Claims board now accepting demands from HR victims for reparations

MANILA, Philippines - The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) will accept claims for reparations and recognition from victims of human rights abuses during martial law starting Monday.

“All systems go. The claims board and its staff, with the established systems and procedures, are all set to receive and evaluate the documents about stories of sacrifices and heroism from those who suffered during Martial Law. The members of the claims board know by heart the substance of Republic Act 10368, its intent and purposes to tilt the scales of justice in favor of the victims by recognizing the victims and providing reparations,” HRVCB chairperson Lina Sarmiento said.

Under RA 10368, or the “Human Rights Victims Reparations and Recognition Act of 2013,” HRVCB is tasked to determine monetary reparations for the victims within two years.

Sarmiento said application for reparation and/or recognition would be accepted until Nov. 10, 2014.

“All victims of Martial Law must personally file their claim with the HRVCB. For those who were killed, have died or are incapacitated, their legal heir or authorized representative may file it for them. Even those who are conclusively presumed as human-rights violations victims by the law must submit their applications within six months starting May 12, 2014. Those who will not file within this period are deemed to have waived their claims,” she said.

Applications must be filed with the secretariat of the board at its main office at the University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries or at on-site and satellite intake offices to be designated for those living outside Metro Manila.

RA 10368 recognizes as human rights victims those who won the class suit and are direct action plaintiffs in cases filed in Honolulu courts against former President Ferdinand Marcos and those recognized by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.

The board said it could render motu propio recognition to some victims of martial law through judicial notice.