OPISYAL NA PAHAYAGAN NG AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES
OPISYAL NA PAHAYAGAN NG AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES
OPISYAL NA PAHAYAGAN NG AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES
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<strong>OPISYAL</strong> <strong>NA</strong> <strong>PAHAYAGAN</strong> <strong>NG</strong> <strong>AMNESTY</strong> INTER<strong>NA</strong>TIO<strong>NA</strong>L <strong>PHILIPPINES</strong><br />
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 04 / ISSN# 1908-9856 / DOUBLE ISSUE FOR SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2012
The year 2012 ended with a bang – finally, the Anti-<br />
Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012<br />
and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive<br />
Health Act of 2012 became laws in our country on December<br />
21, after decades of struggle. The enactment of these two<br />
laws have long been part of our advocacy with the hope that<br />
these laws will add protection of our peoples’ rights.<br />
The National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)<br />
has also finally done away with the very much criticized<br />
2006 Guidelines for Free Prior Informed Consent and came<br />
up with a new guidelines. Aside from these, the government<br />
also ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against<br />
Torture (OPCAT).<br />
We encountered varied challenges and at times had<br />
moments of anxious planning, actions and assessments<br />
because our efforts seem to be falling on deaf ears. But<br />
we came out victorious in some human rights concerns, all<br />
because we signed petitions, we discussed human rights<br />
issues and raised them with our voices, banners and dances<br />
in the streets; we recruited new members, maintained<br />
membership by paying our dues and taking action for human<br />
rights alongside with partners in and outside the country.<br />
We remain in limbo regarding the arms trade treaty – the<br />
United Nations conference in July failed to adopt the<br />
treaty. Nevertheless, the signatures we gathered from<br />
local government officials and all the photos we took of<br />
people carrying placards calling for the ratification of the<br />
International Arms Trade Treaty influenced our government<br />
to support regulation of arms to ensure that they are not<br />
used for human rights abuse. We are hopeful that the<br />
Philippine government will continue to support the adoption<br />
of the Treaty this coming March during the UN Diplomatic<br />
Conference.<br />
The death penalty remains in China – our efforts<br />
to influence the Chinese government to move towards<br />
moratorium and abolition of the death penalty must be<br />
leveled up. But the trend towards abolition of death penalty<br />
continues and we should not despair.<br />
Sadness remains in our hearts because during the year<br />
2012, extrajudicial killings and impunity pervade. We<br />
remember Jordan Manda who was killed on his way to school.<br />
We remember Juvy Capion who was pregnant when she was<br />
gunned down along with her children. We remember that<br />
Jonas Burgos and James Balao remain missing. Justice<br />
remains elusive for Gerry Ortega, Nelzon Azucena, the<br />
57 victims of the Maguindanao massacre and many other<br />
victims of abuses. Perpetrators of abuses remain scot-free.<br />
But we must never stop working for justice.<br />
2 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
MESSAGE FROM<br />
THE DIRECTOR<br />
There are additional reasons to celebrate 2012, though.<br />
AIPh broadened its reach because of increased number of<br />
members, supporters and groups as well as through increased<br />
activism in 14 regions of the country. Our members’<br />
creativity resulted to public actions like flash mobs, concerts,<br />
lantern flying, film showing, fun runs, bike for rights, pride<br />
march, motorcades, photo exhibits, and even a solidarity<br />
garden for indigenous peoples. Artists for Amnesty (A4A)<br />
continue to support some of our advocacies. Venues for<br />
participatory approach are accessible and maximized<br />
through the youth assembly, activists’ assembly, standing<br />
committees, human rights teams, group coordinators meeting<br />
and section planning and assessment.<br />
Finally, in celebration of our 25th year anniversary<br />
we held AIPh@25 celebration in 15 parts of the country<br />
showing the spread of our reach. We held anniversary events<br />
highlighting various human rights concerns in La Union,<br />
Bayombong, Plaridel, Talisay, Angeles and Quezon City in<br />
Luzon; Iloilo and Bacolod in the Visayas; and in Cagayan de<br />
Oro, Davao, Zamboanga, Marawi, Barira, Ozamis and Jimenez<br />
in Mindanao. There are still many challenges especially<br />
in the area of organizational strengthening, membership<br />
retention, effective communications, fund raising and finance<br />
accountability but the foundations have been laid and we<br />
only need due diligence in implementing the policies and<br />
procedures as well as learning lessons on the way.<br />
The concrete laws passed need to be disseminated so<br />
that peoples are empowered to use them to assert, defend,<br />
protect and promote their rights. We need as many people as<br />
possible in these endeavors.<br />
Sa mga nakasabay naming kumilos para sa dignidad at<br />
hustisya:<br />
MARAMI<strong>NG</strong> SALAMAT SA INYO<strong>NG</strong> PAKIKIISA AT<br />
PAGKILOS NOO<strong>NG</strong> 2012. MULI, I<strong>NA</strong>ANYAYAHAN KAYO SA<br />
SAMA-SAMA<strong>NG</strong> PAGKILOS PARA SA KARAPATA<strong>NG</strong> PANTAO<br />
SA TAO<strong>NG</strong> 2013.<br />
Sa mga bagong kakilala, kaibigan at kasapi:<br />
HALI<strong>NA</strong>! MAGTULU<strong>NG</strong>AN TAYO UPA<strong>NG</strong> MAS HIGIT <strong>NA</strong><br />
MATIYAK A<strong>NG</strong> KARAPATA<strong>NG</strong> PANTAO PARA SA LAHAT!<br />
Aurora Corazon A. Parong, M.D.<br />
Director<br />
Amnesty International Philippines<br />
TU<strong>NG</strong>KOL SA CAMPAIGN<br />
Ang campAIgn ay ang opisyal na<br />
pahayagan ng Amnesty International<br />
Philippines (AIPh). Ipinamamahagi ito<br />
sa mga kasapi at taga-suporta ng AIPh<br />
tuwing ikatlong buwan sa pamamagitan<br />
ng membership mailing. Ang campAIgn<br />
ay naglalaman ng mga balita hinggil<br />
sa mahahalagang usaping local at<br />
pandaigdig tungkol sa karapatang<br />
pantao, kasama din ditto ang mga<br />
ginagawang pagkilos at mga proyekto ng<br />
AIPh at ng mga grupong kasapi nito.<br />
EDITORIAL TEAM<br />
Editors:<br />
Aurora Parong, Mei Palma<br />
Layout Artist:<br />
Dennis Lee<br />
Writers:<br />
Ritz Lee Santos III, Wilnor<br />
Papa, Ron de Vera, Mei<br />
Palma,<br />
Eliz Balderas, Paning Perez,<br />
Garf Bigornia, Adrian<br />
Hablado, Jun Sacay Jr.<br />
Photographer:<br />
Wilnor Papa, Ron de Vera,<br />
Eliz Balderas<br />
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2011-2013<br />
Chairperson:<br />
Ritzlee Santos III<br />
Vice-Chairperson:<br />
Oscar Gador III<br />
Secretary:<br />
Carl Cesar Rebuta<br />
Treasurer:<br />
Marikita Bugarin<br />
Members-at-large:<br />
Francis Marcial<br />
Victoria Cajandig<br />
Rodney Meg Fitz Balagtas<br />
Staff Box<br />
Last December Amnesty International<br />
Philippines held several regional and<br />
local group activities to celebrate its 25<br />
years of human rights work.<br />
Nationwide activities kicked off<br />
with a reunion of Amnesty International<br />
Philipoines old and new members,<br />
activists and supporters at Asian<br />
Cultural Center at the University of the<br />
Philippines, Diliman on 1 December.<br />
Pioneers, Atty. Sammy Matunog<br />
and Rev. Al Sinturias, were able to<br />
bring us back to the first years of<br />
establishment of Amnesty International<br />
