Silence sends wrong message to rights violators

We are dismayed that President Aquino, in his fourth State of the Nation Address delivered last July 22, chose not to talk about the continuing culture of impunity in the Philippines.

We are disappointed that he did not take the opportunity to communicate to the military and the police that they will be held accountable for human rights violations.

President Aquino’s failure to denounce abuses against outspoken activists, environmentalists, clergy and journalists sends the wrong message to abusive security forces and corrupt politicians.

—JAMES ROSS,

legal and policy director,

Human Rights Watch