ChildRight finances lawsuit against manager orphanage, Philippines
Co-founder and former manager of an orphanage on the Philippines is accused of sexual abuse and rape by five of the children that where under his care.
The legal device of the Philippines is not able to manage the case; too little personnel, too little financial means, no priority. But then again, it is about five orphans: girls without papers, without parents, family or connections, without any money.
The advocate of the girls is a concerned lawyer, a member of the International Federation or Women Lawyers (FIDA). But she as well encounters unwillingness and indifference. The accused is a respected man: an old-priest student and faculty member of the famous Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan).
ChildRight supports the girls in their course against the suspect with financial means for legal assistance, accommodation, transport and food.
Because of the cases of sexual abuse and the incompetence of the employees, the orphanage was closed on request of the government. Now the orphanage is renamed and again operational as a NGO.
The Ministry of Social Affairs on the Philippines has found that daily 3 people, mainly minors, are being raped. As most of the victims are under age, innocent and poor, only a few will reach the right authority.
