Rights group submits list of nominees to HR Claims Board

MANILA, Philippines - Rights group Selda on Thursday announced it has submitted a list of nominees to the Human Rights Victims Claims Board that will evaluate and process the application for claims of the Martial Law victims.

Selda secretary general Angie Ipong said they sent its list of nominees to the Office of the President last March 12.

Selda came up with the list after President Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act.

"We are very honored and proud that our nominees possess the qualifications of the members of the Claims Board spelled out in the law," Ipong said.

Based on the criteria set by the law, the nominees must be of known probity, competence and integrity; must have a deep and thorough understanding and knowledge of human rights and involvement in efforts against human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos; and  must have a clear and adequate understanding and commitment to human rights protection, promotion and advocacy.

Among the nominees include rights group Karapatan chairperson Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Bonifacio Ilagan, former Gabriela partylist Rep. Liza Maza, Prof. Judy Taguiwalo, Dr. Edelina De la Paz, lawyers Romeo Candazo, Kit  Enriquez, and Dominador Lagare Sr.

"With such sterling names and achievements of our nominees, we are confident that they possess the qualifications required by law and if appointed, the personalities we are submitting for nomintations will do honor and work for the interests of the victims of martial law and see to it that this law will redound to the vicitms’ benefits,” Ipong added.

Selda is the the organization that initiated the class action suit against the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.