MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / June 20, 2013) – A Filipino human rights organization called SELDA decried the government’s failure in the implementation of Republic Act 10368.
Republic Act 10368 provides for reparation and recognition of human rights victims during the Marcos regime.
SELDA, the acronym for Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at sa Aresto, said in a letter to President Benigno Aquino, said there is a need to form the Claims Board composed of 9 members who will draw up the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the reparation and recognition of martial law victims.
“Victims all over the country who are interested to be recognized as martial law victims are already asking when and if the government is really sincere in its declaration to recognize martial law victims,” said Amaryllis Enriquez, of SELDA.
The group also urged Aquino to appoint SELDA members to the Claims Board.
SELDA expressed doubts that the long delay in the formation of the Claims Board might result in the exclusion of SELDA nominees. It said the list of nominees has been sent to Aquino since March.
“Many from SELDA interpret this as foot-dragging on the President’s part to exclude SELDA nominees from becoming members of the Claims Board,” said Enriquez, who incidentally, is among those in the list.
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