THE BUDGET for human rights victims in the country has been drastically cut, prompting the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to ask Congress on Tuesday for additional funds intended for their financial assistance program.
Only P3.8 million has been earmarked as financial assistance for the victims of human rights violations, which is about 10 million lesser than the P13.75 million allocated for the purpose in this year’s budget.
“With the decrease, we will be having a difficult time in providing financial assistance which is very much needed by the victims of human rights violations,” CHR Chairman Richard P. Palpal-Latoc told the House Committee on Appropriations.
Mr. Palpal-Latoc said the budget would mean that only a maximum of P10,000 can be extended as aid to human rights victims — an amount he said can be deemed “insulting to them.” In 2022, the CHR was able to provide financial assistance amounting to P16 million to at least 805 victims. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
