Human rights board advisory: No fees required of claimants

This is in response to queries on how to file claims or if there are fees, now that the Claims Board is already constituted by President Aquino.

The board reiterates its commitment to reach out to all survivors and families of victims of Martial Law. The HRVCB adopts a policy of inclusivity, accessibility and transparency in working with the different stakeholders.

While we are still organizing the Board and the Secretariat, interested parties can communicate with us through the following contact details:

Office: Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board

ISSI Building, University of the Philippines, Diliman

Telephone: + 0999-5059737

Email: hrvictimsclaimsboard@gmail.com.

We advise survivors and families of victims of human rights violations to be wary of persons charging fees for a promise of access to the board or any of its members.  We also advise them to be cautious of those exacting fees or asking for a percentage from any anticipated award.

We would also like to inform everyone that the Claims Board has not designated any individual or group to act as its agent in relating to, or coordinating with any legitimate claimant.

Further, we would like to inform the victims, survivors and their families as well as the general public about some of the salient features of RA 10368 for their guidance:

1. There will be a six-month period for all legitimate claimants to file claims for reparations and recognition with the HRVCB. This information will be published in newspapers and broadcast over the radio and television. This period will commence from the time the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) becomes effective, which is fifteen (15) days after the last publication of the IRR.

This period has not yet started as the HRVCB is in its organizational stage – setting up its office and claims systems.

2. Upon organization of the Board and Secretariat, the Claims Board will call for public consultations on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

3. The law imposes stiff penalties, which include imprisonment of 8 to 10 years, among others, on anyone who makes or facilitates a spurious or fraudulent claim. Anyone who conspired to facilitate any fraudulent claim, shall also be prosecuted.

We commit to truth and justice. We call on everyone to exercise vigilance against misrepresentation. We need to help one another in preventing the devious from taking advantage of the victims and survivors of the atrocities of the Marcos regime.

The victims and survivors of martial law belong to a generation who stood up for democracy and freedom against tyrannical rule. Some of them have died and some are in the twilight of their lives and the Claims Board commit to facilitate the recognition and reparations that are rightfully theirs. – Rappler.com/Press Release