MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE RIGHT TO THE TRUTH CONCERNING GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND THE DIGNITY OF VICTIMS

      Each year, we observe the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims to seek justice for victims and their families, and to pay tribute to those who risk their lives to protect our rights and civil liberties.

      Early on my term as Senator, I filed Senate Resolution No. 9 calling for an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the spate of extrajudicial killings and summary executions under the Duterte regime. Despite the threats, harassments and intimidations led by no other than the President and his henchmen, I pursued the investigation to find the truth behind the brutal killings and to hold those perpetrators accountable. This has caused me my freedom and the relentless political persecution against me by the current government, being unjustly detained for more than three years now.

      I am also pushing for the passage of the Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Protection Bill, logged as Senate Bill No. 179, which seeks to guarantee the rights and freedoms of HRDs who bravely stand up against the excesses of the powers-that-be.

      Matibay ang ating paninindigan: Walang pinipiling panahon ang pagkilala at pagrespeto sa karapatang pantao. May krisis man o wala, pundasyon ng tunay na kaayusan at makataong lipunan ang paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa at agarang pagkamit ng hustisya para sa mga biktima at kanilang pamilya.

      Tyrants will always be determined to suppress the truth - to conceal their abuses, deceive the people with their propaganda and continue their reign. They stifle press freedom and conspire with those who propagate fake news for their advantage. But they will not succeed. We must remember: all power, no matter how seemingly absolute, is fleeting. What is permanent is truth and justice.

(Sgd.) LEILA M. DE LIMA