Manila: Members of the Mambabatas para sa Karapatang Pantao (MAKATAO) coalition led by Deputy Minority Leader and Mamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Tuesday filed a measure seeking the establishment of an independent truth commission to investigate extrajudicial killings (EJKs).
According to Philippines News Agency, De Lima revealed that House Bill 6686, known as the 'Truth Commission on Extrajudicial Killings Act,' was developed in partnership with the Human Rights and People Empowerment Center (HRPEC) and is a central component of the coalition's legislative priorities. The proposed legislation aims to create a commission responsible for investigating the causes, patterns, and consequences of EJKs in the Philippines. It is intended to work alongside existing accountability bodies such as the Ombudsman, Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and the judiciary, and to propose reforms to prevent future violations.
The bill emphasizes the necessity of uncovering the truth to achieve justice and national healing. It calls for a thorough investigation into the number of victims, the methods of execution, the structures that facilitated the killings, and the identification of those responsible, including those who issued orders and hold command responsibility. The establishment of the truth commission through legislation aims to reinforce the constitutional commitment to the value of every Filipino life and ensure that abuses of power are subject to scrutiny.
De Lima highlighted the importance of institutionalizing the Truth Commission on EJKs, pointing out that while the International Criminal Court (ICC) is conducting its own investigation, there are limitations to its scope. She stressed that accountability should extend beyond top officials to include middle-level officers and other personnel involved in the War on Drugs, emphasizing that true justice and healing can only be achieved if all perpetrators are held accountable.
The Duterte administration saw a significant increase in EJKs, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) acknowledging 6,200 deaths of suspects in the anti-drug campaign by the end of Duterte's term, while human rights organizations estimated the number to be as high as 30,000. In addition to De Lima, House Bill 6686 was co-authored by Reps. Arlene Bag-ao (Dinagat Island, Lone District), Renee Louise Co (Kabataan Party-list), Sarah Jane Elago (Gabriela Party-list), Cielo Krisel Lagman (Albay, 1st District), Elijah San Fernando (Kamanggagawa Party-list), Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers Party-list), and Alfonso Umali Jr.
