But as more lawmakers and citizens called for sanctions against Singson, another Arroyo spokesperson, Lorelei Fajardo, announced that Singson may opt to go on “vacation” out of “delicadeza.” To this, Gabriela replied: “If there is an iota of decency left in the Arroyo government, it should sack Chavit rather than merely ask him to go on leave.”
National Security Adviser Gonzales, meanwhile, said they would study the matter to determine if Singson had indeed done wrong. Singson himself has lately been contradicting his early claims about using the resources of his office against Tiongson.
Singson is liable for violating the law defining and protecting women and children against violence, Maza said. She told Bulatlat that, under the law, all government officials and law enforcers should intervene in cases of violence against women and children.
Chavit Singson shown with one of his tigers and the boxer Manny Pacquiao. Singson allegedly used his tiger whip on Tiongson. (Photo from chavitsingson.net)
“There is no need for court proceedings before the president can decide. Chavit himself admitted he beat up Tiongson. That is enough reason for Malacañang to kick him out of public office,” said Emmi de Jesus, Gabriela’s secretary-general. The group accompanied Tiongson to Tuesday’s hearing for her requested permanent protection order.
The women’s group also scoffed at Fajardo’s statement that the president “as a woman and as the head of our government, is alarmed and seriously concerned…”
“As a woman and as a head of state, Arroyo should be more than merely alarmed and concerned,” de Jesus said. “Like any decent Filipino – woman or man – she should be outraged and should immediately severely sanction Chavit for his crime and his unrepentant and even proud admission of it.”
Sorry Government Record
Aside from Tiongson and other celebrated cases of violence against women, de Jesus said there are countless more women and children being victimized. Gabriela has handled around 1,400 cases of domestic violence since the implementation of RA 9262 in 2005. Of this number, only 122 victims – or a mere 8 percent of total cases handled — sought legal action using the law.
Of the 122 cases filed, majority were unaware that they could seek protection orders. Of those who were aware, less than 10 percent sought a temporary protection order and only four percent sought a barangay protection order. Only two cases were able to get a permanent protection order, but in both cases, Gabriela said the orders were violated by the perpetrators.
“Tiongson and other victims/survivors of violence, especially those pitted against the rich and powerful, can only hope to get a semblance of justice with the unity and determination of women to fight and end violence against women,” de Jesus said. (Bulatlat.com)
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