DOCSLIB.ORG

Philippines: Final Report, General Elections, ANFREL

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Philippines: Final Report, General Elections, ANFREL The Philippines Automated National & Local Elections 10 May 2010 Final Report of the International Elections Observation Mission The Asian Network for Free Elections ‐ ANFREL Foundation The program is generously supported by: 1 Philippines 2010 Automated National and Local Elections Contributors: Joseph Serrano Attorney Luif Tito F. Guiea Ichal Supriadi Bidhayak Das Paolo Bergancia Maligaya Dr. Gopal Khrisna Siwakoti Editors: Bidhayak Das Ichal Supriadi Cover Design: Pongsak Chanon Layout: Chatchawan Rakchat Copyright and Published by: Asian Network for Free Elections Foundation - 2010 2 Table of Contents Foreword ............................................................................................... 5 Acknowledgement................................................................................. 7 Abbreviation .......................................................................................... 9 Maps.................................................................................................... 11 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................... 12 2. POLITICAL OVERVIEW...................................................................... 16 Political Context...............................................................................16 Political dynasties ............................................................................27 Rido and Warlordism and Arms ......................................................30 Main Candidates & Profile...............................................................34 3. ELECTORAL OVERVIEW.................................................................... 40 Automation Histories ......................................................................40 Estrada Administration....................................................................41 Arroyo Administration.....................................................................42 An Overview of Philippine Election Laws ........................................46 Election Statutes..............................................................................55 Automated Election Laws................................................................57 Voter Registration Act of 1996........................................................60 Law on Candidacies and Political Parties.........................................62 Campaign Rules ...............................................................................63 Campaign Finance Rules..................................................................63 Election Complaints and Adjudication Process ...............................64 Epilogue ...........................................................................................66 Electoral System ..............................................................................67 Electoral Administration..................................................................69 4. ELECTORAL PROCESSES .................................................................... 72 Pre Elections ....................................................................................72 Security and nature of its incidents.................................................81 Elections Related Violence ..............................................................91 3 Human Rights Situation...................................................................95 Automated Election System Review................................................99 Elections Day / polling day ............................................................104 Closing and printing the electoral result .......................................109 Irregularities ..................................................................................110 Random Manual Audit...................................................................114 5. RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................... 125 Legal framework............................................................................125 Election administration .................................................................125 Voter registration and identification.............................................126 Security;.........................................................................................127 Party registration and candidate nomination ...............................128 Campaigning..................................................................................128 Complaints investigation and adjudication...................................130 Election Day and polling procedures.............................................131 Counting and Random Manual Audit ............................................132 Voter education.............................................................................132 Media.............................................................................................133 Observation ...................................................................................133 6. ANNEXES: ....................................................................................... 134 Annex‐1: Basic Elections observation overview............................134 Annex‐2: Observers list and Deployment Sites .............................140 Annex 3: Example of Ballot Paper .................................................141 Annex 4: Election Result................................................................142 Annex 5: Selected Press Statement...............................................143 Annex 6: Interim Report ................................................................146 Annex 7: Selected News Clipping ..................................................154 Annex 8: Seat Allocation Annexes (Resolution No. 8670).............174 Number of Seats of Members, House of Representatives............174 4 Foreword Asian Network For Free Elections (ANFREL) serves to promote democracy in particular free and fair elections in the effort of establishing cooperation with its member organizations and partners across the world. ANFREL has also concentrated all its strength on supporting the process of democratization in different parts of Asia. We realize free and fair elections are a necessary prerequisite of democracy. ANFREL continues to devote great efforts to promoting democratic and genuine elections towards strengthening democracy in the region. Since