Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) regrets to inform you of the continuing delay in the court hearing of Mary Vic Medina, a mother falsely charged of assaulting her own son. The reason for the postponement of her trial was due to the absence of the presiding judge.
UPDATED INFORMATION: (Based on the information received from Moro Women Center Inc.)
In our previous appeal (http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAC-059-2014/?searchterm=AHRC-UAC-059-2014) we documented that Mary Vic Medina was laid with a fabricated charge of physical abuse committed against her son in violation of the Republic Act 7610 (An Act Providing for Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination, and for other purposes). She was arraigned on 7 February 2014.
While Medina was able to post bail for her temporary liberty, the real perpetrator who beat her son roams around freely. In addition to beating her son, he also implicated Medina in false charges of child abuse, and threatens her every time their paths cross.
Medina’s first court hearing was meant to be on 5 February 2016; however, it was postponed because there was no judge who could hear her case at that time. The judge sitting at the bench had already retired, and no new judge had been appointed.
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SAMPLE LETTER
Dear __________,
Philippines: Over a year’s delay in trial of mother falsely charged with beating her son
Name of the victim: Mary Vic L. Medina, (31), mother of Ronald John, grade 6 student, and resident of Habitat, Barangay Mabuhay, General Santos City
Name of alleged perpetrator: Mr. Genaro Ruales, school principal of Biscayda Elementary School, and resident of Sogod 1, Lot 1, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City
Date of the incident: 5 February 2016
I am writing to express my concern regarding the overly delayed trial of Mary Vic Medina, mother of a child who was beaten by his principal, who then falsely accused Mary of child abuse.
While Medina was able to post bail for her temporary liberty, the real perpetrator who beat her son roams around freely. Furthermore, he threatens her every time their paths cross.
Medina’s first court hearing was meant to be on 5 February 2016; however, it was postponed because there was no judge who could hear her case at that time. The judge sitting at the bench had already retired, and no new judge had been appointed.
I urge you to ensure the speedy trial of Medina’s case, and also initiate a thorough review of the charges filed against her. If there is sufficient evidence to show that the charges are false, they must be dismissed promptly and those responsible for such fabrication should be held to account.
I trust that you will take appropriate action in this.
Yours sincerely,
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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Benigno Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Manila 1005
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
2. Ms. Loretta Ann Rosales
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 929 0102
Tel: +63 2 928 5655 / 926 6188
E-mail: chair.rosales.chr@gmail.com
3. Ret. Lt. Gen. Voltaire T. Gazmin
Secretary, Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City
Voice:+63(2) 911-9281 / 911-0488
Fax:+63(2) 911 6213
Email: osnd@philonline.com
4. Ms. Leila de Lima
Secretary
Department of Justice (DOJ)
DOJ Bldg., Padre Faura
1004 Manila
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 521 1614
E-mail: soj@doj.gov.ph
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
