• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The backdrop of the 77th anniversary of International Human Rights Day saw various organizations taking to the streets of Bacolod City to stage a protest against corruption yesterday afternoon.
The rally was attended by members of various groups, including the Human Rights Advocate in Negros (HRAN), the One Negros Ecumenical Council, the Taong Bayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, and other sectors.
Human rights lawyer Atty. Neri Colmenares, who was present at the event, emphasized that the issue of corruption in the country is not only a violation of civil and political rights but also of economic, social, and cultural rights.
According to Colmenares, corrupt politicians do not just steal money, they are also considered human rights violators.
“We should assert that the government should not ignore our human rights, in fact, they should not violate it,” Colmenares said.
Amidst the continuing protests and calls for accountability from the public, the human rights lawyer expressed confidence that some contractors, senators, and congressmen linked to widespread corruption would eventually face imprisonment.
“Systematic problems require systematic solutions,” he added.*TMD
GAWA STATEMENT
“There Are No Tyrants, Where There Are No Slaves,” the General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) said in a statement on the celebration of Human Rights Day.
The government’s words on the celebration of the International Human Rights Day are like vibrant paint, colorful and appealing, but the canvas is tainted by corruption, making the message ring hollow. The cracks of graft and impunity are hidden beneath the surface, ignored or glossed over, undermining the very principles they’re professing to uphold. It’s like they’re painting a beautiful mural of human rights on a wall riddled with cracks of corruption, hoping no one notices the rot beneath the surface, it said.
Wennie Sancho, secretary general of the General Alliance of Workers Assn.(GAWA), said, “It is unfortunate that as we observed the 77th anniversary of the International Human Rights Day, the bitter truth stares us in the face. Our elected officials, meant to serve the people, live in opulence, their lavish lifestyles funded by our taxes.”
In a strongly worded statement, former Miss Universe Catriona Gray said, “The so-called public servants are living like kings and we are the servants.”
We’ve been conditioned to accept that disparity, to tolerate corruption and to fear speaking out. But on this Human Rights Day, let’s reclaim our voices. Let’s remember that our collective power is greater than any individual’s greed.
The quote resonates deeply, “There are no tyrants, where there are no slaves.” We are not slaves, we are citizens with rights, entitled to demand for accountability and transparency. It’s time to shed the shackles of apathy and assert our freedom, Sancho said.
“The courage to speak out begins with each of us. Will we rise to the challenge and forge a better future for all. Shout out for freedom and dignity of the Filipino people!,” his statement added.*
