MANILA – A lawmaker has filed a measure declaring November 23 of every year as the “National Day Against Impunity” i order to serve as a constant reminder to all segment of society of the horrors of the Maguindanao massacre.
Rep. Terry L. Ridon (Party List, KABATAAN) said House Bill 4753 is an expression of the government’s commitment to prosecute the perpetrators of violence against activists, journalists and freedom fighters.
Ridon said the Filipino people should remember those who have been persecuted for exercising their right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
“Journalists and media workers are targeted due to their commitment in exposing corrupt and malevolent practices in government which were attributed to our weak justice system coupled with police inefficiency and government collusion with perpetrators,” Ridon said.
Ridon said it is the responsibility of every citizen, “especially those in power to uphold and respect the laws and ensure therecognition of these rights.”
“History has taught us that depriving citizens their right to air their sentiments would only result to an elite-dominated society wherein the privileged few hold the monopoly in political and economic power, with the people stripped of any role in thedecision-making processes of the government,” Ridon said. (PNA)
