The House Quad Committee, on Friday, October 11, filed two House Bills seeking to classify extrajudicial killings (EJKs) as heinous crimes, and institutionalizing the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
During the eighth public hearing on EJKs, Chairperson for the Committee on Human Rights Bienvenido Abante Jr. announced the passing of the two House Bills. This was to assure the public of quad comm’s ongoing probe in aid of legislation. Abante also stressed the importance of holding the individuals accountable for their crimes, as the joint committee can also execute their power in aid of prosecution.
Penalizing EJKs
The filing of House Bill No. 10986 or the Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act, seeks to penalize those who commit EJKs. The proposed measure came after the quad comm's investigation on the Duterte Administration's war on drugs linked to the EJKs.
According to the bill, EJKs or the killing of individuals without judicial proceedings or legal authority is a grave threat to the rule of law, democracy, and the protection of human rights. Additionally, the lack of accountability for such crimes allowed for the creation of a “culture of impunity” in the country.
Those convicted under HB 10986 will face severe penalties, like life imprisonment or reclusion perpetua without the possibility of parole. Any unlawful killings carried out by a person in authority, or anyone who is acting under the direction of state agents will face the same penalty.
POGO Ban
House Bill No. 10987 or the Anti-Offshore Gaming Operators Act reinforces President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prohibit all forms of offshore gaming in the country.
After uncovering the network of crimes intertwined with illegal POGOs, authorities were alarmed by the huge number of victims. From the raids conducted by law enforcement agencies, POGOs were found to be engaged in illegal acts like kidnapping, illegal detention, human trafficking and prostitution, cybercrimes, tax evasion, and other fraudulent practices.
If the bill gets passed, all POGO activities will cease operations by December 31 this year.
Abante assured that they will not rest until justice prevails. They owe it to the victims, their families, and to every citizen who believes in the rule of law, said Abante.
“Justice may sometimes be delayed, but it will not be denied. With resolve, we will continue this fight until justice is finally served,” Abante ended.