in the Philippines. Icons and leaders<br />
of the human rights movement, such<br />
as Sr. Cres Lucero and Cookie Diokno,<br />
were able to share words of inspiration<br />
regarding our work on the Philippine<br />
Human Rights Agenda. The AIPh@25<br />
Coffee Table Book, showing Amnesty<br />
International Philippines’ work through<br />
the years, was also launched here.<br />
Our Davao local groups opened<br />
their Human Rights Festival with an<br />
AIPh@25 celebration on 5 December<br />
and closed it with the human rights day<br />
concert at the Matina Town Square.<br />
The AIPh@25 celebration by Iloilo<br />
local groups also held a concert on<br />
7 December, in a resto-bar at the<br />
Smallville Complex with a short<br />
program that included ribbon-cutting<br />
for the AIPh@25 Coffee Table Book<br />
and inspirational talk by the Andoy<br />
couple, Amnesty International Germany<br />
beneficiaries during the Martial Law.<br />
The local groups in the cities of<br />
Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro held<br />
ROMEL DE VERA<br />
simultaneous AIPh@25 celebration<br />
activities on 8 December. Zamboanga<br />
held a reunion of old and new members<br />
and supporters and a ribbon-cutting<br />
ceremony for the coffee table book.<br />
The Cagayan de Oro group invited local<br />
organizations and individuals who have<br />
supported Amnesty International’s<br />
work there to give them the AIPh@25<br />
trophies as gratitude. Their activity<br />
was also attended by local Artists for<br />
Amnesty members who performed<br />
several songs. There were LGBT groups,<br />
as well, who partnered with the group<br />
for their pride activity.<br />
On 10 December, La Union group<br />
held a flashmob, candlelighting and a<br />
ribbon-cutting ceremony for the coffee<br />
table book as part of their AIPh@25<br />
celebration.<br />
Aside from the regional activities,<br />
local AIPh@25 celebrations were<br />
also conducted in Plaridel, Misamis<br />
Occidental on 1 December; Talisay City,<br />
Cebu on 2 December; Pampanga by<br />
local groups of the cities of Angeles and<br />
San Fernando on 3 December; Marawi,<br />
Lanao del Sur on 8 December; and in<br />
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on 9<br />
December.<br />
The culmination of the Amnesty<br />
International Philippines celebration<br />
was the submission of the Philippine<br />
Human Rights Agenda to the<br />
Commission on Human Rights. Amnesty<br />
International Philippines was also able<br />
to submit copies of the agenda to the<br />
national and regional offices of Davao<br />
and Cagayan de Oro City.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 3
ILO<strong>NG</strong>GOS FOR<br />
HUMAN RIGHTS!<br />
Amnesty International<br />
Philippines’ campaigning<br />
created a stronger hold for<br />
human rights for Ilonggos.<br />
The 16 days of activism<br />
against gender violence<br />
emphasized the importance<br />
of Maternal Health and<br />
Sexual Reproductive Rights<br />
for Filipinos. Reaping<br />
public opinion about the<br />
controversial Reproductive<br />
Health bill, the actions<br />
surrounding it contributed to<br />
the urgency of the issue.<br />
Activities started on 11<br />
November to 10 December<br />
wherein full force effort from<br />
the energetic Iloilo group was<br />
seen. It called like-minded<br />
people for the advocacy. A<br />
parade was conducted at the<br />
Esplanade to formally open<br />
the 16 Days of Activism.<br />
After that, a short program<br />
was held for the “Balloon<br />
Flying” to symbolize freedom<br />
from gender.<br />
Unity and coordination<br />
were the strongest elements<br />
of our planning. We may have<br />
lacked human resources but<br />
this never hindered to take<br />
action.<br />
4 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
BE FREE TAKBO PARA<br />
SA KARAPATAN<br />
A film showing, an exhibit on the Universal<br />
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a<br />
human rights photo booth, signature campaign<br />
and recruitment constituted this campusbased<br />
activity. The University of Iloilo Group<br />
was assigned to handle the project where<br />
a positive and conclusive response through<br />
flattering comments and support was garnered.<br />
Subsequently, making our way to a bigger and<br />
deeper impact to the school administration.<br />
The Central Philippine University Group focused<br />
more on the media aspect of the activities. Dr.<br />
Aurora Parong, Director of Amnesty International<br />
Philippines, was a panelist during the Press<br />
Conference.<br />
The AIPh@25 celebration was held at Jack’s<br />
to showcase and commemorate the humble<br />
beginnings of Amnesty International Philippines.<br />
It showed the sincerity of the people to the<br />
advocacy. We invited speakers to share with us<br />
their experiences during the Martial Law. Towards<br />
the end, a toast was raised as a sign of continuing<br />
progress and success of Amnesty International.<br />
The grand closing of Human Rights Week,<br />
ended with a showcase of local talents and bands<br />
during 10 December.<br />
Human rights provide a foundation for building<br />
a just and peaceful world. The Iloilo Group sets<br />
its mind towards a more positive and stronger<br />
Amnesty International Philippines. Ilonggos are for<br />
human rights!!!<br />
KYTH LEYSA PALMA GLENDA P. MENDOZA AIELENE<br />
BUE<strong>NA</strong>VISTA<br />
Muling nagsama-sama ang grupo ng Amnesty International<br />
Philippines- Nueva Vizcaya noong ika-9 ng Disyembre 2012, upang<br />
suportahan ang pagwakas sa torture at sapilitang pagkakawala.<br />
Layon din ng pagtitipon ang pagdiriwang ng Pandaigdig na Araw<br />
para sa Karapatang Pantao. Ang ‘Run for Rights’ ay sinuportahan ng<br />
iba’t-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno tulad ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ng<br />
Bayombong, Pulisya ng Bayombong, Philippine National Red Cross,<br />
Nueva Vizcaya State University, Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive<br />
High School at Boy Scout of the Philippines.<br />
Ang pag-organisa ng aktibidad na ito ay hindi naging madali para<br />
sa mga miyembro ng Nueva Vizcaya Group sa kadahilanang may<br />
kasabay itong kaparehong proyekto ng isang ahensiya ng gobyerno<br />
sa Vizcaya. Ngunit maliit man o magaling, ang fun run ng Amnesty<br />
Interntaional ay natuloy pa rin. Hindi nabigo ang grupo dahil sa kabila<br />
ng pagkakataon, ang ‘Run for Rights” ay nilahukan ng 161 katao. Ang<br />
‘Run for Rights’ ay nagsimula sa rehistrasyon ng mga kalahok sa at<br />
sinundan ng ‘warm-up exercise’. Ang ruta ay ginabayan ng Kapulisan<br />
ng Bayombong at NVSU ROTC. Nagkaroon din ng maliit na programa<br />
upang bigyang diin ang mensahe ng grupo sa publiko at sa gobyerno,<br />
at bilang pasasalamat sa mga suporta sa nasabing aktibidad.<br />
Ang Amnesty International Philippines Nueva Vizcaya Group<br />
ay nakakalap ng mga lagda para sa “Reproductive Health Bill” at<br />
“Ratification of Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture<br />
and International Convention Against Enforced Disappearances.”<br />
Ito rin ay nagbunga ng 116 bagong miyembro para sa Amnesty<br />
International Philippines.<br />
‘Masaya, malusog at makabuluhan,’ yan ang mga sambit ng mga<br />
lumahok sa Nueva Vizcaya Group Fun Run 2012.<br />
A SUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT<br />
FOR KAIBIGAN WEEK<br />
Amnesty International Philippines La<br />
Union Group, for the very first time, made<br />
an attempt to conduct a school-based<br />
exhibit and recruitment for the kAIbigan<br />
Week as part of the 16 Days of Activism.<br />
It was indeed a successful feat as we were<br />
able to recruit 18 new members from<br />
the three pilot schools of Union Christian<br />
College, as the first stop; Lorma Colleges,<br />
