Torture impunity: Zero convictions under the Anti-torture Act of 2009 as of April 2016.

Abstract

In accordance to the United Nations Convention against Torture, the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 was ratified by the Philippines after being a signatory to the convention for more than 23 years. As of February 2016, this law has failed to convict any perpetrators. This study aims to identify the factors attributed to the zero convictions of the law. The research was done through in-depth interviews with key experts in this law in order to triangulate data from different perspectives, namely from the legal counsel of those who have tried to file a case using this law, the government agency prescribed by the law to monitor such incidents and assist victims of torture, and from the perspective of a psychologist who will provide the contextual data needed in understanding the psychological aspect of torture as discussed in the law itself. The findings have suggested that the political culture in the Philippines has strongly affected the efficiency of the legal system and judicial process in trying cases involving the Anti-Torture Act of 2009.