establishment in 1997, ANFREL has undertaken over 45 election observation missions across the Asian region and the first. ANFREL has the experience to monitor a technology supported electoral process, more popularly known as the Automated Election System (AES) in the 2010 Philippine elections. The Philippines is the first country in South East Asia has decided to conduct a nationwide automation, which had given rise to several concerns and challenges. There had been questions raised about the preparedness of the election management body and all other stakeholders, including the civil society about the elections. There was a general apprehension that the elections are not completely inclusive and sufficient time has not been provided to the voters to learn about the new technology or to trust it completely. As with previous missions, ANFREL is to produce a final report seeking to advance the debate on the promotion of free and fair elections in the Philippines. This report includes findings, analysis, assessment and recommendations, as a compilation of ANFREL’s reports and statements published prior to polling, as well as an analysis of the political situation and pre election environment. We wish to extend our appreciation for the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by the Commission on Elections of The Philippines (COMELEC) and other authorities related to elections at all levels. We also wish to thank media organizations, political parties, candidates, and groups as well as other election stakeholders. 5 On behalf of ANFREL, we wish to express our special gratitude to partners and donors: the Kingdom of Netherland Embassy in the Philippines, the USAID through a project implemented by the Asia Foundation of the Philippines, and Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and acknowledge the effective cooperation of NAMFREL (National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections), PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) and IPER (Institute for Political and Electoral Reform). Special acknowledgement goes to the head of mission Mr. Hassan Ariff and our team working on the reports, made up of the members: Joe Anthony Serrany, Ichal Supriadi, Amy Hsieh, Moh. Tadzrul bin Adha, Dr. Gopal K. Siwakoti, Attorney Luie Guieu, and Paolo Maligaya. Finally we express our special thanks to Mr. Bidhayak Das and Ichal Supriadi for editing and writing part of the analysis of the report. KOUL Panha Vice President of ANFREL Foundation 6 Acknowledgement We thank the donors who funded 27 out of 47 international observers of ANFREL to participate in the Philippines’ historical election. The observation would not have been possible if the COMELEC did not accredit us and we frankly admire the hard work of the Chairman of such an independent body and his team. Even though most ANFREL members are experienced observers yet the May 10th Election observation threw up tremendous challenges, which constantly kept us on our toes. Our responses to the use of sophisticated machine as against the traditional electoral practice vis-à- vis people’s voting behavior are mixed. No doubt local organizations
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Philippine Election ; PDF Copied from The
    Senatorial Candidates’ Matrices Philippine Election 2010 Name: Nereus “Neric” O. Acosta Jr. Political Party: Liberal Party Agenda Public Service Professional Record Four Pillar Platform: Environment Representative, 1st District of Bukidnon – 1998-2001, 2001-2004, Livelihood 2004-2007 Justice Provincial Board Member, Bukidnon – 1995-1998 Peace Project Director, Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries, Inc. (BINHI) – 1995 seek more decentralization of power and resources to local Staff Researcher, Committee on International Economic Policy of communities and governments (with corresponding performance Representative Ramon Bagatsing – 1989 audits and accountability mechanisms) Academician, Political Scientist greater fiscal discipline in the management and utilization of resources (budget reform, bureaucratic streamlining for prioritization and improved efficiencies) more effective delivery of basic services by agencies of government. Website: www.nericacosta2010.com TRACK RECORD On Asset Reform and CARPER -supports the claims of the Sumilao farmers to their right to the land under the agrarian reform program -was Project Director of BINHI, a rural development NGO, specifically its project on Grameen Banking or microcredit and livelihood assistance programs for poor women in the Bukidnon countryside called the On Social Services and Safety Barangay Unified Livelihood Investments through Grameen Banking or BULIG Nets -to date, the BULIG project has grown to serve over 7,000 women in 150 barangays or villages in Bukidnon,
    [Show full text]
  • The Rise and Fall of Virata's Network: Technocracy and the Politics Of
    The Rise and Fall of Virata’s Network: Technocracy and the Politics of Economic Decision Making in the Philippines Teresa S. Encarnacion Tadem* The influence of a technocratic network in the Philippines that was formed around Cesar E. A. Virata, prime minister under Ferdinand Marcos, rose during the martial law period (1972–86), when technocracy was pushed to the forefront of economic policy making. Applying concepts of networks, this essay traces the rise and even- tual collapse of Virata’s network to a three-dimensional interplay of relationships— between Virata and Marcos, Virata and the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and Marcos and the United States. Virata’s close links to social, academic, US, and business community networks initially thrust him into government, where he shared Marcos’s goal of attracting foreign investments to build an export-oriented economy. Charged with obtaining IMF and World Bank loans, Virata’s network was closely joined to Marcos as the principal political hub. Virata, however, had to contend with the networks of Marcos’s wife, Imelda, and the president’s “chief cronies.” While IMF and World Bank support offered Virata some leverage, his network could not control Imelda Marcos’s profligacy or the cronies’ sugar and coconut monopolies. In Virata’s own assessment, his network was weakened when Marcos’s health failed during an economic crisis in 1981 and after Benigno Aquino’s assassination in 1983. In those crises, Imelda Marcos’s network and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Fabian Ver’s faction of the military network took power amidst the rise of an anti-dictatorship movement.