for the exhibit; and lastly, Sea and Sky<br />
College. As part of our activities, we also<br />
conducted signature campaigns which<br />
became a box office hit and had a film<br />
viewing on human rights simultaneously.<br />
We were amazed with how the school<br />
directors, teachers and students responded<br />
to our activities. They warmly welcomed us<br />
and showed interest about human rights<br />
and on how Amnesty International takes<br />
actions for human rights violations when<br />
they saw pictures from the exhibit. There<br />
were also teachers who suggested some<br />
activities that we can conduct at their<br />
schools.<br />
We were able to recruit a total of<br />
23 new members from diverse groups –<br />
teachers, college students, high school<br />
students and the city court. This only<br />
means that we have more reasons to<br />
strengthen our human rights campaigning<br />
in La Union. The more networks we get,<br />
the more new members will join.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 5
EQUALITY FOR POLICY CHA<strong>NG</strong>E:<br />
END DISCRIMI<strong>NA</strong>TION NOW!<br />
Muling nagpakita ng lakas at sama-<br />
samang boses ang mga miyembro ng<br />
Amnesty International mula iba’tibang<br />
bahagi ng Pilipinas – ang NCR,<br />
Dumaguete at Cagayan De Oro, upang<br />
magkaisa at patuloy na manindigan<br />
na ang karapatan ng mga bakla,<br />
lesbiyana, bisekswal at transgender<br />
ay mga karapatang pantao.<br />
Muling nakiisa ang Amnesty<br />
International LGBT Group sa ginanap<br />
na Annual Pride March sa Makati<br />
City na may temang ‘Sari-Sali’.<br />
Ito’y may layunin na patungkol sa<br />
sama- samang pagkakaisa laban sa<br />
diskriminasyon at pang aabuso labasn<br />
sa hanay ng LGBT. Ito ay nilahukan<br />
ng iba’t-ibang organisasyon, aktibista,<br />
estudyante at marami pang iba sa<br />
pangunguna ng Task Force Pride.<br />
Kasama ang Amnesty International<br />
LGBT group, isang malaking rainbow<br />
flag na may simbolo ng paniniwala<br />
6 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
sa prinsipyo ng Yogyakarta para sa<br />
equal gender rights ang dala-dala sa<br />
martsa.<br />
Naniniwala ang Amnesty<br />
International na panahon na upang<br />
bigyan ng pansin ang hanay ng LGBT<br />
kung saan sila ang isa sa sentro na<br />
nabibiktima ng pang-aabuso o torture<br />
na madalas nagaganap sa loob ng<br />
tahanan, eskwelahan at maging sa<br />
komunidad. Sila din ang madalas<br />
na nagiging biktima ng kantyawan<br />
o panunukso dala ng kanilang<br />
orientasyon.<br />
Nabuo ang taunang Pride<br />
March upang bigyan ng kalakasan<br />
at mabigyang pansin ng ating<br />
pamahalaan ang kalagayan ng<br />
mga LGBT sa ating lipunan. Ang<br />
kasalukuyang Pride March ay<br />
naglalayon na maipasa ang nalimot<br />
na dalawang bersyon ng Anti-<br />
Discrimination Bill sa kongreso at sa<br />
JUDE NELSON APOLONIO<br />
Senado sa pangunguna ni Sen. Loren<br />
Legarda, maging ang nakabinbin na<br />
Anti-Discrimination Ordinance sa<br />
pamunuang lungsod ng Makati upang<br />
maging bukas ang mga tanggapan ng<br />
pamahalaan sa usapin ng LGBT at<br />
mga “cross-dresser”.<br />
Karagdagang layunin ng naganap<br />
na Pride March ay ang pagkakaroon<br />
ng anti discrimination policy sa<br />
lahat ng kumpanya maging sa mga<br />
paaralan at lungsod. Kinakailangan<br />
din ng pagtitiyak na magiging LGBTfriendly<br />
ang lahat ng komunidad at<br />
tanggapan sa lungsod. Naniniwala<br />
ang mga organisasyon na lumahok<br />
sa taunang pride march na malaking<br />
pagbabagong maidudulot ng mga<br />
polisiya sa pamahalaan tungo sa<br />
isang lipunang may pagkakapantaypantay.<br />
HUMAN RIGHTS MARCH<br />
On 10 December, International Human Rights Day, Ateneo de Davao<br />
University Group spearheaded the “Walk for Justice”, a march from Roxas<br />
Avenue to the Davao City Hall grounds in Rizal Park. Various <strong>NG</strong>Os,<br />
schools, and religious organizations were present to stand up against<br />
human rights violations. Upon arrival in Rizal Park, the program started<br />
with the sounding of a gong, followed by ecumenical prayers representing<br />
Lumad, Christian and Muslim communities. The rest of the program was<br />
composed of testimonies from people directly affected by large-scale<br />
mining, and solidarity messages. Human rights officer Romel de Vera of<br />
AIPh also gave a solidarity message. After some intermission numbers,<br />
Maureen Villamor, AdDU’s SAMAHAN president, read the unity statement<br />
which was signed by group leaders who were present. The program ended<br />
with a community song by Kuntaw, a local band from Davao.<br />
VANESSA LIM<br />
DAVAO GOES<br />
RADIO-HOPPI<strong>NG</strong><br />
Because the human rights week was<br />
huge activity for Amnesty International<br />
Philippines Davao Group, we were keen<br />
with making ourselves known to the<br />
entire city so a core group of members<br />
initiated a week-long series of events<br />
which started with media and publicity<br />
work.<br />
As we commemorated Andres<br />
Bonifacio day on 30 November, Amnesty<br />
International Philippines Ateneo de<br />
Davao University Group guested at five<br />
different local radio stations to invite<br />
Davaoenos to join in on the fun-filled<br />
week we had in store, as well as get new<br />
recruits.<br />
Aside from the promotion of AI-<br />
Davao’s activities, we were also able to<br />
talk about the Philippines Human Rights<br />
Agenda of Amnesty International.<br />
These guestings were proven to be<br />
quite fruitful as we have received<br />
multiple inquiries via text asking about<br />
membership, seminars, and joining the<br />
photo contest.<br />
POPCORN NIGHT<br />
It was a relaxing and informative evening<br />
on 8 December for everyone who<br />
attended the Popcorn Night were warm<br />
buckets of popcorn was passed around as<br />
the popular Japanese film ‘Battle Royale’<br />
and ‘Rendition’ was shown. The audience<br />
were also invited to sign our signature<br />
campaigns in support of the Reproductive<br />
Health Bill, Shell: Own up, Pay up,<br />
Clean up, and abolition of the death<br />
penalty in China. Those in attendance<br />
were students invited from Ateneo de<br />
Davao University, University of Southern<br />
Philippines and other Davaoenos.<br />
After the movie, a facilitator<br />
discussed the themes presented in the<br />
film and its relation to human rights<br />
violations.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 7
Amnesty International Philippines Davao Group officially launched<br />
its weeklong human rights week festival with the theme “Imahe<br />
sa Nasud, Hulagway sa Tawhanong Katungod” on 3 December at<br />
the Times Beach baywalk. The program was attended by professors<br />
and students from Ateneo de Davao University and University of<br />
Southern Philippines, members of the press, and guests from all<br />
over Davao.<br />
The evening was filled with activities showcasing campaigns<br />
through videos and interpretative dances. The launching of Artists<br />
for Amnesty in Davao City and kAIbigan Week were also held.<br />
The night ended with live music from Task Force Davao’s band as<br />
guests as members released 25 sky lanterns in commemoration of<br />
Amnesty International’s 25th year in the Philippines.<br />
8 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
VANESSA LIM<br />
A4A CDO<br />
The activity started at around 2:00 in the afternoon. In<br />
attendance were 25 artists and 8 AI members who were<br />
oriented about Amnesty International as a human rights<br />
movement and what the Artists For Amnesty project is all about<br />
through a powerpoint presentation and a short discussion. To<br />
further encourage the artists to become part of the project, AI<br />
videos were also shown.<br />
