Applicants for justice in the Philippines have been left disappointed and frustrated as they face ongoing delays and obstacles in their pursuit of justice. Many believe that the government’s handling of these cases, combined with the recently established Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), falls short of delivering real justice for victims.
The TRC was established in 2018 with the aim of addressing and resolving the consequences of human rights violations and abuses committed during the Marcos dictatorship era. The commission is seen as a step towards healing wounds and achieving reconciliation in the country. However, for many victims and their families, the TRC has failed to bring them the justice they have been seeking for decades.
One of the main sources of frustration for applicants is the slow and inadequate response from the government. Despite the TRC’s mandate to provide reparations and support to victims, there have been numerous delays and bureaucratic obstacles in the process. This has only added to the suffering of those who have already endured so much.
Furthermore, many applicants have been excluded from the TRC’s scope, with only those who filed their claims during the six-month period in 2018 being eligible for consideration. This has left countless victims without any avenue for seeking justice and redress for their grievances.
The government’s approach in dealing with human rights violations has also been met with criticism. Instead of fully addressing and acknowledging the past atrocities committed, there have been attempts to downplay and even deny the extent of the abuses that took place. This not only undermines the validity of the claims made by victims but also hinders the healing and reconciliation process.
Many applicants have also expressed their disappointment with the lack of transparency and inclusiveness in the TRC’s operations. Despite being promised a participatory and victim-centered process, there have been limited opportunities for victims to engage and contribute to the commission’s work. This has led to a sense of mistrust and skepticism towards the TRC and the government’s commitment to delivering true justice.
In light of these issues, it is no surprise that applicants have lost faith in the ability of the government and the TRC to deliver real justice. In a country where human rights violations have been rampant and often unpunished, the hope for justice and accountability remains elusive for many.
The delays and inadequacies in the TRC’s operations have only perpetuated the culture of impunity and hindered the healing of victims and their families. It is essential that the government and the TRC take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that the pursuit of justice is not further delayed or obstructed.
While there have been some positive developments, such as the passage of a law granting reparations to human rights victims in 2013, there is still a long way to go in achieving true justice for all. The TRC must be more transparent and accountable in its operations, and the government must prioritize the rights and needs of victims in its actions and policies.
The pursuit of justice for human rights violations is not just a legal issue, but a moral and ethical imperative for any society. It is crucial that the government takes decisive and genuine steps towards addressing the past and ensuring accountability for all those who have suffered.
As we move forward, let us not forget the sacrifices and struggles of those who have fought for justice in the Philippines. It is our duty to ensure that their voices are heard, and their rights are protected. Only then can we truly achieve the healing, reconciliation, and justice that our country needs and deserves.
