Anti-Torture and Climate Change Bills to become landmark laws in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Prospero Nograles on Thursday said the approved final versions of the proposed "Anti-Torture Act of 2009" and "Climate Change Act of 2009" would soon become landmark laws promoting environment and human rights protection.

"We approved yesterday the conference committee reports which reconciled the House and Senate versions of the proposed landmark laws, both aimed at promoting quality human development," Nograles said.

The committee report on the Anti-Torture Act is a reconciled version of HB 5709 and SB 1978, while that of the proposed "Climate Change Act" is the consolidation of HB 5982 and SB 2583.

Majority Leader Arthur Defensor explained that "once the enrolled or final copies of the reconciled versions are approved by both chambers of Congress, printed (enrolled) copies are sent to the President for her appropriate action.

"Even as the budget deliberation on committee level has started, our legislative agenda will not be derailed," Defensor said.

The House, likewise approved on 3rd reading HB 6633, to be known as the "Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity," and HB 6517 or the "Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009."

The House also adopted 24 various House Resolutions and approved on 3rd and final reading twelve (12) bills of various local concerns.

Also during plenary, the chamber presented House Resolution 555, citing the achievements of this year's winners of the Metro Bank Foundation Outstanding Teachers award.

Authors of HB 6633 (crimes against humanitarian law..) include Reps. Roilo Golez, Deputy Speaker Simeon Datumanong, Rufus Rodriguez, Mat Defensor, Lorenzo Tanada III, Salvador Escudero III, Jose Carlos Lacson, Rafael Mariano, Eduardo Nonato Joson, Edgardo Chatto, Luzviminda Ilagan, Joseph Emilio Abaya, Al Francis Bichara, Niel Tupas, Jr., and Deputy Majority Leader Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The authors stressed that the “State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights, including the rights of indigenous cultural communities and other vulnerable groups.”

Authors of HB 6517 are Reps. Monico Puentevella, Irwin Tieng, Rufus Rodriguez, Mat Defensor, Bienvenido Abante, Eufrocino Codilla, Sr, and Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa.

Under HB 6517, appropriate penalties will be imposed against acts that would destroy or have the tendency to destroy the honor, dignity and integrity of a person, especially women. (Gil Bugaoisan)