Since the enactment of the Anti-Torture Act (Republic Act No. 9745) in 2009, the Philippine government has taken significant steps towards improving the legal structural framework for eradicating torture and supporting torture victims. This includes the elaboration of a rehabilitation programme for victims of torture and the establishment of a body to oversee the implementation of all aspects of the Anti-Torture Act. Regrettably, very few of these promises have become reality for rights holders on the ground.
More than a year in office, the Duterte administration has failed to address the inequity in healthcare in the country. The Philippines remains under severe social and economic inequalities with 26% of the population living in poverty and have limited access to healthcare services despite the promise of change by the current administration.
While the Duterte Health Agenda or ACHIEVE appeared promising, but there were no substantial changes in the health policies and programs to address the basic health needs of the people especially the marginalized and disadvantaged sectors.
The reduction of health budget from P125 billion this year to P94 billion next year, or by a huge P31 billion is not only a far cry from the 5% of the Gross Domestic Product standard but it only means a low per capita health expenditure which will generally affect the delivery of healthcare services With no additional Barangay Health Stations (BHS) that were put up, thousands of people were deprived of the promotive, preventive, and curative healthcare programs. While existing BHS which are already dilapidated and neglected, lacking the needed personnel, medicines, and equipment are no longer effectively functioning and delivering the health services needed by the communities. The primary health services are still concentrated more in urban centers while rural communities have very little or no health facilities at all.
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The MEDICAL ACTION GROUP, INC (MAG) strongly condemns the murder of another public health worker who was selflessly serving the country at these times when his service was needed the most.
Dr. George Repique Jr., had just finished his hospital duty at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital (GEAMH) in Trece Martires when he was attacked and killed by unidentified riding-in-tandem assailants. He is the third doctor killed in five months.
A member of the University of the Philippines – College of Medicine class of 1993, Dr. Repique worked as a community health doctor for many years before being appointed as provincial health officer of the Province of Cavite, a position he served until his untimely death.
The Medical Action Group published a handbook with instructional content targeting human rights defenders to urge them to practice self-care.
It is entitled " SELF CARE, Isang Hanbuk: Pangangalaga sa pangkalahatang kalusugan at pamamaraan upang maiwasan ang stress ng mga human rights defenders (HRDs). The handbook, together with a poster was published through the help of the European Union. Below is the front page of the handbook and a thumbnail of the poster followed by a short message from the executive director, Ms. Edeliza Hernandez, RN.