CHR calls for urgent passage of bill vs torture, atrocity in PH prisons

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is pushing for the urgent passage of a bill that seeks to eliminate torture and other forms of cruelty in Philippine custodial facilities. STOCK IMAGE

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is pushing for the immediate passage of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) bill, which seeks to eliminate torture and other forms of cruel or unusual punishment in custodial facilities nationwide.

The CHR raised this matter on Tuesday as it welcomed the release of 85-year-old Gerardo Dela Peña from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). Dela Peña was the country’s oldest political prisoner.

“As Dela Peña is finally free from his orange jail uniform, the Commission positively views this development now that he is able to safely return home to his family and can finally attend to his medical needs,” the rights body said in a statement.

“The CHR also takes this opportunity to urge for the passage of the NPM bill as part of the country’s full-fledged commitment to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol. Such will strengthen decongestion efforts and initiatives which improve the conditions of PDLs in the Philippines,” it added.

Reports showed that dela Peña was arrested in 2013 at the age of 74 for murder. He was released from NBP two weeks ago, or on June 30.

READ: CHR hails filing of bills to protect well-being of detained Filipinos

Human Rights group Kapatid said dela Peña over-served his commuted sentence for 12 years and two months as of June 12, 2024.

According to the CHR, dela Peña has long been entitled to release after being qualified for executive clemency under Resolution No. OT-08-02-2023 of the Board of Pardons and Parole. This resolution allows freedom of detainees who are at least 70 years old.

It commended the efforts of the Department of Justice and various human rights groups over Dela Peña’s release.

“We are in high hopes that this marks a more reinforced undertaking from the Philippine government for the release of other qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs),” the CHR said.

“After all, a humane correctional system which encourages the release of PDLs bolsters the realization of citizens’ fundamental right to liberty and due process,” it added.