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Fortun

By HERBIE GOMEZ
Editor in chief

A CONGRESSMAN from Mindanao who voted against the approval of the P1-thousand budget for the Commission on Human Rights for 2018 yesterday called on Congress to strengthen democratic institutions, and not weaken them.

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Rep. Lawrence Fortun of Agusan del Norte’s 1st District said these are “trying times” for the country even as he frowned over the Lower House’s move to vote, 119-32, in favor of giving the CHR a measly budget of P1 thousand for next year.

Fortun said it is the sworn duty of legislators, “first and foremost, to uphold the Constitution,” noting that the CHR is an independent constitutional body.

He said, “The CHR is an independent constitutional commission whose fiscal autonomy we (lawmakers) should recognize and respect. It is there to promote human rights and check on excesses that may be committed by state authorities against citizens.”

Other lawmakers such as senators Panfilo Lacson and Franklin Drilon said the Lower House’s act on Tuesday was tantamount to abolishing the constitutional body.

Drilon said if not corrected, it can set a bad precedent and soon, a similar thing can be done by Congress to the Supreme Court, a branch of government, and other constituional bodies.

Fortun said if congressmen have observed shortcomings in the CHR, then they should utilize Congress’ legislative powers, including the power of the purse, to address these deficiencies but not de-fund it.

Fortun is one of the 32 congressmen who voted against the proposed P1-thousand CHR budget. Eight of them are from Mindanao: Arlene Bag-ao of the lone district of Dinagat Islands, Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis, Evelyn Plaza Mellana of the 2nd district of Agusan del Sur, Deputy Speaker Sandra Sema of the 1st district of Maguindanao, Tom Villarin of Akbayan, Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna, Manuel Zubiri of the 3rd district of Bukidnon, and Fortun.

The non-Mindanaoan congressmen who voted against the proposal were Gary Alejano of Magdalo, Lito Atienza of Buhay, Jorge Banal and Kit Belmonte of Quezon City, Emmanuel Billones of Capiz;

Gabriel Bordado of Camarines Sur, Arlene Brosas of Gabriela, Wilfredo Caminero of Cebu, France Castro of Gabriela, Raul Daza of Northern Samar, Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela;

Raul del Mar of Cebu, Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan, Bayani Fernando of Marikina, Mark Go of Baguio City, Edcel Lagman of Albay;

Jocelyn Limkaichong of Negros Oriental, Rosenda Ann Ocampo of Manila, Aileen Radaza of Lapu-lapu City, Ramon Rocamora of Siquijor,Antonio Tinio of Act Teachers, and Rosanna Vergara of Nueva Ecija.

The CHR, in a statement, thanked the 32 representatives “who stood up with us in our fight for this country and human rights during the budget deliberations at the House of Representatives.” (with reports from mindanews)

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