Include delisted Marcos rights victims in settlement claims distribution — group
MANILA, Philippines — The distribution of settlement claims for the victims of human rights violations during the martial law period should include the more than 3,000 delisted class suit members who filed and won the case against the Marcoses in Hawaii.
The Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) made the call Thursday, a week after the beginning of check distribution in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte last May 1.
Of the original 9,539 class members of the successful $2-billion class suit, only an estimated 6,500 members would receive $1,500 (around P78,000).
“Having about one-third of victims who will not receive compensation is a huge difference to the original number of claimants deserving and eligible of compensation,” Danilo dela Fuente, SELDA vice chairperson, said.
The money was sourced from the estimated $20 million worth of high-value artworks seized from the aide of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. This, after a New York judge ordered the release of settlement proceeds last month.
The $13.75 million would go to members of the class suit, while the Philippine government would receive $4 million. The remaining would go to other claimants: the Golden Buddha Corp., and the estate of Roger Roxas that allegedly discovered the Yamashita treasure.
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“The class suit against the Marcoses was filed and won, a proof that they have a record of massive human rights violations, plunder and corruption, all crimes against the people,” Dela Fuente said.
He added: “Eligibility should not be a question anymore. What should be addressed is how all victims will be reached out to be able to receive compensation.”
Dela Fuente also noted that known martial law survivors such as former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, former Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary Judy Taguiwalo and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chairperson Carol Araullo were delisted.
“They are known individuals who suffered rights abuses under the Marcos dictatorship, and yet they were denied of compensation. They have never received a single compensation from the three settlement agreements. What more those who are unknown, live in far-flung areas and who do not have the means to assert their rights as victims?” he said.
SELDA said it has documented around 130 individuals who were delisted as original members of the Hawaii class suit.
The distribution proceeded despite the objection from the Philippine government. The Office of the Solicitor General in March found the terms of the settlement “grossly disadvantageous to the government.”
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