    [Show full text]
  • Duterte Wants Easier Declaration of Martial Law, Bypassing Congress
    WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE Vol. IX Issue 403 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 [email protected] Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 PNP resolves killings Acquitted Raiders dominate Hollywood mourns Manigong Bagong Taon PH NEWS | A2 PH NEWS | A3 SPORTS NEWS | A5 ENTERTAINMENT | B7 ENTERTAINMENT | B8 New law sets caregivers’ Duterte wants easier declaration of rights, benefits & salaries By William Casis | Martial Law, bypassing Congress & SC FilAm Star Correspondent By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent President Rodrigo Duterte said said. he wants the Constitution amended to Saying she is prepared to fight Mar- make it less difficult for any president to tial Law, Robredo noted that Filipinos declare Martial Law but Vice-president have demonstrated their courage to Leni Robredo said she is ready to fight stand up and make their voices be heard against its return. for the sake of protecting our freedom According to Duterte, he wants the and fighting for the truth. declaration of Martial Law to be the sole Robredo, who recently quit her prerogative of the president. He said this Cabinet post over differences with Du- would bypass the “inefficiency” of hav- terte and emerged as opposition leader, ing Congress and the Supreme Court to said the President’s reference to specific Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman agree to the declaration. provisions in the 1987 Constitution (photo: www.filam.net) “If I declare Martial Law amid an providing controls on martial law as a The House committee on labor invasion or war, I cannot proceed on “reckless reaction” to the Marcos regime and employment approved House and on, especially if there is unrest.
    [Show full text]
  • The 16Th Congress
    CongressWatch Report No. 176 Report No. 176 17 June 2013 The 16th Congress In the Senate The 16th Congress will open on 22 July, the same day that President Benigno Aquino III delivers his fourth State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA). The Senate will likely have a complete roster for the first time since the 12th Congress. It may be recalled that during the 2001 elections, 13 senators were elected, with the last placer serving the unfinished term of Sen. Teofisto Guingona who was then appointed as vice president. The chamber had a full roll of 24 senators for only a year, due to the appointment of Sen. Blas Ople as Foreign Affairs Secretary on 23 July 2002, and due to the passing of Sen. Renato Cayetano on 25 June 2003. The 11th, 13th, 14th, and 15th Congresses did not have full membership, primarily because a senator did not complete the six-year term due to being elected to another post.1 In the 2013 midterm elections last May, all of the six senators seeking re-election made it to the top 12, while two were members of the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress. The twelve senators-elect are: SENATOR PARTY PREVIOUS POSITION 1. ANGARA, Juan Edgardo M. LDP Representative (Aurora, lone) 2. AQUINO, Paolo Benigno IV A. LP Former chairperson, National Youth Commission 3. BINAY-ANGELES, Nancy S. UNA 4. CAYETANO, Alan Peter S. NP Outgoing senator 5. EJERCITO, Joseph Victor G. UNA Representative (San Juan City, lone) 6. ESCUDERO, Francis Joseph G. Independent Outgoing senator 7.
    [Show full text]
  • HFCNE 04102010:News Ed.Qxd
    OPINION PHILIPPINE NEWS MAINLAND NEWS inside look Was Manny Villar 3 U.S. Embassy 11 Doctors Sue To 13 APRIL 10, 2010 Really Poor Issues Advisory vs Overturn The Health Travel to Mindanao Care Bill H AWAII’ S O NLY W EEKLY F ILIPINO - A MERICAN N EWSPAPER PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC MEDALIST TO BE INDUCTED INTO SWIMMING HALL OF FAME HFC Staff By e is to the Philippines what Duke Kahanamoku is to Hawaii, yet very few people know about Teofilo Yldefonzo—widely considered to be the Philippines’s greatest H Olympic swimmer. A three time Olympian, Yldefonzo won back-to- Norma Yldefonzo Arganda and two grandchildren to back bronze medals at the 1928 Olympics in Ams- the ceremony and are appealing to the Fil-Am com- terdam and at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. munity in the U.S. for monetary assistance. His specialty was the 200-meter breaststroke. Ylde- “If anybody should be at the inauguration, it fonzo also competed at the 1936 in Berlin but failed should be Teofilo’s direct descendants,” writes fam- to get a medal. ily friend Lani Eugenio in an email. “Please support Yldefonzo will be inducted into the International their quest to attend this celebration.” Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida on May 8, 2010. (continued on page 4) Friends and relatives want to send his daughter “The Ilocano Shark”,Teofilo Yldefonzo Mizuno Opposes EPOD, Shutdown of State DHS By HFC Staff ep. John Mizuno, chair of the State House Human Services Committee, Rcontinues to oppose an unpopular Sen. Mar Roxas and Sen.
