Need More Action Against All Forms of Violence

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Kapehan guests on the December 5 forum are shown above. They are (l to r) Engr. Pablo C. Beltran, Jr., Hon. Mark Vega Quimpo, Atty. Romeo Inocencio, Mr. Franklin Quimpo, and Hon. Ramon Gelito.

The growing violence against women and their children is a hot topic during the Kapehan Forum on December 5. The occasion marked the annual campaign (Nov. 25 to Dec. 12), also an international observance by civic organizations that uphold the dignity, importance, and protection of women.

Men opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) Aklan Chapter headed by Mr. Franklin Quimpo sponsored the forum. Violence includes physical or emotional and all aspects covered by numerous statutes par-ticularly Magna Carta for Women approved on August 14, 2009. It dramatically elevates the status of women in society, removes discrimination and considers domestic violence against them as public crimes.

Panelists included Mr. Franklin Quimpo as convenor, Atty. Romeo Inocencio, former SP member, Ramon S. Gelito, SP member, Mark Vega Quimpo, Kalibo SB member and Pablo C. Beltran, Jr. Kalibo mayoralty candidate. The Forum sought to draw attention to the social problem and to galvanize corporate preventive measures with resources at hand.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, first Chairperson of the Women and Family Committee of the provincial Board in 1992 said that legislation on Gender and Development was sponsored by SP member Estrella M. Briones. This was in response to the Family Code (Executive No. 227) signed by Pres. Corazon C. Aquino on August 3, 1988. It highly favors women who for the last two decades were viewed as sex objects, second class citizens, and centerpiece of human trafficking.

The long march toward addressing cases against women’s rights violation resulted to the passage of several pertinent laws.

Atty. Inocencio believes that the country has more than enough laws that insure the equality with men and protection of women and their children against all forms of violence and discrimination. It is sad to note that there is yawning gap between legal statutes and law enforcement. The former SP member underscored the need to internalize these laws in order to be effective. Recent Maguindanao massacre proves this point.

To address the problem, an inter-Agency Committee must be established at the provincial level to formulate policies aimed to deter, to enforce, and to correct. Provincial budget of five per cent per year for Gender Advocacy and Development amounting to P490,000 until recently was under utilized. "We need to focus on broad social and economic dimensions of the problem", Inocencio stressed.

Meanwhile, Mr. Beltran expressed concern over the rising drug addiction, alcoholism, poverty and lack of employment oppor-tunities. They are the driving force behind increasing violence against women. The neophyte candidate favors legalizing pros-titution since efforts to curb them appear ineffective. No win? Why not join them? Asked this one time seaman.

Mr. Franklin Quimpo said, "MOVE Aklan is organized in March 2007 and presently has nine local chapters that actively promote gender equality, info dissemination, live-lihood, elimination of violence and counseling services.

Data from the Philippine National Police show that from January to November 2008, there were 460 cases of violence against women and their children or 42 cases per month. Of these, 128 were children and 332 women. Kalibo leads with 160 cases and Malay 93.

However, from January to October 2009, the total cases reached 648 or 29 per cent increase over previous year with Kalibo and Malay still on top. Anger and protest were voiced out by advocacy groups over appropriation of GAD funds for official travel of LGU officials. The result is financial hemorrhage as priority program could not be funded.

Also, there are oppositions to Mr. Beltran’s proposal to legalize prostitution in the premiere town of Aklan once elected as Chief Executive. Obiously, flesh trade market, human trafficking and the spread of Aids/HIV directly run counter to basic human rights enshrined in our constitution.

There is brewing dissent on a number of laws protecting women’s rights yet in actuality mean nothing. For instance, Family Code was enacted in 1988 followed by eight complementary laws but the surge of crimes against women and children remains unabated.

The situation is deplorable although not hopeless. Atty. Inocencio says it is a matter of implementation of laws by authorities. In short, a hiatus abetted by the absence of political will and vested interest prevents laws implementation.

National Statistics Office data show that majority of women although employed receive far less income than men. Also double digit unemployment (14 percent) and poverty (41 percent) unduly subject women to life of misery and marginalization. Presently, women empowerment is just a dream, beautiful to behold but difficult to embrace. Probably, the need is more action. /MP