HEAD to PNoy: Exercise Political Will, Release the Morong 43!

Political will. All it takes is political will to release the Morong 43.

Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) joined the families and supporters of the 43 detained community health workers known as the Morong 43 in calling on President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to act for their immediate and unconditional release.

“This is the time for PNoy to act with firm resolve and show what ‘daang matuwid’ (righteous path) really should mean: the rectification of injustices committed by the past regime,” said Dr. Geneve E. Rivera, HEAD secretary-general.

“Due process does not begin with the courts and the legal battles,” added Dr. Rivera, reacting to statements made by President Aquino yesterday. “Due process begins with the presumption of innocence and the protection of human rights, all of which have been blatantly violated in the Morong 43.”

“Even the Department of Justice, and the Commission on Human Rights before that, as well as various national and international human rights and legal organizations, is aware of the grossly violative process that has led to the arrest, detention, and torture of the 43 community health workers.”

After more than eight months in detention, the victims have suffered long enough. President Aquino should not look elsewhere but himself in order to act judiciously.

Dr. Rivera believes that there is enough bases for the release. “PNoy should act now.” ###

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References:
Dr. Geneve E. Rivera
Secretary-General, Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD)
0920 460 3712

Dr. Darby E. Santiago
Chair, Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD)
0927 473 7700