By Cielito M. Reganit
MANILA, Oct. 22 (PNA) — The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed on second reading a Joint Resolution to extend by six months the period for human rights victims during Martial Law to file their claims for recognition and reparation.
Principally authored by Akbayan Partylist Reps. Barry Gutierrez and Walden Bello, Joint Resolution No. 16 seeks to move the deadline of filing from November 10, 2014 to May, 2015 to cope with the large number of persons seeking for reparation and recognition under Republic Act 10368.
Gutierrez lauded the development as he underscored the importance of the measure in providing redress to the victims of human rights violations during the Martial Law period and “making certain that they take their rightful place in our history.”
“The six-month extension would allow the legitimate claimants, especially those living in far-flung areas of the country, full opportunity to file their claims with the Human Rights Victims Claims Board (HRVCB),” Gutierrez said.
The lawmaker noted that as of October 2014, the Claims Board has received more than 29,000 claims while the expected number of claimants ranges from 55,000-90,000.
“With the November deadline fast approaching, it is evident that the set time frame needs to be expanded to ensure that all victims will be given their proper recognition and compensation, and no victim will be unduly cut-off from their rightful claims,” Gutierrez explained.
“We are happy that the leadership of the House lent its full support leading to the swift approval of the measure. This is a clear signal that the Congress is serious in its commitment to seeing justice served to the thousands of victims of Martial Law,” he added.
The Akbayan lawmakers expect the joint resolution to pass Congress before the current session adjourns on October 29 to be in time for the November 10 deadline. (PNA)