The Hans Koechler Political and Philosophical Society (HKPPS), led by Dr. Remedios Balbin, recently held a round-table discussion to take up respect for human rights cases, including presumptions under the proposed Philippine Anti-Terrorism Law.

The starting point for the discussions was the issue of terrorism allegedly committed by a country in the Lockerbie case, resulting in the explosion of Pan-Am Flight 103 in 1988, which is now being disputed by evidence showing the contrary.

Koechler leads the group of academicians questioning the conclusions reached by the Scotland High Court in Camp Zeist, The Netherlands.

Balbin, HKPPS president, heads the group of lawyers, legislators, academicians, practitioners, and affected private persons. Among those present were Rep. Satur Ocampo, Marina chief of investigation Arni Santiago, Atty. Antonio Paris, Prof. Abdul Hussin Kashim, Prof. Jaime Ramirez, Dean Jorge Sibal, business executive Danilo Real, UP Regent Jaime de los Santos, and Dean Carmen Abubakar.

The discussions focused on the need to respect the human rights of all persons, including those accused of terrorism, and which are expressly stressed in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution. The State should first lead in the respect of those rights, if peace, understanding, and reconciliation will be achieved.