CHR denounces death threat vs doctor, calls for gov’t to act on public health care

Dr. Gene Nisperos PHOTO from Aupwumla Allup’s Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday condemned the death threats against Dr. Gene Nisperos and his family for speaking up on budget cuts for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

“Vocal critics of government policies and action should not be responded with any form of retaliation as everyone has the political right to express their opinion in a democracy,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement, referring to Nisperos who received the death threat via text message on Monday.

CHR spokesperson also said “people have the right to demand redress if there are legitimate human rights concerns that the government should look into.”

READ: Doctor gets death threat after joining rally at PGH

Amid the death threats, De Guia also urged the government to invest in public health care system as outbreaks of infectious diseases continue to affect Filipinos, especially children.

“Our public hospitals are still confronted with issues of inadequate staff and health facilities that could not sufficiently accommodate the medical needs of our people,” read the statement.

De Guia said the country is currently facing two big concerns that should be immediately addressed.

“The health care situation in the country is already a concern that the nation should lament about but the continuous attack against human rights advocates is an equally grave concern that we should never disregard and continue to demand justice for,” she said.