House Committee Approves Hataman’s Anti-Discrimination Bill

The House Committee on National Cultural Communities approved on September 10, 2008, House Bill No. 03012 otherwise known as the Anti-Discrimination Act filed by Anak Mindanao Representative Mujiv Hataman.

“This is a very significant development especially in the light of the latest resurgence of animosity among different cultures and faiths triggered by the MOA controversy. The Bill aims to end discrimination against persons on account of ethnic origin and/or religious belief,”  Hataman explained.

Section 6 of the said Bill defines Discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of ethnic origin or religious affiliation or beliefs, which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field, especially including but not limited to employment, livelihood, housing, education and basic services.”

The Bill imposes a penalty of imprisonment for not less than 30 days but not more than 6 months and/or a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P100,000 for violation of its provisions.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008

HATAMAN URGE LOVFA TO TAKE ON US PRESENCE QUESTION

            Supporting calls from local leaders and non-government organizations for transparency behind the continuing presence of American soldiers in Philippine soil,  Anak Mindanao Party-List Representative Mujiv Hataman urge the Legislative Oversight Committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement to convene and address the various issues raised.

            “The different groups questioning the continuing presence of US forces in the country have raised arguments and evidences, valid and credible enough for Congress to take cognizance of the matter. It is imperative therefore on the part of the Legislative Oversight Committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement (LOVFA) to convene and take on the issue,” Hataman, a member of the said Oversight Committee said.

            The LOVFA is Chaired by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago for the Senate Panel, and Cebu Representative Antonio V. Cuenco for the House of Representatives.

            Hataman further noted that reports of US soldiers’ involvement in combat, such as intelligence gathering, evacuation of troops in an encounter, and the particular incident in Maimbung, Sulu early this year where a survivor of  a massacre that killed at least 8 civilians, vowed to have seen American soldiers with the raiding Filipino troops, weigh more than enough to give merit to the issue.

            “We are constantly hounded by these reports yet both the government and the US refuse to give honest, significant answers. All we get are lame excuses, and insults to the Filipino people’s intelligence,” Hataman said.