After the orientation, the participants were given time for questions<br />
and clarifications. Some of the clarifications were on (a) membership;<br />
if they should become members to become part of the A4A project;<br />
and (b) what can AI also do to support local artists in CDO. We have<br />
reiterated that it would be much appreciated should the artists choose<br />
to become members of AI, in fact we encouraged them to do so,<br />
though technically they can still be part of the project even if they<br />
choose to just become partners/supporters of AI’s campaigns. If the<br />
A4A in Cagayan de Oro will formally be organized then it will become<br />
a partnership wherein AI can also help the local artists in CDeO by<br />
inviting them in some of AI’s activities.<br />
At the end of the activity, all the participants committed to support<br />
the A4A project and have given their word to inform AI CDeO members<br />
of their gigs and that they would participate in the activities come<br />
human rights week on December which was also set as the launching<br />
of A4A CDeO. A4A ballers were also distributed to the participants<br />
which they promised to wear during their gigs.<br />
CHERYL POLUTAN MELODY SALISE<br />
AIPH@25<br />
CAGAYAN DE ORO<br />
GROUP<br />
On 8 December 2012, AICDO celebrated<br />
this milestone thru a reunion of old and new<br />
members. This was held on 8 December 2012<br />
at MASS-SPECC Hostel, Cagayan de Oro City.<br />
There were eighty two (82) individuals who<br />
gave toast to the 25 years of human rights<br />
work of Amnesty International Philippines that<br />
created impact in the lives of the Filipino people.<br />
Likewise, one of the highlights of the celebration<br />
was the recognition of 25 AICDO partners<br />
(individuals and institutions) who have been<br />
instrumental in the promotion of AIPh human<br />
rights work.<br />
A plaque and trophy were given to our 25<br />
AICDO partners as a simple token of recognition,<br />
a small feat and humble appreciation to their<br />
contribution to AIPh human rights work.<br />
The said celebration showcased the human<br />
rights work of AIPh for the past 25 years,<br />
showcased AICDO’s journey and milestone<br />
on working for human rights promotion<br />
and protection, reminisced the formation<br />
and activism of AIPh in Region X and gave<br />
recognition to individuals who organized the<br />
Cagayan de Oro group.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 9
Labing walong taon.<br />
10 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
BY WILNOR PAPA<br />
Hindi naman engrande. Pero malaking<br />
undertaking at kumbaga sa pelikula eh<br />
full production mula sa sistema, tao at<br />
coordination.<br />
Walang 18 roses. Walang 18 candles. Pero tulad<br />
ng dati, nakakamangha pa rin ang dami ng<br />
sumasali.<br />
Pero nag-labing walong taon na ang Bike for<br />
Rights sa ika-dalawampu’t limang taon ng<br />
Amnesty International Philippines.<br />
Walang sayawan pero masaya.<br />
Magbalik-tanaw tayo. Halos taun-taon ay<br />
nailalathala naman sa mga publication ng<br />
Amnesty International Philippines ang bike for<br />
rights aka PadyaKARAPATAN. Ang nagbabago<br />
lang naman ay ang isyung dinadala, mga dagdag<br />
o bagong partners at lagay ng panahon. Bukod<br />
sa mga ito, the same route, the same numbers<br />
of cyclists (800 – 1200 participants), the<br />
same well-oiled machinery ng volunteers na<br />
pinalalakas pa ng mga partners and the same<br />
stressful yet elating feeling habang binabagtas<br />
ng mga siklista ang kahabaan ng mga kalasada<br />
ng Metro Manila<br />
So, ano na? Ano ang bago na dapat ikwento?<br />
Dahil ika-18 taon na pagpadyak na ng bike<br />
for rights at ika-25 years na ng Amnesty<br />
International Philippines nung Disyembre<br />
2012, may coming of age ka sa pagpadyak<br />
at pagkabuhay naman ng isang henerasyon<br />
na parehong magandang i-celebrate. Ang<br />
ibig sabihin, halos kasabay ng existence ng<br />
Amnesty International sa Pilipinas ang taunang<br />
pagpadyak. Ang ibig sabihin din, halos kasama<br />
sa evolution ng Amnesty International sa<br />
Pilipinas ang evolution ng takbo ng daangdaang<br />
mga bisikleta para sa karapatang pantao.<br />
Sentimentality.<br />
AIPh@25. Hindi naging madali ang buhay ng<br />
seksyon mula nang ito ay pinanganak. Tulad<br />
ng maraming organisasyon, dumaan ito sa<br />
maraming pagsubok, maraming pagbabago<br />
at ‘di na mabilang na kwento – malungkot,<br />
masaya, nakakainis at nakakatawa. Ang mukha<br />
nito ngayon ay ang produkto ng 25 years na<br />
kasaranasan ng organisasyon – mga kinalimutan,<br />
mga natutunan, mga iniiwan at mga dinadala.<br />
Pero kung anu’t-ano pa man ang magbago,<br />
may isang constant – for richer and for<br />
poorer, in sickness and in health – yan ang<br />
direksyon. Ang Amnesty International ay binuo<br />
para sa karapatang pantao. At ang Amnesty<br />
International Philippines ay binuo sa Pilipinas<br />
para sa karapatang pantao. Mula 1987 hanggang<br />
2012, anupaman ang pinagdaanan, isa lang<br />
ang sigurado – nabubuhay ang AIPh para sa<br />
karapatang pantao. Ito ang kanyang bandera at<br />
para dito kaya siya nabubuhay. Palakpakan!<br />
At siguro, dahil may mga bagay na matibay<br />
ang pagkaka-angkla, naging parte ng Amnesty<br />
International Philippines ang tradisyon ng bike<br />
for rights. Ang activity na ito, na nagumpisa pa<br />
nuong 1994 ay naging saksi sa mga pagbabago<br />
ngunit patuloy na pagsulong ng organisasayon.<br />
Naging constant na tagapagdala ng bandera<br />
ng mga isyu ng karapatang pantao ito taontaon.<br />
Sa loob ng 18 years, dumaan na rin ito sa<br />
maraming highs and lows. May isang padyak na<br />
wala pang tatlong daang siklista ang sumali, may<br />
isang padyak na bagama’t maraming sumali,<br />
walang partner na dumalo at nakatulong, may<br />
mga padyak na nagka-aksidente, may padyak<br />
na nahaluan ng kontrobersiya at may isang taon<br />
na walang padyak. Pero dahil sa maraming<br />
pagkakataon na naging epektibong tagapagdala<br />
ng bandera ng organisasyon at karapatang<br />
pantao ang PadyaKARAPATAN, for one reason<br />
or the other, may clamor na magka-padyak kada<br />
taon. Naging synonymous na ang December<br />
na patakbo sa bike for rights. Kapag sinabing<br />
PadyaKARAPATAN o bike for rights, agad na<br />
pagkilala agad na Amnesty International yan.<br />
Ang mga siklistang sumasali, wala pang Hunyo<br />
ay patakbo na ang agad na tinatanong.<br />
Ang Bike for Rights ng 2012: AIPh @ 25 ay<br />
nagsilbing selebrasyon na rin para sa Amnesty<br />
International Philippines at mga partners nito<br />
na mahigit isang dekada nang nagsasama<br />
para buksan o isara ang human rights week.<br />
Nagsilbi rin itong selebrasyon sa ika-25 taon ng<br />
pagtratrabaho para sa karapatang pantao<br />
Saan pumapasok ang coming of age? Next phase<br />
na. Evolution. Kailangan.<br />
May mga magbabago. Hindi mawawala kundi<br />
magkakaruon ng pagbabago. Siguradong meron.<br />
Next chapter na tayo. Abangan ang susunod<br />
na kabanata ng pagpadyak para sa karapatang<br />
pantao.<br />
Exited na ako.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 11
12 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
it all<br />
ADDS<br />
up<br />
BY ROMEL DE VERA<br />
All the things that Amnesty International<br />
Philippines members have done this past year<br />
- from signing their names in signature sheets<br />
to attending meetings to discussing human rights<br />
concepts and principles to raising banners and dancing<br />
in the streets – significantly contributed to the growth<br />
activism, to the value added to human rights with<br />
partners and allies, to the local and global changes<br />
achieved with the human rights movement.<br />
Remember all those signatures gathered from local<br />
government officials and all the photos taken of<br />
