H. E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacañang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila
PHILIPPINES							Good Friday 2010

Your Excellency,

ACAT-Switzerland and ACAT-Philippines welcome the enactment of Republic Act 9745 in November 2009 which cites torture as a crime and penalizes its violators. In accordance with international conventions assumed by the Philippines this encouraging law is to help inhibit torture as well as enforced disappearances and extra judicial executions.

Yet, prohibition of torture is only the first step in the struggle against that scourge of humanity. The next step is the implementation of the act: Torturers must be prosecuted, in particular affiliates of armed forces, police forces and correctional services, in many cases the people responsible for the use of torture. Equally important is the imposing of penalties corresponding with the committed crimes. These two measures would be the adequate consequences to the signing of this act. They would stop the decade-long impunity for torturers and prevent the recurring of circumstances that promote the use of torture. Eventually, the people of the Philippines would gain their right as well as redemption. Furthermore, it will be essential to guarantee that the above mentioned state officials observe the law. 

In addition, the public authorities of the Philippines have to make sure at any cost, that in the run up to the presidential elections of Mai 2010 – which build a considerable area of conflict – the RA 9745 is strictly observed. By doing so, they enable the nation to perform the elections in an untroubled manner.  

We are confident, that our expectations will not be disappointed and that the Philippines actually develop a human rights policy. 

Yours sincerely,

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