Defending Human Rights - a discussion

Trinity of Remedies: A Discussion on Defending Human Rights

Atty. Jose Midas P. Marquez

As a way of commemorating the 22^nd year anniversary of the 1^st People Power Revolution the University of San Carlos hosted a socially relevant and intellectually enriching lecture on how we can Defend Human Rights in the country through the Trinity of Remedies – Writ of Habeas Corpus, Writ of Amparo and the Writ of Habeas Data – as recently promulgated by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. In order to provide the appropriate understanding about said legal remedies Atty. Jose Midas P. Marquez, the official spokesperson of the Supreme Court who is at the same time the Chief Justice’s Staff Head, graced the occasion and enthusiastically led the Carolinians to dynamic reflections as he talked about the history, scope, application and limitations of these promulgated rules. The lecture became more interesting when guests, students as well as faculty members actively shared their thoughts and queries during the open forum. More meaningful related issues were discussed and given light, among them is the current “activist” character of the highest court under the leadership of Chief Justice Reynaldo Puno. Atty. Marquez clearly emphasized that the open-mindedness of the Judiciary springs from an activist 1987 Philippine Constitution. Hence, more can be expected of every sector empowered by the fundamental law. In the end the Supreme Court Spokesperson aptly stated that still the best defense for human rights is the consistent and constant vigilance of an informed Filipino nation.

Atty. Jose Midas P. Marquez with faculty

The endeavor was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Sociology-Anthropology and the Department of Political Science and was held at the Theodore Buttenbruch Hall last February 21, 2008.

Thanks to author: J.E. R. Bersales
27 / February / 2008