Is RTFN recognized in the legal system
The current RTF Bill (Zero Hunger Bill) was filed in 2014 and is still pending for deliberation[1]. With the impending start of the 2016 national election campaign in February 2016, the passage of the bill into a law now becomes more uncertain. If passed into law, the RTAF bill could be one of the legacies of the current administration and would clearly show the State’s commitment to uphold the rights of the Filipino people.[2] House Bill No. 61 underwent first reading back in July 2016. This bill and the related bills were referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, House Committee on Heath and House Committee on Food Security. At the last session day of December 2016, their consolidation and transfer to the House Committee on Human Rights was formalized. The first hearings scheduled for early 2017 (see here for updates: http://righttoadequatefood.ph/news/blogupdates )
The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines explicitly guarantees the right to adequate food.
State Policy
Explicit protection of the right to adequate food
Article XV:
“Section 3. The State shall defend:
(2) The right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their development.”
Implicit protection of the right to adequate food
Article XIII:
“Section 3. It shall guarantee the rights of all workers […] shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a living wage.
Article XV:
“Section 3. The State shall defend:
(3) The right of the family to a family living wage and income.”
Directive principles of state policy
Article II:
“Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.
Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.”
