Rights group Samahan ng Ex-Detainees laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda) questioned the motives of the Office of the Solicitor General in blocking the distribution of claims of martial law victims from the third settlement agreement on the Marcoses ill-gotten wealth.
“We believe that more than the government or any other party, the move is more disadvantageous for victims of rights violations under the Marcos regime. Stopping the reparation and recognition of our claims may be tantamount to non-acknowledgements of victims of martial law. The government should be first to work on the recovery of all funds related to Marcos ill-gotten wealth. They have the obligation to do so,” said Danilo dela Fuente, Selda vice chairman.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) said it has not authorized the settlement agreement that will allow the distribution of at least $13.75 million in dollars to members of the Hawaii class suit, which proved that the Marcoses were responsible for human rights violations and plunder.
“We are wondering, is this mere legality or technicality that the OSG is raising, to really stop the claims distribution? This should be the third time that victims will receive compensation from the settlement. Why raise this just now?” asked dela Fuente.
According to the group, by saying that settlement agreements need to be authorized by the OSG may set a dangerous precedent for the continuous recovery of ill-gotten wealth.
“Is it disadvantageous for the government because the victims will get the bigger chunk of the funds? In the first place, the victims and the members of the class suit have the rightful claim for the said settlements. Victims of rights violations went after the Marcoses to demand justice for their crimes. They proved time and again that the late dictator and his family should be made accountable for decades of their rule. They have all the right to assert and demand justice and compensation,” said dela Fuente.
The group said they are wary that this move is part of plans to absolve and rehabilitate the Marcoses, sponsored by the Duterte government. (pr)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
