Republika ng Pilipinas
Komisyon ng Karapatang Pantao
(Commission on Human Rights)

HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY CHR-A-04-99

 

PORNOGRAPHY AND OBSCENITY

The Charter of the United Nations reaffirms the States’ recognition of the dignity and worth of the human person and the equal rights of men and women. The inherent dignity of the human person is reiterated in Art. II par. 11 of the Philippine Constitution which reads:

"The State values the dignity of every human person
 and guarantees full respect for human rights."

The said principles also reiterated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of which the Philippines is a party.

Recent events have shown a proliferation in the movies and the media, offensive materials obviously considered as pornography. Naked bodies of women and passing shots of sexual acts are repeatedly shown. Women are thus treated as non-human beings or as objects of exploitation completely violative of the dignity of women.

The Philippines is also signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women which reaffirms faith in fundamental rights in the dignity and worth of the human person and emphasizing the rights of women who are usually discriminated against. The said Convention emphasizes the contribution of women in the procreation and upbringing of children and the preservation of family as a social institution.

The Commission on Human Rights is fully aware of the freedom of opinion and expression guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution. While Article 19 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees that everyone shall have the right to hold opinion without interference and the freedom of expression, said rights are subject to restrictions as may be provided by law as necessary for respect of the rights or reputation of others and the protection of morals.

The CHR views with concern the exhibition of films and publication in the media depicting women as mere subjects of exploitation and degrades their human dignity all incompatible with the aforesaid principles. They seriously harm not only women but also the whole society itself, giving wrong signals especially to the youth of our country. The exploitation of women also endangers the sanctity of marriage and family life as guaranteed in the Philippine Constitution (Art. II, par. 12 and Art. XV, section 1-4).

Pursuant to its advisory authority in respect to human rights and its constitutional function of monitoring Philippine Government compliance with international instruments on human rights, the CHR reminds appropriate state authority as parens patriae and all sectors of society especially the movie industry and the media on the observance of the aforesaid principles.

(Sgd.) AURORA NAVARETTE-RECIÑA Chairman
(Sgd.) NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC Commissioner   (Sgd.) VICENTE P. SIBULO Commissioner	(Sgd.) MERCEDES C. DANENBERG Commissioner   (Sgd.) JORGE R. COQUIA Commissioner

 

porno/hra-04
/lai

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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