Senate defers discussions on CHR budget

THE Senate deferred discussions on the budget of the Commission on Human Rights after Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano questioned the CHR chairman's vague stand on abortion.

The senator expressed disappointment over an earlier statement made by CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia advocating for the decriminalization of abortion.

He described de Guia's statement as «dangerous.» He asked if de Guia's statement represents the commission's official stand.

Cayetano said while CHR employees may express their personal opinions, abortion is not one of the issues they should be advocating for.

«I do not mind opinions, it is their right, especially on contemporary human rights issues. But as far as abortion is concerned, it is settled in our Philippine Constitution,» he said.

«If you want to advocate pro-abortion, then get out of the commission or get out of government and do it,» Cayetano said.

«Our constitution is quite unique which states that 'life starts at conception,'» he added.

De Guia said she pushed for the decriminalization of abortion particularly when the life of the mother is in danger.

Cayetano, however, said it was a «weak excuse.»

«If you decriminalize [a certain prohibited act it could mean] it's already allowed.»

Sen. Jose «Jinggoy» Estrada, who sponsored the CHR's budget, said CHR Chairman Richard Paat Palpal-latoc has not yet taken a stand on the issue.