people carrying placards calling for the ratification of<br />
an International Arms Trade Treaty? The Philippine<br />
government finally took a stand during the UN General<br />
Assembly (U<strong>NG</strong>A) last July after all campaigning<br />
efforts at the first half of 2012 including lobby<br />
work with the Philippine Action Network on Control<br />
Arms (PhilANCA). Unfortunately the U<strong>NG</strong>A did<br />
not reach a consensus during that conference but<br />
there is confidence that the Philippine government<br />
will continue with its stand. Amnesty International<br />
Philippines will continue to lobby the Philippine<br />
delegation to work towards influencing other countries<br />
to adopt the Arms Trade Treaty during the UN<br />
Diplomatic Conference in March 2013.<br />
Major successes in policy and legislative targets were<br />
also seen during 2012. The National Commission on<br />
Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has finally done away with<br />
its very much criticized 2006 Guidelines for Free Prior<br />
Informed Consent and came up with a new guideline<br />
in 2012. Amnesty International Philippines will work<br />
with its IP members and other groups and supporters<br />
to review the new guidelines. The Anti Enforced<br />
and Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012 and the<br />
Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health<br />
Act of 2012 have both been signed into law on 21<br />
December. Aside from these, the government has also<br />
ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against<br />
Torture (OPCAT), and has now finalized a draft National<br />
Preventive Mechanism Bill in accordance with the<br />
OPCAT.<br />
The Chinese consulate officials still refuse to meet with<br />
Amnesty International Philippines but we have, at the<br />
ready, signatures from 42,201 individuals calling for<br />
the abolition of the death penalty in China that can be<br />
submitted to them any time.<br />
So you see, your signature and those of others that<br />
were gathered have gone a long, long way! How many<br />
have already given up on the passage of the RH Bill<br />
and then delightedly bowled over to see it suddenly<br />
consecutively passed in Congress, the Senate, the<br />
Bicameral Committee and then signed by PNoy before<br />
Christmas? All those discussion and learning sessions,<br />
public actions, networking and lobby work on maternal<br />
health and reproductive rights have really paid off big<br />
time.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 13
14 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
BY ROMEL DE VERA<br />
Ang mga importanteng larangan ng gawain na tututukan ng<br />
Amnesty International Philippines ngayong 2013 ay ang Arms<br />
Trade Treaty, Maternal Health – Sexual and Reproductive<br />
Rights, Migrants Rights at Philippine Human Rights Agenda.<br />
Magpapatuloy tayo ng gawain sa<br />
pagtutulak ng isang Arms Trade<br />
Treaty dahil bagama’t tumindig<br />
ang pamahalaang Pilipinas para sa Arms<br />
Trade Treaty, hindi naman napagkaisahan<br />
ang pagpapatibay ng Arms Trade Treaty<br />
sa pagtitipon ng mga bansa para dito<br />
noong Hulyo 2012. Magkakaroon muli ng<br />
botohan tungkol dito sa United National<br />
Diplomatic Conference nitong March<br />
2013 at itatarget naman ngayon ang<br />
Estados Unidos at ang Tsina bilang mga<br />
bansang hindi sumasang-ayon.<br />
Matapos maisabatas ang<br />
Reproductive Health Law kasama ng<br />
malawak na kilusan ng kababaihan,<br />
pangkalusugan at pangkarapatang<br />
pantao, magpapatuloy ang Amnesty<br />
International Philippines para maipaalam<br />
ang nilalaman ng batas na ito at ano<br />
ang obligasyon ng lokal at pambansang<br />
pamahalaan tungkol dito. Naka-angkla<br />
din sa paglabag sa maternal health<br />
at sexual and reproductive rights ang<br />
magiging pagkilos laban sa karahasan<br />
laban sa kababaihan.<br />
Bagong larangan ng gawain ang<br />
papasukan ng Amnesty International<br />
Philippines sa Migrants Rights. Ngayong<br />
taon na ito ay magsisimula na sa<br />
pagpapalalim ng konsepto at prinsipyo<br />
ng karapatang pantao patungkol sa<br />
karapatang ng mga migrante at pag-aaral<br />
ng kanilang mga isyu at suliranin.<br />
Sa gawain sa Philippine Human<br />
Rights Agenda, magpapatuloy ang<br />
Amnesty International Philippines sa<br />
pagtutok sa usaping “discrimination and<br />
accountability” mas lalo na kung kaugnay<br />
sa paglabag ng karapatang pantao laban<br />
sa tortyur, sapilitang pagkakawala at<br />
pulitikal na pagpatay. Patuloy din ang<br />
pagkilos laban sa diskriminasyon ng<br />
lesbyana, bakla, bisekswal, transgender<br />
at mga katutubo.<br />
Malaki din ang magiging pagtutok<br />
ng Amnesty International Philippines<br />
sa pagbabantay ng karapatang pantao<br />
ng mga Indones. Tututok din sa<br />
karapatan ng mga migranteng Indones<br />
ang kampanya para sa Migrants Rights<br />
at Maternal Health – Sexual and<br />
Reproductive Rights.<br />
Babantayan din ang pamahalaan ng<br />
Hong Kong at South Korea bilang mga<br />
“receiving countries” ng mga migrante.<br />
Sa pagtutok sa mga pamahalaang ito<br />
ay mahahagip din ang usapin ng mga<br />
Pilipinong migrante sa mga bansa nila.<br />
Magiging target ng petition signing ang<br />
kanilang mga embahada dito sa Pilipinas<br />
ngayong 2013.<br />
Katulad ng nabanggit sa itaas, ang<br />
pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos at Tsina<br />
target sa pagkilos para sa Arms Trade<br />
Treaty. Kailngan muling mas maipalitaw<br />
ang epekto ng karahasang dulot ng<br />
loose firearms sa mga ordinaryong<br />
mamamayan.<br />
Bagamat wala na ang Abolition of<br />
Death Penalty sa larangan ng mga gawain<br />
ng Amnesty International Philippines<br />
ngayon 2013 ay patuloy na hindi<br />
tinatanggap ng konsulado ng Tsina ang<br />
paanyaya ng Amnesty International<br />
sa isang dayalogo. Ngayong taon ay<br />
sisiskapin na maisumite ng organisasyon<br />
ang mga nakalapan na signatures na<br />
nananawagan ng tuluyang pagwaksi sa<br />
parusang bitay sa China.<br />
Makikisali din ang Amnesty<br />
International Philippines sa kaguluhan<br />
ng panahon ng halalan sa Pilipinas.<br />
Ibabandera ang mga kalagayan, at<br />
sisingilin ang pananagutan sa kaparatang<br />
pantao ng mga gustong maluklok<br />
sa pamahalaan, ng mga biktima ng<br />
karahasan kaugnay ng mga loose<br />
firearms; mga kababaihang nalalabag<br />
ang maternal health at sexual and<br />
reproductive rights; mga migrante; mga<br />
LGBT, mga katutubo at mga biktima<br />
ng tortyur, sapilitang pagkakawala at<br />
pulitikal na pagpatay.<br />
Ang panawagan ng Amnesty<br />
International Philippines sa mga<br />
tumatakbong mambabatas ay “kayo ba<br />
ang kakatawan sa kanila sa lehislatura?”<br />
at ang panawagan naman sa mga lokal<br />
na opisyales ay “po-protektahan mo ba<br />
sila mula sa munisipyo / kapitolyo?”<br />
Ang mensahe naman para sa lahat ay<br />
“sisingilin ka namin tungkol dito!”<br />
Ngayong 2013 ay magsisimula din<br />
ang Amnesty International Philippines sa<br />
isang pilot project para sa pagpapa-unlad<br />
ng kakayan ng kababaihang katutubo at<br />
paniningil sa paglabag ng kanilang mga<br />
karapatang pantao bilang kababaihan<br />
at bilang mga katutubo. Labing-walong<br />
kababaihan at tatlong lokal na facilitators<br />
mula sa tatlong komunidad sa CARAGA<br />
ang magiging benepisaryo ng proyektong<br />
ito.<br />
Upang makapagtaya ang mga kasapi<br />
ng Amnesty International Philippines,<br />
gaganapin ang mga ‘Campaigns<br />
Conferences’. Dito din itatalaga kung<br />
sino ang kailangan dumaan sa anong<br />
pagsasanay para sa pangangampanya,<br />
gawaing media at komunikasyon, at<br />
gawaing edukasyong pang-karapatang<br />
pantao para sa buong taon.<br />
Ang pagpapataas ng kaalaman<br />
at pagpapahusay ng kakayahan ng<br />
