Politics · Philippines Bureau
Ex-SC official calls for stricter death certificate documentation system
A former Supreme Court spokesperson has urged clearer protocols for issuing and correcting death certificates, as an independent investigation into drug war deaths identifies at least five physicians linked to questionable mortality records.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA—A former spokesperson of the Supreme Court called Friday for establishing a more rigorous documentation system governing the issuance and amendment of death certificates, amid findings that multiple physicians certified deaths of questionable circumstances during the government's anti-drug operations.
The appeal came during a press conference held jointly with a Truth Commission investigating killings tied to the drug war. The independent body has flagged at least five physicians whose involvement in certifying contested deaths warrants scrutiny, according to statements made at the gathering.
The call for institutional reform addresses long-standing concerns about the integrity of mortality records in high-profile cases. Authorities have faced sustained pressure to improve transparency and accountability in how medical professionals document deaths in circumstances marked by legal and human rights questions.
A standardized certification process, proponents argue, could strengthen the evidentiary chain and prevent irregular practices that undermine public confidence in official death documentation. The Truth Commission's investigation continues to examine the circumstances surrounding multiple deaths linked to anti-narcotics campaigns.