WE LAUD the Sangguniang Panglungsod and the Local Government of Baguio City for unanimously approving Resolution No. 763, s.2023 declaring Baguio as an “inclusive human rights city.” - TTU-CPA
December 7, 2023
SALAMAT, Sangguniang Panglungsod! Respect for human rights is good governance!
WE LAUD the Sangguniang Panglungsod and the Local Government of Baguio City for unanimously approving Resolution No. 763, s.2023 declaring Baguio as an “inclusive human rights city.”
The resolution comes at a very opportune time as the people marks the run-up to the 75th International Human Rights Day.
It is a step in the right direction for Baguio City, which envisions itself to be a livable, inclusive, and safe space for democratic exercise of our constitutionally-guaranteed rights.
We hope that with this resolution, concrete steps and measures are put in place to safeguard human rights in the city. This includes the promotion of the rights of human rights defenders, and their protection from being persecuted and harassed by state security forces. This is the very essence of the Human Rights Defenders legislation being lobbied by Baguio civil society like Tongtongan ti Umili to the city council, and by non-government actors in the Congress and Senate.
The approval of this resolution recognizes and solidifies the important role of civil society and activist organizations like Tongtongan in keeping democracy alive, and being partners of good governance. It is a validation of the fact that activists are not, and will never be, terrorists as opposed to what political has-beens like Badoy, Eric Celiz, and Duterte are falsely claiming.
As for Tongtongan, we will persist in our advocacy for people’s rights and welfare. All towards attaining a just and lasting peace in society. #