mga indibidwal na kasapi at mga<br />
grupong lokal ang magiging susi sa<br />
epektibong pagkilos at magpapaigting<br />
sa “impact” ng iba’t ibang ambag ng<br />
Amnesty International Philippines para<br />
sa pagkamit ng mga layunin para sa<br />
karapatang pantao.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 15
BY MEI PALMA<br />
Mahigit limang dekada na ang kasaysayan ng Amnesty International sa<br />
pagsusuri ng iba’t-ibang paraan upang maitaguyod ang mga karapatang<br />
pantao at kasama dito ang karapatan ng mga migrante. Bagama’t<br />
walang direktang kampanya ang Amnesty International para sa karapatan<br />
ng mga migrante, ang ginagawa nitong pangangampanya at pagkilos<br />
ay tumatagos sa mga karapatang ito. Mula sa mga pagsasaliksik at<br />
direktang pakikipagugnayan sa mga refugee, asylum-seekers at migrante,<br />
hanggang sa pananawagan sa mga gobyerno na magbuo ng pangrehiyong<br />
mekanismo na magproprotekta sa mga ito. Ang Amnesty International<br />
ay nakapagsiwalat na rin ng mga kalunos-lunos na sitwasyon nila sa<br />
Tunisia, Libya, United States at iba pa.<br />
16 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
Ang panawagan ng Amnesty<br />
International sa mga<br />
international and regional<br />
organizations upang mabago ang<br />
mga labor and migration laws tungo<br />
sa pagsusuri kung saan nakakaranas<br />
ng pangaabuso ang isang migrante<br />
mula sa kanyang paga-apply sa<br />
kanyang bansa hanggang sa siya ay<br />
makarating sa kanyang destinasyon.<br />
Marahil ay iba-iba ang mga<br />
nakakaharap na pangaabuso ng mga<br />
migrante, refugee at asylum-seekers<br />
sa iba’t-ibang panig ng mundo<br />
kaya’t iba-iba din ang kapasidad<br />
at pananagutan ang ibinibigay<br />
ng Amnesty International sa mga<br />
ito. Nais bigyang diin ng Amnesty<br />
International ang pagpapahusay<br />
sa sitwasyon ng mga migrante,<br />
refugees at asylum-seekers sa iba’t<br />
ibang rehiyon ng mundo lalo na sa<br />
Middle East, Northern Africa, Asia,<br />
Mexico at United States.<br />
Sa Asya, milyun-milyong Indians,<br />
Indonesians, Nepalese, Pakistani<br />
at Filipino ang nakikipagsapalaran<br />
makakuha lamang ng trabaho sa<br />
Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea,<br />
Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia at<br />
United Arab Emirates - at karamihan<br />
sa mga ito ay nasa construction<br />
o domestic work. Marami ang<br />
nakakaranas ng eksploytasyon dahil<br />
sa sadyang mahina ang mga labor<br />
laws patungkol sa mga migrante sa<br />
mga bansang pinaggagalingan at<br />
pupuntahan nila. Nagsisimula ang<br />
mahabang kwento ng pangaabuso<br />
sa ilegal recruitment na nagpapalala<br />
sa panganib na maaring suungin<br />
nila na kadalasan ay nagreresulta sa<br />
trafficking at matinding pangaalipi.<br />
Marami ang<br />
nakakaranas ng<br />
eksploytasyon<br />
dahil sa sadyang<br />
mahina ang mga<br />
labor laws patungkol<br />
sa mga migrante<br />
sa mga bansang<br />
pinaggagalingan at<br />
pupuntahan nila.<br />
Sa isang mundong globalisado<br />
ang ekonomiya, ang pangangalaga<br />
sa pang-ekonomiyang interes ang<br />
kadalasang siyang namamayagpag.<br />
Nakaka-alarma ang patuloy na<br />
pagbaba ng antas ng protection para<br />
sa migrante. Ang pangangailangan<br />
sa paggawa ay hindi nasasabayan<br />
ng tama at sapat na prosesong legal<br />
ukol sa migrasyon at proteksyon<br />
sa trabaho na nagreresulta sa<br />
dumadaming bilang ng mga<br />
iregular na migrante na walang<br />
proteksyon mula sa pangaabuso at<br />
eksploytasyon. Nakadaragdag pa<br />
dito ang pagputok ng mga armadong<br />
labanan at diskiminasyon ayon sa<br />
lahi o relihiyon.<br />
Ang isyu din ng migration at<br />
asylum ay umiikot din sa usapin<br />
ng diskriminasyon. Hindi nawawala<br />
ang pag-discriminate ng mga<br />
mamamayan sa mga bansang<br />
destinasyon laban sa mga mga<br />
migrante, refugee o asylumseekers.<br />
Ang pagtingin na sila ang<br />
dahilan ng pulitikal, economical<br />
at social na kaguluhan sa lipunan<br />
at nakadaragdag sa problemang<br />
pangkaseguridad ay patunay lamang<br />
na bumababa ang pagtingin sa<br />
karapatan ng mga ito.<br />
Ang mga sitwasyong ito ay<br />
humihingi ng kagyat na aksyon<br />
lalo na’t tumataas din ang dami ng<br />
mga migrante, refugee at asylumseekers<br />
sa mundo. Habang patuloy<br />
ang banta sa seguridad, patuloy<br />
ding pagiigtingin ng Amnesty<br />
International ang kampanya<br />
nito para sa karapatang ng mga<br />
migrante.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 17
In an effort to bring artists from all disciplines<br />
in an event that would be a start-off point for<br />
more collaborative projects in promoting the<br />
right to freedom of expression, an Artists for<br />
Amnesty Convention was held at Erehwon<br />
Center for the Arts last 24 November 2012.<br />
18 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
Together with Amnesty International<br />
Philippines, friends and volunteers,<br />
artists from different disciplines<br />
joined the day-long convention to<br />
speak about their advocacies and<br />
how they are tied together with their<br />
artistic practices in the fields of<br />
dance, theater, literature, visual arts,<br />
film, video, and digital advocacy.<br />
Artists who spoke about their<br />
activism were Myra Beltran (dance),<br />
JB Saracho (theater), Kiri Dalena<br />
(visual arts) Dante Valiente (comics),<br />
Jourdan Sebastian (film), Cheekay<br />
Cinco (video), and Darlene Ramos<br />
(digital advocacy).<br />
Kiri Dalena, one of the artists, talked<br />
about one of her works wherein she<br />
used archived photographs taken<br />
during the Martial Law era, erased<br />
the slogans the protesters used,<br />
and compiled them into a book as if<br />
documenting them. With the issue of<br />
censorship that to this date continues<br />
to be of relevance, she shares that<br />
“though artists can easily become<br />
complicit in erasing or defacing the<br />
real aspirations of people, the artist’s<br />
role goes beyond it.”<br />
The project End Repression, Allow<br />
Expression is the take off point for<br />
the artists to campaign for cases<br />
from all over the world who have<br />
stood up against repression and was<br />
persecuted.<br />
Following the series of talks was an<br />
open forum, which served as meeting<br />
ground for AIPH and the artists to<br />
talk about Freedom of Expression as<br />
a campaign, bouncing off ideas on<br />
how to promote human rights through<br />
art, and similarly, how Amnesty<br />
International Philippines can also<br />
support the artists in their projects.<br />
The discussion was joined by<br />
established artists such as Boyd<br />
Dominguez, Fernan Escora, Arvin<br />
Flores, and young artists such as Ayi<br />
Mondragon and Arvil Carrasco (an<br />
artist representative from Cagayan<br />
De Oro), among others who made the<br />
event more meaningful.<br />
As the A4A Convention was a product<br />
of the artists’ overwhelming support<br />
in campaigning for Freedom of<br />
Expression, it is without a doubt that<br />
their support will continue to give a<br />
more powerful voice to human rights.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 19
Global Arms<br />
Trade Treaty,<br />
A Step Closer<br />
In November, in the biggest show<br />
of support for a regulated global<br />
arms trade so far, 157 governments<br />
at the UN General Assembly’s First<br />
Committee on Disarmament in New<br />
York voted in favor of finalizing the<br />
Arms Trade Treaty in March 2013.<br />
Five of the “big six” armsexporting<br />
countries, China, France,<br />
Germany, the United Kingdom and the<br />
USA supported the resolution, with<br />
only Russia abstaining.<br />
Even before the vote, 105 states<br />
put their names to the resolution,<br />
which was co-authored by the<br />
