MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) statement guaranteeing that it will take steps against cases of extrajudicial killings is an assurance that those who are responsible will be held accountable, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said on Friday.
According to the CHR’s statement, good governance should include the rule of law and the recognition of human rights.
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“CHR also notes the DOJ’s assurance that it is doing all the crucial steps to strengthen the criminal justice system and to ensure accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations,” CHR said.
“Ensuring adherence to the rule of law and advancing human rights are foundational principles that should underpin every facet of governance,” it added.
The commission likewise expressed hope that the DOJ’s moves will result in more solutions to the present cases of rights violations and that it will collaborate with the DOJ to assist in these initiatives.
“We are hopeful that these pronouncements will translate to concrete results, including an increase in the number of resolved cases of human rights violations,” the CHR continued.
“We also look forward to more progress and actions that prioritize the protection of human rights of all, especially the disadvantaged sectors,” it added.
On Thursday, the DOJ released a statement that said that reforms are to combat extrajudicial killings.
“We are taking all necessary steps to strengthen the criminal justice system and hold to account the perpetrators of these violations,” the DOJ said.