Second District Rep. Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria said he voted along with the supermajority in Congress to give a budget of P1,000 to the Commission on Human Rights as a “wake-up call” to the government agency.
In a telephone interview, Sagarbarria said the vote was initially agreed upon by the supermajority to give the CHR a “wake-up call” because of the “very selective” nature with how it handles the pursuit of justice.
“They are doing things differently. Why are they not as aggressive now as during the time of President Aquino?” he said.
Sagarbarria, however, said he is confident the CHR will eventually get the appropriate budget as the process does not end with the House of Representatives.
“The Senate is doing its own version. After that, it will go to the Bicameral Committee. Then the CHR will eventually be given the budget they need,” he said.
The CHR, which has been critical of the administration’s war on drugs, had an original budget proposal of P623.38 million.
The Senate on Monday last week approved the CHR’s 2018 budget of P678 million.
Sagarbarria defended his vote, saying that he has to abide with the group decision as member of the supermajority.
“What am I a member of the majority for, if I cannot abide by their decision?” he said.
Sagarbarria clarified the House vote on the CHR budget was not final and executory.
He cited the death penalty bill which he said is not yet a law, as the Senate version is not complete.
A total of 119 lawmakers favored the P1,000 budget; 32 congressmen objected to it.
Rep. Josy Limkaichong of the 1st District voted against the granting of P1,000 to the CHR.
On her Facebook wall, Limkaichong said she voted against the move because a P1,000-budget would be very oppressive towards the people under the agency.
She said that as the media have exposed the abuses in the war on drugs, people are starting to realize the importance of having checks and balances.
She said the CHR performs an important check and balance function against abuses by the police.
Congressman Limkaichong also said the Philippines has an international treaty obligation to promote human rights, and that an appropriation of only P1,000 would negatively affect the image of the country in the international community.
Sagarbarria said he did not see Rep. Arnie Teves of the 3rd District in the session hall while the voting was going on. (IFBP)