Published January 18, 2021, 8:11 PM
The Senate leadership on Monday asked its justice and human rights committee to conduct a public hearing on the unabated killings of Filipinos regardless of sex or social positions throughout the archipelago.
The probe was triggered by a privilege speech of Senator Richard J. Gordon who cited a long list of these killings the past months and the involvement of policemen in these activities. He said that lawyers are also victims.
Based on the recommendation of Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III referred the Gordon speech to Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, justice committee chairman. Dela Rosa was a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
(Senate of the Philippines / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Detained Senator Leila de Lima said this is her heartfelt desire for the country, aside from her wish to be free and vindicated from all the trumped-up drug charges that were filed against her.
De Lima said Christmas remains to be the season of hope and the time to give back and be grateful.
“For our country, I wish that every Filipino will be given access to the COVID-19 vaccine so that all can move on from this pandemic without worrying for their health and safety,” De Lima said.
“Let’s give to our COVID-19 frontliners, typhoon and disaster responders, and the individuals and groups who reach out to those who need help the most during times of disaster out of generosity and a pure desire to help,” she further said.