    [Show full text]
  • Human Rights Violations on the Basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Homosexuality in the Philippines
    Human Rights Violations on the Basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Homosexuality in the Philippines Submitted for consideration at the 106 th Session of the Human Rights Committee for the fourth periodic review of the Philippines October 2012 COALITION REPORT Submitted by: International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) www.IGLHRC.org LGBT AND HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS: INDIVIDUAL LGBT ACTIVISTS: 1. Babaylanes, Inc. 1. Aleksi Gumela 2. Amnesty International Philippines - LGBT Group (AIPh-LGBT) 2. Alvin Cloyd Dakis 3. Bacolod and Negros Gender Identity Society (BANGIS) 3. Arnel Rostom Deiparine 4. Bisdak Pride – Cebu 4. Bemz Benedito 5. Cagayan De Oro Plus (CDO Plus) 5. Carlos Celdran 6. Changing Lane Women’s Group 6. Ian Carandang 7. Coalition for the Liberation of the Reassigned Sex (COLORS) 7. Mae Emmanuel 8. Elite Men’s Circle (EMC) 8. Marion Cabrera 9. EnGendeRights, Inc. 9. Mina Tenorio 10. Filipino Freethinkers (FF) 10. Neil Garcia 11. Fourlez Women’s Group 11. Raymond Alikpala 12. GAYAC (Gay Achievers Club) 12. Ryan Sylverio 13. KABARO-PUP 13. Santy Layno 14. LADLAD Cagayan De Oro 15. LADLAD Caraga, Inc. 16. LADLAD Europa 17. LADLAD LGBT Party 18. LADLAD Region II 19. Lesbian Activism Project Inc. (LeAP!), Inc. 20. Lesbian Piipinas 21. Link Davao 22. Metropolitan Community Church – Metro Baguio City (MCCMB) 23. Miss Maanyag Gay Organization of Butuan 24. OUT Exclusives Women’s Group 25. OUT Philippines LGBT Group 26. Outrage LGBT Magazine 27. Philippine Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) 28. Philippine Forum on Sports, Culture, Sexuality and Human Rights (TEAM PILIPINAS) 29. Pink Watch (formerly Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch (PLHCW) ) 30.
