New Laws Bring Hope in the Philippines

There is good news from the Philippines as we celebrate the passing of new human rights legislation and the progress that has been made on other important pending legislation in the Philippine Congress.

The administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is striving to leave behind an impressive body of new legislation. After many years of hard work by non-government organizations, human rights groups, women’s organizations, people’s associations, church activists and letter-writing supporters, a women’s rights bill was signed into law by President Macapagal-Arroyo. The Magna Carta of Women, as the Republic Act 9710 is called, was signed into law after seven years of struggle.

Its key importance is the recognition that “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights.” The new law says that all “rights,” as stated in the constitution and in international conventions ratified by the Philippines “shall be the rights of women under this act to be enjoyed without discrimination.” The law forbids any form of discrimination against women and promotes equality and dignity of women. In addition, there must be gender balance in the police departments and other government service personnel within five years under the law. Government developmental councils must have 40% female members, and political parties with women's agendas will get incentives. The law also protects pregnant women and single mothers from any kind of discrimination in school or the work place.

A law banning torture by government officials, their agents and any private person is near the final voting. The bicameral conference committee reconciling the house and senate versions approved the consolidated version of the bill, and it will be ratified within the week.

These new laws are good news indeed, but will they ever be implemented? Those of us working for justice and peace believe that I mplementation will be the biggest challenge.

Visit www.preda.org for more related articles. Contact Fr. Shay Cullen at the Preda Center, Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Philippines. e-mail: preda@info.com.ph