Aquino to sign HR victim reparation bill

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino is expected to sign into law the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 as he leads the celebration of the 27th anniversary of the 1986 revolt on Feb. 25 at the People Power monument on EDSA in Quezon City.

In a statement from Malacañang, Aquino will join the flag-raising for the anniversary rites.

The landmark legislation is the state’s official recognition of the atrocities committed by the Marcos administration against the Filipino people.

Aside from the reparations to the victims, one of the most important aspects of the law is the creation of the Human Rights Violations Victim’s Memorial Commission.

The commission is mandated to work with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to educate the youth about the abuses committed by the Marcos regime and the heroism of those who opposed it.