Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Sarah Elago has urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to reevaluate its policy on settlement in Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) cases. Her call comes as Secretary Jonvic Remulla promises decisive action against police personnel involved in such incidents.
Concerns Over Reconciliation in VAWC Cases
You should change this policy because under the Anti-VAWC law, settlement is prohibited, especially in cases of physical abuse — this should not be allowed.
Rep. Sarah Elago, Gabriela Women’s Party
- Elago highlights the need for strict adherence to the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
- Remulla acknowledges the seriousness of complaints regarding harassment among police personnel.
During a recent budget hearing, Elago emphasized that VAWC cases should not be treated as ordinary domestic disputes eligible for private settlement. She referenced Republic Act 9262, which prohibits reconciliation in instances of physical abuse.
In response to Elago's concerns, Remulla assured that the DILG would make necessary policy adjustments. He stressed that he views allegations of harassment against women in the Philippine National Police (PNP) with utmost seriousness.
Remulla highlighted a specific case involving Marikina 1st District Representative Marcy Teodoro, noting that a PNP member had been charged with violence against women related to one of Teodoro's security personnel. He confirmed that the charges were filed with the Department of Justice.