CHR: Probe fake claimants

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Etta Rosales has ordered an investigation into reported cases of fake claimants to the compensation money awarded to human rights victims during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

She also said she would discuss with the claimants’ lawyers the possibility of imposing more stringent identification measures to ensure that checks are only given to real claimants.

The Philippine National Police recently busted a syndicate that reportedly provided fake documents to people who would pose as claimants.

Rosales said the CHR would undertake an independent probe on the matter.

The distribution of compensation for 7,000 human rights victims was completed in May, but Rosales sought an extension until October 15 because about 500 checks remained unclaimed. Each victim was granted $1,000. The cash was part of the $10 million awarded by a Texas court to victims of human rights abuses.

Rosales said she would discuss with Robert Swift and Rod Domingo, the counsels for the claimants, what to do with the unclaimed checks.

“They were the ones who managed this. We were only the distribution center,” Rosales said.

At present, claimants only have to present a government-issued ID to receive their checks. Rosales said this was a problem as IDs are easy to fake.