governments of<br />
Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica,<br />
Finland, Japan, Kenya and the United<br />
Kingdom, and co-sponsored by 98<br />
others. No government voted against<br />
the resolution.<br />
This is the final leg of a 17-year<br />
campaign by Amnesty International<br />
and its partners to achieve an arms<br />
trade treaty that helps to protect<br />
people from human rights violations<br />
during armed repression, violence and<br />
conflicts around the globe.<br />
20 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
Nepalese<br />
Acquitted<br />
Nepalese migrant worker Govinda<br />
Prasad Mainali, who spent 15 years<br />
in prison in Japan for a murder he<br />
did not commit, was acquitted at<br />
the Tokyo High Court on 7 November<br />
2012.<br />
Early in the case, Amnesty<br />
International raised concerns that<br />
Govinda Mainali had been denied<br />
the right to a fair trial. He was also<br />
denied access to lawyers following<br />
his arrest, and beaten by police<br />
during interrogations. During the<br />
trial, prosecutors withheld vital D<strong>NA</strong><br />
evidence that would have aided his<br />
defense.<br />
Both Amnesty International and<br />
the UN have repeatedly called on<br />
Japan to repeal or substantially reform<br />
its daiyo kangoku – substitute prison<br />
– system, in which a suspect may be<br />
held for up to 23 days without charge<br />
and be granted only limited access<br />
to lawyers. Govinda Mainali has now<br />
been reunited with his family in Nepal.<br />
Myanmar<br />
Prisoner Amnesties<br />
Continue<br />
Prisoners of conscience U Myint<br />
Aye and Saw Kyaw Kyaw Min were<br />
among 50 political prisoners released<br />
in further prisoner amnesties by the<br />
Myanmar authorities in November.<br />
U Myint Aye, co-founder of<br />
the Human Rights Defenders and<br />
Promoters network, had been serving<br />
a life sentence since 2008 as a result<br />
of his peaceful political activities.<br />
Lawyer and human rights defender<br />
Saw Kyaw Kyaw Min had his license<br />
to practice law revoked for alleged<br />
contempt of court in 2008. He was<br />
subsequently sentenced to six months’<br />
imprisonment in August 2012. The<br />
Myanmar government also announced<br />
that it would hold inter-governmental<br />
consultations to reconsider charges<br />
and punishment of prisoners still in<br />
jail.<br />
“While this is a positive<br />
development, we urge the Myanmar<br />
authorities to release all prisoners<br />
of conscience still behind bars<br />
immediately and without conditions,”<br />
said Isabelle Arradon, Amnesty<br />
International’s Asia-Pacific Deputy<br />
Director.<br />
World Day<br />
Against the Death Penalty:<br />
EARIST<br />
Umaga ng ika-10 ng Oktubre ay naglunsad ng isang public<br />
action ang Amnesty Internaional Philippines EARIST Manila<br />
group (AIEM) na ginanap sa Sampaloc, Manila. Dito ay<br />
nagkaroon ng pag kakataong mag salita ang iba’t-ibang grupo<br />
ng Amnesty International Philippines. Kasama ring nakilahok<br />
ang Technozette, ang opisyal na pahayagan ng EARIST upang<br />
magbigay ng ilan pang impormasyon para sa mga estudyante<br />
hinggil sa usapin ng parusang kamatayan at estado nito sa<br />
Pilipinas. Sa pag tatapos ng programa ay inimbitahan ng AIEM<br />
ang TaBaKK (Tanghalang Bayan ng Kulturang Kalye) upang<br />
maghandog ng isang pangkulturang pagtatanghal.<br />
PUP<br />
Kinahapunan, ang AIEM, Bestlink at LGBT Group ay nagtipontipon<br />
sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Freedom<br />
park upang doon ay magdaos ng malaking programa. Isang<br />
freeze mob na inorganisa ng LGBT at PUP group na aktibong<br />
nilahukan ng ilang miyembro ng nasabing mga grupo hinggil<br />
sa paggunita ng World Day Against the Death Penalty. Matapos<br />
nito, nag simula namang magsagawa ng candlelighting at<br />
pagbibigay ng talumpati ng mga speakers mula sa EARIST, PUP<br />
BY PANI<strong>NG</strong> PEREZ<br />
at LGBT group. Sa pagtatapos ng programa, muli ay naghandog<br />
ng isang pagtatanghal ang TaBaKK.<br />
Bestlink<br />
Sa pag papatuloy ng pag gunita ng World Day Against the<br />
Death Penalty, Nnoong ika-11 ng Oktubre ang Bestlink College<br />
of the Philippines (BCP) group ay naglunsad ng isang sloganposter-essay<br />
writing contest na may temang “Abolish the Death<br />
Penalty” na ginanap sa mismong araw ng kanilang martsa<br />
magmula sa Millionaires Village patungo sa BCP campus na<br />
tinawag na ‘Walk for Freedom, Walk against Death Penalty’.<br />
Noong ika-12 ng Oktubre din, sa huling araw ng paggunita, nag<br />
karoon ng isang exhibit, awarding ceremony, candlelightning at<br />
live band performances sa Maranatha First Evangelical Christian<br />
Church (MFECC).<br />
Ang tatlong university-based groups ng Amnesty International<br />
Philippines ay nagpasyang magtipon-tipon at umaksyon upang<br />
magkaroon ng iisang layunin at magiwan ng mensaheng ang<br />
parusang kamatayan ay dapat tutulan, labanan at huwag nang<br />
pahintulutan saan mang parte ng mundo.<br />
CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012 21
Board Corner<br />
BY RITZ LEE SANTOS, III<br />
I wish to open this message with a commendation to everyone as one of the impacts we<br />
have created for 2012 is the enactment of two human rights legislations – the Reproductive<br />
Health Law and the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Law. Our contribution to make the people<br />
know and support these laws and our efforts to make the government listen, produced RA<br />
10354 and RA 10350. Kudos to everyone!<br />
Governance and Internal Democracy. Members’<br />
participation in decision making processes is vital in<br />
maintaining transparency and democracy. Venues for<br />
participatory approach are accessible and maximized<br />
in assessments, planning and committee meetings<br />
and assemblies. Open communication and feedback<br />
mechanism between and among Amnesty International<br />
Philippines leaders, members and staff are installed<br />
where inputs are considered in adopting policies<br />
responsive to the current situation and increasing demand<br />
for human rights work.<br />
There is a need to improve communication to members<br />
especially to areas with minimal internet and mobile<br />
access. There is also a need to clarify roles and<br />
accountabilities of members and staff by having a more<br />
comprehensive organizational structure with mention on<br />
the key roles of local group coordinators in organizational<br />
processes.<br />
Finance Management. We are continuously strengthening<br />
our financial accountability through up-to-date finance<br />
policies and procedures aligned with developments in<br />
accounting procedures and guidelines in the Philippines<br />
and new structure of the national secretariat and<br />
institutionalizing monitoring of financial position.<br />
We need to enhance systems, practices and<br />
understanding of members on financial accountability.<br />
In 2013, we need to improve compliance of members<br />
22 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
with finance policies and procedures through relevant<br />
tools and trainings. Amnesty International Philippines<br />
leadership will strengthen monitoring of financial position<br />
by institutionalizing regular budget and expenditure<br />
analysis against operations and projects.<br />
Resource Mobilization. We are highly dependent by 91%<br />
from grants of the Amnesty International movement (76%<br />
from the International Mobilization Trust and 15% from<br />
Amnesty International Dutch Section) and 400,000 pesos<br />
local fundraising through membership fees, merchandise,<br />
activity registration fees and interest income. A<br />
fundraising strategy to facilitate the work towards<br />
financial sustainability has been developed. For 2013, we<br />
