Maza Scores Malacanang's Soft Handling of Singson Case

Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela today strongly criticized Malacanang's soft handling of the charge of battering against Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson by his former partner, saying this is contrary to the spirit of R.A.9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women And Children Act and the newly-passed Magna Carta of Women.

Further, Maza said that the Malacanang statement that the issue is a “domestic problem" and “it is up for Singson, a former Ilocos Sur governor who is closely associated with the Arroyo administration, if he wants to take a leave of absence from his post” is feigning ignorance of the law that any form of violence against women in a sexual relationship is a public crime under R.A. 9262,

“Malacanang's statement urging Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson to take a leave of absence condones the act of violence against women. It is clear in the Magna Carta of Women Chapter 3 section 5, that the state as the primary duty-bearer shall protect women against discrimination and from violation of their rights,” Maza said.

The Gabriela solon added that Malacanang's justification that it could not just slap Singson with a preventive suspension because the case had nothing to do with his job in the Cabinet is washing its hands clean of responsibility.

Citing the Magna Carta of Women, Maza said that the government is mandated to “fulfill these duties through law, policy, regulatory instruments, administrative guidelines and other appropriate measure including temporary special measures.” ###