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| Human Rights Board Advisory: No Fees required of claimants |
The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board says no fees are required of victims of abuses during Martial Law in filing
claims for recognition and reparations
MANILA, Philippines - Lina Castillo Sarmiento, chairperson of the Human
Rights Victims’ Claims Board issued this statement on Wednesday, March 12: The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) would like to inform
victims and survivors of abuses during Martial Law that no fees are required to
file claims for recognition and reparations under RA 10368 entitled “An Act
Providing for Reparations and Recognition of Victims of Human Rights Violations
During Marcos Regime, Documentation of Said Violations, Appropriating Funds
Therefor and For Other Purposes” (also known as Martial Law Victims’ Reparation
and Recognition Act of 2013).
This is
in response to queries on how to file claims or if there are fees, now that the
Claims Board is already constituted by President Aquino.
The
board reiterates its commitment to reach out to all survivors and families of
victims of Martial Law. The HRVCB adopts a policy of inclusivity, accessibility
and transparency in working with the different stakeholders.
While we
are still organizing the Board and the Secretariat, interested parties can
communicate with us through the following contact details:
Office:
Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board
ISSI
Building, University of the Philippines, Diliman
Telephone:
+ 0999-5059737
Email: hrvictimsclaimsboard@gmail.com.
We
advise survivors and families of victims of human rights violations to be wary
of persons charging fees for a promise of access to the board or any of its
members. We also advise them to be cautious of those exacting fees or asking
for a percentage from any anticipated award.
We would
also like to inform everyone that the Claims Board has not designated any
individual or group to act as its agent in relating to, or coordinating with
any legitimate claimant.
Further,
we would like to inform the victims, survivors and their families as well as
the general public about some of the salient features of RA 10368 for their
guidance:
1. There
will be a six-month period for all legitimate claimants to file claims for
reparations and recognition with the HRVCB. This information will be published
in newspapers and broadcast over the radio and television. This period will
commence from the time the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) becomes
effective, which is fifteen (15) days after the last publication of the IRR.
This
period has not yet started as the HRVCB is in its organizational stage -
setting up its office and claims systems.
2. Upon
organization of the Board and Secretariat, the Claims Board will call for
public consultations on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao.
3. The
law imposes stiff penalties, which include imprisonment of 8 to 10 years, among
others, on anyone who makes or facilitates a spurious or fraudulent claim.
Anyone who conspired to facilitate any fraudulent claim, shall also be
prosecuted.
We
commit to truth and justice. We call on everyone to exercise vigilance against
misrepresentation. We need to help one another in preventing the devious from
taking advantage of the victims and survivors of the atrocities of the Marcos
regime.
The
victims and survivors of martial law belong to a generation who stood up for
democracy and freedom against tyrannical rule. Some of them have died and some
are in the twilight of their lives and the Claims Board commit to facilitate
the recognition and reparations that are rightfully theirs. -
Rappler.com/Press Release
Source +Rappler
Tagged +Rappler
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