Duterte extends compensation period for martial law victims

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has approved until the end of 2019  the maintenance, availability and release of funds for victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos martial law.

Duterte signed the joint Senate and House resolution on February 22, authorizing the Bureau of Treasury and the Land Bank of the Philippines “to release the funds and ensure the payment of the claims” and “authorized the Commission on Human Rights to administer its effective distribution.”

Under Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10368, reparation for the victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos regime will be sourced from a P10-billion fund.

In April 19, 2016, Republic Act No. 10766 was enacted into law to extend the effectivity of RA No. 10368 from May 12, 2014 to May 12, 2018.

On May 11, 2018, the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) was able to approve and duly recognize 11,103 legitimate claimants out of the more than 75, 000 applicants.

HRVCB, however, was only able to completely resolve 6, 737 appeals by May 6, 2018, six days before the May 12, 2018 deadline.

The resolution stated that as of June 28, 2018, Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) had a balance of 792.628 million that can only be maintained until Aug. 11, 2018.

“Many of the claimants are concerned of the time constraint to process matters relating to the distribution of money claims until 11 August 2018,” the resolution stated.

Several approved claimants, according to the resolution, “were not able to encash the checks even with the issuance of Special Power of Attorney.” / gsg