MANILA, Philippines — Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to review its policy allowing settlement or reconciliation in Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) cases, particularly those involving police personnel, as Secretary Jonvic Remulla vowed to pursue appropriate action against perpetrators.
“We take it very seriously, ma’am, that if there is harassment among the ranks, that we will file the appropriate charges, whoever they may be,” Remulla said during the DILG House budget hearing on Thursday.
Elago raised the issue during the budget deliberations, arguing that VAWC complaints should not be treated as ordinary domestic or marital disputes that can be resolved through private settlement between the victim and the alleged perpetrator.
She specifically called on the DILG to change its policy on settlement or reconciliation, citing the prohibition against compromise in cases covered by the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, or Republic Act 9262.
“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,” Elago said.
Remulla assured Elago that the DILG would comply and make the necessary adjustments, emphasizing that he considers complaints involving violence or harassment against women police personnel a serious matter.
“I particularly am very sensitive about this. If there is any complaint against harassment of women personnel in the PNP, I take it very seriously and [I’ll] prosecute [the perpetrators] to the best of my ability,” Remulla said.
Remulla also cited a case involving Marikina 1st District Rep. Marcy Teodoro, saying a member of Congress had been charged by the Philippine National Police over alleged violence against women involving one of his security personnel and that the charges had been filed with the Department of Justice.
“In fact, maybe a member of Congress was also charged by the PNP for violence against women among his security personnel and the charges have been filed by the DOJ,” he said.
