CHR eyes raps vs. brgy. chairman in abused helper’s case

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday said it is looking into recommending the filing of charges against the chairman of a barangay in Occidental Mindoro over the case of abused helper Elvie Vergara.

“CHR will continue to stand for the rights of the weak, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors,” the agency said in a statement.

“As part of the CHR investigation, we have issued a subpoena to the employers and we are also looking into recommending the filing of charges against the barangay chairman,” it added.

Vergara’s situation first came to light in late August, prompting a senate inquiry on the abuses she allegedly suffered at the hands of her employers in Mamburao.

During an earlier hearing, Vergara recounted how she was able to escape in 2021.

She said she sought help from the barangay, but instead of helping her, she heard one of the officials supposedly informing her employer about her location.

This was denied by the barangay captain.

Despite this, senators slammed Patal for failing to help Vergara and for failing to listen to both Vergara and her employer, which should have been the standard procedure. One senator said Patal should be charged with dereliction of duty.

“As workers, they must be treated equally as other employees and not be treated like servants or slaves. Their rights as workers and dignity as human beings must always be recognized by all, especially with how they enable and help individuals and families to pursue their plans and dreams,” it said.

According to the agency, aside from the investigation it is conducting, financial assistance will also be offered to Vergara.

The CHR said this was a “recognition of the wrong that has been done and as support in pursuing the case.”

“As we continue to pursue our independent investigation and monitoring of the case, may the case of Vergara serve as a wake-up call for the need to reexamine and provide reforms in safeguarding our domestic workers in the country,” it said.

“And in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, may we give better meaning to the human rights guarantee that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity in rights,” it added.

The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights has cited Vergara’s employer in contempt, believing that she was the “mastermind of everything—of maltreating, of inflicting severe injuries” on Vergara.

Vergara's employers have repeatedly denied the allegations. —VAL, GMA Integrated News