Otso Diretso Senate bets ink pact to oppose Cha-cha, rights abuses

Otso Diretso senatorial candidates attend the signing of the Ahon Laylayan Covenant to fight Charter change and human rights violations. INQUIRER.net photo / Consuelo Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — Otso Diretso senatorial candidates have signed the Ahon Laylayan Covenant of the People’s Legislative Agenda aimed at fighting Charter change and the rising number of human-rights violations.

Ahon Laylayan is a multi-sectoral organization sought to “fighting poverty and hunger through inclusive development, building democracy by resisting dictatorship and strengthening people’s participation to make governance responsive in light of the efforts to change the current Constitution.”

“Lalabanan namin ang pagtangkang baguhin ang 1987 Constitution sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang administrasyon, lalabanan ang mapanupil na polisiya na lumalabag sa mga batayang karapatang pantao,” an excerpt from the covenant read.

The covenant also sought the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill, Anti- Dynasty Bill and People Empowerment Bill to allow people’s participation in government service.

The covenant also seeks to protect children’s rights by opposing the lowering of minimum age of criminal responsibility.

The covenant is also batting for the National Land Use Bill and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program to strengthen agriculture in the Philippines.

The covenant likewise pushed for the protection of workers’ rights.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, Senator Bam Aquino, Samira Gutoc, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, lawyers Romulo Macalintal, Chel Diokno, former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas and former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada attended the signing held at UP Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Vice President Leni Robredo also attended the ceremonial signing of the covenant.

Hundreds of sectoral leaders from communities of senior citizens, youth, women, fisherfolk, indigenous people and farmers attended the event. /jpv, gsg