Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla is pushing for the passage of a measure that would establish a formal protection system for refugees and stateless persons in the Philippines, citing the country’s duty to uphold human dignity and humanitarian principles.
Padilla is seeking the approval of Senate Bill No. 616, or the proposed Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Act. The bill aims to institutionalize safeguards for individuals fleeing war, persecution, violence, and other conditions that leave them without state protection.
The proposal also seeks to create a Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Board under the Department of Justice, which would serve as the central authority in evaluating applications for refugee or stateless status.
Padilla said the Philippines has a long history of offering refuge to people displaced by conflict and persecution.
“Ang Pilipinas ay matagal nang naging tahanan ng mga taong tumatakas sa digmaan, pag-uusig, at kaguluhan. Bilang mga Pilipino na minsan ding nakaranas ng pananakop, paglikas, at paghahanap ng pagkalinga, nauunawaan natin ang halaga ng isang bansang handang tumanggap at tumulong,” Padilla said.
Under the bill, the government would adopt a clear legal framework for determining refugee and stateless status while ensuring access to legal protection and basic services.
The proposed board would also be tasked with helping ensure the country’s compliance with its obligations under international law.
Padilla stressed that the measure is not meant to open the country’s borders without safeguards. He said the bill balances humanitarian protection with national security by keeping strict eligibility standards and screening procedures for applicants.
“Hindi ito tungkol sa pagbubukas ng ating bansa nang walang limitasyon. Ito ay tungkol sa pagkakaroon ng maayos, malinaw, at makataong sistema na naaayon sa ating batas at sa ating pandaigdigang obligasyon,” he said.
The Philippines is a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.
Padilla said the proposed law would translate these international commitments into a stronger domestic legal framework.
He said the measure has become more urgent as armed conflicts, political instability, and humanitarian crises continue to displace millions of people across the world.
“Sa panahon na milyun-milyong tao sa buong mundo ang nawalan ng tahanan dahil sa digmaan at pag-uusig, kailangang maipakita ng Pilipinas na nananatili tayong bansa ng malasakit, dignidad, at paggalang sa karapatang pantao,” Padilla said.
The senator said the bill would also strengthen coordination between the Philippine government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and other international organizations in responding to humanitarian emergencies.
“Ang tunay na lakas ng isang bansa ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa kakayahan nitong ipagtanggol ang sarili, kundi pati sa kakayahan nitong tumulong sa mga nangangailangan habang pinangangalagaan ang sariling seguridad at interes ng sambayanan,” Padilla said.
Padilla urged Congress to prioritize the measure, saying its passage would reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to human dignity, international law, and the protection of vulnerable people.