: Ensure transparency in the recognition and monitoring process of human rights defenders. Public disclosure of recognized entities and allowing for community feedback can help prevent the misuse of the ordinance.

6. Ongoing Education and Awareness: Promote ongoing education and awareness initiatives to help the public and government officials differentiate between legitimate human rights defenders and those who may exploit this status for unlawful purposes. We believe that with these safeguards, the proposed ordinance can effectively protect legitimate human rights defenders while preventing its misuse. Without these measures, there is a risk that the ordinance could inadvertently aid groups with intentions harmful to our democracy.

Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate these safeguards, or reconsider the passage of the ordinance in its absence, to ensure that our commitment to human rights does not compromise national security. Thank you for your attention and commitment to this important matter.