Press statements of Senator Loren Legarda

ON HUMAN RIGHTS

The best defense of the administration against charges that it is negligent in protecting human rights is to do something about it. Hence Philippine representatives like Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita would not meet with skepticism in human rights conferences such is the one he is currently attending in Switzerland.

It has been two years now since Jonas Burgos, the son of media icon Jose Burgos, has disappeared. It has been charged that he was apprehended by military agents in a crowded mall in Quezon City. There have been hundreds of similar cases of extrajudicial killings and disappearances of social activists, as well as killings of journalists, lawyers and judges that have not been solved by this administration.

The government must put the perpetrators to justice and stop these extrajudicial killings and disappearances.

ON SWINE FLU PANDEMIC

The possibility of a swine flu invasion of our country should not be downplayed. This is especially true with the WHO warning that the world is closer to a swine flu pandemic. Thus, while it is commendable that the national government, cities and municipalities are on full alert against the spread of the dangerous disease, the authorities must not lay down their guard.

The public must also cooperate by reporting to the health authorities any sign of influenza among its members so that they can be quarantined and treated.

ON RED CROSS WORKER VAGNI

The government should not relax in its efforts to secure the release of International Committee of the Red Cross worker Eugenio Vagni. The man is still in the hands of the Abu Sayaff who had kidnapped him along with two other Red Cross workers nearly two months ago. While Vagni's two companions, Andreas Notter and Jean Lacaba, have attained their freedom, Vagni remains captive. The danger is that the government might relax its vigilance because the two others have been freed.

Vagni has come to the Philippines on a humanitarian mission. He did not come to our country for personal gain or for mercenary considerations. He deserves all the efforts of our government and our people to secure his release.