    [Show full text]
  • Social Climate/Column for Phil Daily Inquirer
    “What’s the latest?” Page 1 of 3 Column for Philippine Daily Inquirer PDI 09-02, 1-09-08 [for publication on 1-10-2008] “What’s the latest?” Mahar Mangahas Right after greeting me Happy New Year, the most common next question of friends and acquaintances is “What’s the latest?” referring, most of all, to prospects for the next national election in 2010, according to the SWS surveys. I tell them that the survey leaders are a cluster of three, namely Noli de Castro, Manny Villar, and Loren Legarda, and then refer them to the SWS website, since I can’t remember so many numbers, all the more as another year passes by. Anyway, for the nth time, last November 7th SWS reported the finding of its September 2008 survey that the top answers to the question on persons who would be good (magaling) successors of Pres. Arroyo as President, with up to three names accepted, were – with percentages in parentheses -- de Castro (29), Villar (28), Legarda (26), Panfilo Lacson (17), Francis Escudero (16), Joseph Estrada (13), and Mar Roxas (13). All others, including Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Bayani Fernando, Antonio Trillanes et al., got one percent or less. In short, the aspirants cluster into three groups: the top three, then a group of four at least 9 points away, and then everyone else. To be fair to all possible aspirants, no list of names was provided to prompt the respondents. As a result, we discover that some Filipinos favor the return of GMA or Erap in 2010, and some favor Trillanes, though he would not yet be 40 years old by then.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal No. 77
    REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Senat:e Pasay City Journal SESSION NO. 77 Wednesday, May 28,2014 SIXTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST REGULAR SESSION SESSION NO. 77 Wednesday, May 28, 2014 CALL TO ORDER ng malaking hamon na aming kina­ kaharap. At 3: 13 p.m., the Senate President, Hon. Franklin M. Drilon, called the session to order. Ang lahat po ng ito ay ibinabalik namin sa Iyo, Panginoon. PRAYER Amen. Sen. Joseph Victor G. Ejercito led the prayer, ROLL CALL to wit: Mahal na Panginoon, muli kaming Upon direction of the Chair, the Secretary of the nagtitipun-tipon sa hapong ito upang Senate, Atty. Oscar G. Yabes, called the roll, to magampanan ang aming mga tungkulin. which the following senators responded: Ipinapaabot namin ang aming lubos na pasasalamat sa Iyong pagmamahal at Angara, S. Honasan, G. B. sa mga biyayang ipinagkaloob Ninyo Aquino, P. B. IV. B. Lapid, M. L. M. sa amino Binay, M. L. N. S. Legarda, L. Drilon, F. M. Osmefia III, S. R. Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na Ejercito, J. V. G. Pimentel III, A. K. kinakaharap ng institusyong ito na aming Enrile, J. P. Poe, G. kinabibilangan, kami po ay hindi nawa­ Escudero, F. J. G. Sotto III, V. C. walan ng pag-asa na magiging maayos Estrada, J. Trillanes IV, A. F. din ang lahat at tanging kapakanan ng aming mga kababayan ang higit na With 16 senators present, the Chair declared the mananaig. presence of a quorum. Biyayaan Ninyo nawa kami ng sapat na karunungan at malinis na kalooban Senators Cayetano (A), Recto and Revilla arrived upang patuloy naming magampanan ang after the roll call.
    [Show full text]
  • Las Elecciones Presidenciales Filipinas De 2010: Entre La Inercia Y La Esperanza De Cambio
    Área: Asia-Pacífico ARI 83/2010 Fecha: 06/05/2010 Las elecciones presidenciales filipinas de 2010: entre la inercia y la esperanza de cambio Roberto Blanco Andrés * Tema: as elecciones generales de mayo de 2010 traerán un nuevo presidente después del largo mandato de Gloria Macapal-Arroyo. El futuro mandatario deberá hacer frente a los grandes desafíos en el bajo nivel de gobernanza y las deficiencias en el desarrollo. Resumen: En mayo de 2010, tras casi una década de gobierno, terminará la era Macapagal-Arroyo. Los sondeos presidenciales dan el primer puesto al liberal “Noynoy” Aquino, beneficiado por la gran popularidad de sus padres, seguido del nacionalista Villar, continuando a mayor distancia el populista Estrada, condenado hace pocos años por cargos de corrupción, y el oficialista Gilberto Teodoro. El desarrollo de la campaña ha puesto en evidencia el poco peso de los partidos políticos frente a las personalidades que concurren en los comicios. A pesar de que las votaciones serán las primeras automatizadas en la historia, siguen persistiendo la violencia política y la amenaza de irregularidades. Los candidatos han centrado su discurso en la solución de la corrupción y la pobreza como principales lacras del país. Análisis: El próximo lunes 10 de mayo de 2010 tendrán lugar en Filipinas elecciones generales, de carácter presidencial, legislativo y local. En ellas se votará para los cargos de presidente, vicepresidente, del Congreso (Casa de Representantes y mitad de los asientos del Senado), para los puestos provinciales (gobernadores, vicegobernadores alcaldes, y consejos de provincia) y de los gobiernos locales (alcaldes, vicealcaldes y consejeros de las ciudades).
