News Release
Kabataan Partylist expressed protest against possible cabinet appointment of Akbayan Rep. Eta Rosales to the Commission on Human Rights. The group cited her track-record not worthy to direct an independent body for genuine protection of human rights such as the commission.
After nine dark years for the human rights situation in the country, the youth party stated Eta’s possible appointment as a bad move for President Aquino who affirmed justice before reconciliation in his Inaugural address.
The group stated that Eta’s red-baiting of genuine progressive organizations and partylists showed her strict tie-up with the military establishment. During electoral campaigns, her partylist accused members of genuine progressive parties as well as candidates to be legal fronts of CPP-NPA and denounced the latter for the killings of their members. It was the same propaganda to those of the military who endorsed her partylist, Akabayan during the 2007 polls.
It also expressed worry for the thousand cases of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances under the Arroyo regime as Eta’s possible appointment may possibly lead to their deriding. Like the Marcos victims, Eta might again create a pint-of-view that material compensation is tantamount to genuine justice.
‘The new administration is facing a role of rebuilding, reshaping and regaining the situation of human rights in our country. The youth believes that by possibly appointing Eta, nothing will be resolved for she will just serve as a continuation of the inhumane policies that stricken our country under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It will be like what she did with the victims of fascism of the Marcos regime wherein she stood that there can be material compensation to patch things up.’ Stated Mark Louie Aquino, 2nd Nominee and Spokesperson for NCR of Kabataan Partylist.
The group held several accounts of going not in favor of Eta for the CHR post, one of which was the latter’s dismal performance as chair of the Committee on Human Rights in the House of Representatives during her term, her blunt reception on the cases of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances, her clear stand against genuine progressive organizations who were at the forefront of counter-insurgency programs of the state and thus were the main victims of human rights’ violations and a lot more.
‘Eta’s possible appointment as CHR chair is not suited in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation, it is unworthy, deceitful and shallow, it’s a mere appointment by advantage, not by principle.’ Aquino ended.
Reference: Mark Louie Aquino, 2nd Nominee Kabataan Partylist, Spokesperson for National Capital Region
