CHR looks for right definition of 鈥楻ed-tagging鈥� in inquiry
Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) started on Monday a two-day public inquiry into “Red-tagging,” or the practice of labeling individuals or groups as communists or terrorists, to come up with a “definitive definition” of the act.
In a press briefing, CHR Commissioner and spokesperson Beda Epres pointed to a significant gap in the current legal framework because of the lack of a law penalizing Red-tagging, adding, “What we have are existing laws that penalize acts, which are constituted Red-tagging.”
READ: Supreme Court: Red-tagging threatens one’s right to life, security
“The main reason why we are having this Red-tagging [inquiry] is in order for us to come up with a definitive definition of what really is Red-tagging,” he said.
The CHR, he added, would propose to Congress measures regarding the “correct definition” of Red-tagging, the acts constituting the practice and corresponding penalties.
Article continues after this advertisementFor his part, CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc was hopeful the inquiry would help the commission “come up with concrete recommendations to ultimately address the situation through the willingness of duty-bearers and rights-holders to participate in this undertaking.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe public inquiry is expected to gather perspectives from various stakeholders to develop recommendations for preventing human rights violations related to Red-tagging.
It will also collect testimonies from human rights defenders, legal experts and individuals affected by Red-tagging. Human rights group have long criticized the practice, saying it can lead to harassment, intimidation and violence. —Russel Loreto