will start implementing this document and by the end of<br />
2015, we aim that 30% of our budget will come from our<br />
locally generated fund raising efforts.<br />
Human Resource / People Management. For 2013,<br />
we will strengthen our national secretariat by creating<br />
a motivating environment where the staff is enabled<br />
to perform as supported by tools and resources<br />
implementing enhanced personnel manual, compensation<br />
and benefits scheme, integration of Amnesty<br />
International’s global people management standards<br />
placing importance on key areas such as recruitment,<br />
selection and placement; compensation and benefits;<br />
development and training; and employee relations. These<br />
include management of members as our biggest human<br />
resource.<br />
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM<br />
A<strong>NG</strong> SIMULA<br />
Inilunsad ang Amnesty International noong 1961 sa isang lathalian<br />
ni Peter Benenson sa pahayagang The Observer. Si Benenson ay isang<br />
abogadong Briton na nanawagan upang simulan ang mapayapa at walang<br />
kinikilingang pagkakilos para sa kalayaan ng libu-libong tao sa buong<br />
daigdig na nakakulong dahil lamang sa kanilang pulitikal na paniniwala<br />
o pananampalataya. Kumikilos ng mabilis ang AI bilang pinakamalaking<br />
boluntaryong organisasyon para sa karapatang pantao.<br />
I would like to join Amnesty International Philippines<br />
I would like to renew/reactivate my membership with Amnesty International Philippines<br />
Personal Information<br />
First Name:<br />
Surname:<br />
Home Address: No.<br />
Dist/Subd./Bgy.:<br />
City/Town:<br />
Province:<br />
Birthday: M M D D Y Y<br />
Phone Number:<br />
E-mail:<br />
Signature:<br />
School/Work Information<br />
School/Workplace:<br />
Address: No.<br />
Dist/Subd./Bgy.:<br />
City/Town:<br />
Province:<br />
Phone Number:<br />
-<br />
-<br />
Age: Gender:<br />
Street<br />
Annual Membership Fees:<br />
Php 50.00 : Students and minimum wage earners<br />
Php 100.00 : Monthly income is above minimum wage but below Php 18,000<br />
Php 300.00 : Monthly income is above Php 18,000.00 but below Php 36,000<br />
Php 500.00 : Monthly income is Php 36,000 and above<br />
Mobile Number:<br />
Street<br />
Middle Initial:<br />
-<br />
Nickname:<br />
ZIP code:<br />
ZIP code:<br />
Please send my quarterly mailing to: Home School/Work Address Others, please indicate<br />
<strong>AMNESTY</strong> INTER<strong>NA</strong>TIO<strong>NA</strong>L <strong>PHILIPPINES</strong><br />
Nagsimulang magkaroon ng mga kasapi ang AI sa Pilipinas noong dekada<br />
‘80. Pormal na kinilala ang Amnesty International Philippines (AIPh)<br />
bilang isang seksyon noong 1987. Matagumpay itong nangampanya,<br />
kumilos at pamahalaan, non-government organizations at mga koalisyon.<br />
Membership fees can be settled and donations are accepted in:<br />
• Cash thru AIPh BPI Savings Account: 3323-2667 / BDO Savings Account: 364-012-6941<br />
(Fax your deposit slips at Telefax no. 02-4338100<br />
• Cheque payable to Amnesty International Philippines<br />
Official receipts will be issued and mailed upon payment of fees or submission of deposit slips.<br />
You may visit or call the AIPh office for more inquiries or send an e-mail to<br />
membership@amnesty.org.ph
Ang <strong>AMNESTY</strong> INTER<strong>NA</strong>TIO<strong>NA</strong>L (AI) ay isang pandaigdigang organisasyon<br />
ng mga aktibistang kumikilos para sa karapatan pantao. Ito ay grupo ng mga<br />
boluntaryong aktibista na nagbibigay ng kanilang panahon at lakas para sa<br />
mga biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao. Pinagtutuunan ng AI ang<br />
makipagtulungan at magtaguyod ng proteksyon sa karapatang pantao para sa<br />
lahat.<br />
Ang AI ay isang organisasyong nangangampanya para sa karapatang pantao.<br />
Ito ay nagsasaliksik, nagdudokumento at nag-uulat ng mga pang-aabuso.<br />
Nagiging daan din ito para sa karaniwang tao na makapagsalita at magprotesta<br />
para sa mga biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao.<br />
Demokratiko at may sariling pamamahala ang AI. Ito ay may mahigit 2.2<br />
milyong kasapi at tagapagtaguyod sa mahigit 150 bansa sa buong mundo. Ang<br />
kalakhang pondo ng AI ay mula sa mga kontribusyon ng mga kasapi at donasyon<br />
ng publiko.<br />
VISION AND MISSION<br />
Mithiin ng AI ang isang mundo kung saan tinatamasa ng bawat tao ang lahat<br />
ng karapatang pantao na nakatakda sa Universal Declaration of Human Rights<br />
(UDHR) at sa iba pang internasyunal na pamantayan. Tungo sa katuparan ng<br />
mithiing ito, misyon ng AI na magsagawa ng mga pagsasaliksik at pagkilos upang<br />
maiwasan at tuluyang mawakasan ang mga pangaabuso sa karapatang pantao.<br />
MGA PAGPAPAHALAGA (CORE VALUES)<br />
Internasyunal na Pagkakaisa, Epektibong Pagkilos para sa Indibidwal na Biktima,<br />
Pandaigdigang Saklaw, Ang Karapatang Pantao ay Pandaigdigan at Di-nahahati,<br />
Walang Kinikilingan at May Kasarinlan, Demokrasya at Respeto sa Isa’t-isa.<br />
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS?<br />
Support Amnesty International Philippines. There are more ways than one.<br />
If you live in the Philippines, you can invest in the progress of human<br />
rights on an international scale by sharing your time, skills, commitment<br />
and money to Amnesty International.<br />
BECOME A MEMBER<br />
Be an individual member<br />
Everyone’s help is needed for the movement to secure and safeguard<br />
human rights. Individual members receive regular membership mailing<br />
containing AI newsletters, appeal cases and campaigning materials.<br />
Join or form a group<br />
If you want to take a more active part in AI’s work, then join one<br />
of the Philippine section’s groups or you can form a group in your<br />
school, community or locality. The local groups are focal points of our<br />
membership activity, particularly for awareness raising, letter writing,<br />
campaigning and local fundraising.<br />
Be a volunteer<br />
Your spare time can be spent on helping AI campaign for human rights<br />
and its other operational work. To name a few, volunteers can help out<br />
in conducting workshops, organizing projects and events or monitoring<br />
news releases about human rights.<br />
24 CAMPAIGN / SEP-DEC 2012<br />
WRITE A LETTER<br />
Take part in AI’s Letter Writing Campaign<br />
Each edition of AI newsletters carries details of victims of human rights<br />
violations in need of help. Send letters or cards on behalf of these<br />
people to government authorities as proof of the mounting weight of<br />
public opinion.<br />
Join the Urgent Action Network<br />
Some prisoners need immediate aid perhaps because they might be<br />
tortured, executed or in need of medical attention. You can help them by<br />
sending letters or appeals via e-mail, fax or telegram.<br />
TAKE A DIRECT ACTION<br />
Take part in AI Philippines’ thematic campaigns such as Counter Terror<br />
with Justice or global campaigns such as Stop Violence Against Women<br />
and many more.<br />
SEND A DO<strong>NA</strong>TION<br />
Researching into identities and conditions of individual prisoners,<br />
sending observers to trials, preparing and publishing reports are all<br />
essential to AI’s work but expensive. For AI to survive and expand its<br />
work, your financial help is needed.<br />
IN SHORT, MAKE A STAND AND TAKE ACTION *See Membership Application Form on reverse side<br />
PHILIPPINE SECTION<br />
18-A Marunong Street, Barangay Central,<br />
Quezon City, 1100 Philippines<br />
Telephone: +63 2 433 8100<br />
+63 2 376 4342<br />
E-mail: section@amnesty.org.ph<br />
we’re on the WEB too!<br />
http://www.amnesty.org.ph<br />
and you can find us on the following<br />
social networks<br />
www.facebook.com/amnestyph<br />
www.twitter.com/amnestyph<br />
www.youtube.com/aiphilippines