Miriam Asks Malacañang to Pass Anti-Torture Law

MANILA, Sept. 5- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Saturday asked Malacañang to sign into law the Anti-Torture Bill once the House of Representatives ratifies the consolidated version of the landmark legislation.

The Senate ratified Wednesday the measure seeking to end the human rights violations allegedly committed by state agents. The reconciled version of bill was approved by the bicameral conference on Monday.

"I first filed the Anti-Torture Bill during my first term as a senator and I have been seeking its passage into law ever since. I am very elated that it is nearing realization," Sen. Santiago said.

Santiago, an international law expert, said that the bill's ratification fulfills the country's obligation as a signatory of various international treaties such as the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights; the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Punishment; the Convention on the Rights of a Child; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The lady senator also emphasized the importance of the bill's provisions for the protection, rehabilitation, and compensation for torture victims.

"Torture victims remain under physical and psychological threats, especially in communities where the perpetrators are not brought to justice. In many instances, even those who treat torture victims are threatened with reprisals, including torture, for carrying out their ethical duties to provide care. They deserve protection from further repression," she added.

Santiago co-authored the landmark legislation with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate Pro Tempore Jose Estrada, Senators Rodolfo Biazon, and Francis Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights to which the bill was referred.

"The prohibition on torture is enshrined in our Constitution, which states that the employment of physical and psychological, or degrading punishment against any prisoner or detainee shall be dealt with by law," Santiago stressed. (PNA)