Amnesty International urges Filipinos to elect candidates who champion human rights
MANILA, Philippines — A human rights watchdog on Tuesday called on the public to vote for candidates who will highlight the protection and fulfilment of human rights in their legislative agendas.
In a release, Amnesty International Philippines said the country needs “kinder politics” after being under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte for three years as it launched its May midterm elections project called “Sagot Mo Ba Ako?”
“It is imperative that we bring back the balance and work to end the politics of demonization, which has done nothing but divide us further as a nation,” Olano said.
The rights watchdog will focus on issues such as poverty, physical security and gender equality, which are “universal concerns transcending class and creed.”
“Amnesty International still believes that respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights remain the answer to many social ills plaguing the Philippines today,” Olano said.
Various rights groups stressed that the Philippines under Duterte is in its worst human rights landscape since the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos as thousands—mostly urban poor dwellers—have been killed in the brutal campaign against illegal drugs in so short a period.
READ: Duterte Year 2: 'Without rights, a return to rule by tyrants'
‘Do your homework’
The Amnesty International Philippines officer urged the public to do their homework by understanding the candidates’ policy track and keeping watch.
“It begins with all of us. If we don’t reinvent our mindset in choosing our leaders, we will continue to suffer the consequences. Our vote determines not just the nation’s future but our own. We need to ask the right questions now during the campaign period, or we will end up with the same broken promises,” Olano said.
He also called on Filipinos to remain vigilant even after the polls and make sure the elected government officials stay true to their sworn duty.
“Elected public servants are accountable to the electorate—they answer to and for the Filipino people. The government’s obligation to uphold our rights under the constitution and international laws is realized through the work that legislators do,” Olano said.
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