BAGUIO CITY – Commission on Human Rights – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHR-CAR) director Romel Daguimol claims that the country has numerous laws when it comes to protecting human rights but there is still a lack when it comes to their implementation or enforcement.
He pointed out that in some aspects like in the recent passage of the landmark Philippine Mental Health Law, the country is even ahead compared to many other nations when it comes to crafting and adopting laws protecting the rights of individuals.
Daguimol stressed, however, that while this is good news and that the national government should be commended, there is still much to be desired when it comes to the full implementation or enforcement of these laws that protect and enhance human rights.
He said this during the Capacity Building on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) seminar for the Community-Based Dialogue (CBD) Cordillera Core Group members and other stakeholders held July 17 to 19 here conducted by CHR-CAR.
Daguimol said the activity was part of his office’s efforts to institutionalize the project “CBD Sessions on Human Rights Between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Civil Society Organizations and Local Communities” particularly in the Cordillera region through its various engagements in the past two years.
He made the same claim during a media forum Tuesday, July 23, at the City multi-purpose hall as part of an Orientation on Sensitivity and Awareness on the Rights of PWDs seminar in celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week.
Daguimol was joined by councilor Arthur Allad-iw, chair of the august body’s committee on persons with disabilities, Samuel Aquino of the PWD Affairs Office (PDAO), and architect Cliff Richard Ham of the city buildings and architects office.
He pointed out that one problem is that some of these laws do not allegedly include the needed budget allocation for its proper enforcement or implementation. He is hoping that these would be rectified as we are now halfway in the Duterte administration.
This year’s NDPR Week celebration has the theme, “Lokal na Pamahalaan: Kabalikat sa Pagtupad ng Mga Taong May Kapansanan”.**gaby keith