    [Show full text]
  • Philippines (2010)
    Page 1 of 9 Print Freedom in the World - Philippines (2010) Political Rights Score: 4 * Capital: Manila Civil Liberties Score: 3 * Status: Partly Free Population: 92,227,000 Trend Arrow The Philippines received a downward trend arrow due to a general decline in the rule of law in the greater Mindanao region, and specifically the massacre of 57 civilians on their way to register a candidate for upcoming elections. Overview Political maneuvering escalated in 2009 as potential candidates prepared for the 2010 presidential election. Meanwhile, the administration remained unsuccessful in its long-standing efforts to amend the constitution and resolve the country’s Muslim and leftist insurgencies. In November, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared martial law in the southern province of Maguindanao after 57 people were massacred in an apparent bid by the area’s dominant clan to prevent the electoral registration of a rival candidate. After centuries of Spanish rule, the Philippines came under U.S. control in 1898 and won independence in 1946. The country has been plagued by insurgencies, economic mismanagement, and widespread corruption since the 1960s. In 1986, a popular protest movement ended the 14-year dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos and replaced him with Corazon Aquino, whom the regime had cheated out of an electoral victory weeks earlier. Aquino’s administration ultimately failed to implement substantial reforms and was unable to dislodge entrenched social and economic elites. Fidel Ramos, a key figure in the 1986 protests, won the 1992 presidential election. The country was relatively stable and experienced significant if uneven economic growth under his administration.
    [Show full text]
  • Shopping for Their Own Pair of Pink Stilettos: LGBT Rights Vis-À-Vis the Magna Carta of Women and Other Recent Laws and Jurisprudence in the Philippines
    Human Rights in Southeast Asia Series 1 BREAKING THE SILENCE 207 SHOPPING FOR THEIR OWN PAIR OF PINK STILettos: LGBT RIGHTS VIS-À-VIS THE Magna Carta OF Women AND OTHER RECENT LAWS AND Jurisprudence IN THE PHILIPPINES Sherwin Dwight Ocampo Ebalo In the struggle for human rights recognition, the movements of women and lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) are kindred spirits. Ideally, the developments in one movement benefit the other. However, recent women’s rights laws do not extend their protection to LGBTs. The disjuncture lies with the clear legal distinction secured by women as a group as against all other groups, including LGBTs. Like its kindred spirit, the LGBT rights movement should also establish its clear legal identity. The need for a clear legal identity for the LGBT rights movement is emphasized by three recent Supreme Court decisions. Silverio vs Republic shows the strict application of the law in favor of only those who are expressly granted with statutory benefits. Republic vs Cagandahan carves out an exception not specifically stated in the law because of the presence of substantial distinctions. Finally, Ang Ladlad vs Comelec successfully established a distinct legal identity for LGBTs, albeit for a specific purpose only. In the end, equal human rights treatment begins with the recognition of each group’s substantial characteristics. The challenge for the LGBT rights movement, therefore, is to clearly establish itself as a distinct group under the law. 208 Sherwin Dwight Ocampo Ebalo 1. Introduction The LGBT1 and women’s movements are kindred spirits. The two groups fight for the same thing—the respect and recognition of human rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Southern Philippines, February 2011
    Confirms CORI country of origin research and information CORI Country Report Southern Philippines, February 2011 Commissioned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Division of International Protection. Any views expressed in this paper are those of the author and are not necessarily those of UNHCR. Preface Country of Origin Information (COI) is required within Refugee Status Determination (RSD) to provide objective evidence on conditions in refugee producing countries to support decision making. Quality information about human rights, legal provisions, politics, culture, society, religion and healthcare in countries of origin is essential in establishing whether or not a person’s fear of persecution is well founded. CORI Country Reports are designed to aid decision making within RSD. They are not intended to be general reports on human rights conditions. They serve a specific purpose, collating legally relevant information on conditions in countries of origin, pertinent to the assessment of claims for asylum. Categories of COI included within this report are based on the most common issues arising from asylum applications made by nationals from the southern Philippines, specifically Mindanao, Tawi Tawi, Basilan and Sulu. This report covers events up to 28 February 2011. COI is a specific discipline distinct from academic, journalistic or policy writing, with its own conventions and protocols of professional standards as outlined in international guidance such as The Common EU Guidelines on Processing Country of Origin Information, 2008 and UNHCR, Country of Origin Information: Towards Enhanced International Cooperation, 2004. CORI provides information impartially and objectively, the inclusion of source material in this report does not equate to CORI agreeing with its content or reflect CORI’s position on conditions in a country.
    [Show full text]