BY REGINA BENGCO

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday assured the international community that democracy under her administration is strong and that she is determined to stamp out political violence.

Arroyo in a vin d’honneur told diplomats that cases of violence against political activists and journalists have dropped by 83 percent since the Melo Commission was created in 2006 and its recommendations followed.

"While we are pleased with the progress, we will not be satisfied until every last incidence or violence has stopped and every criminal prosecuted and behind bars. We must stop the legacy of violence and start the era of political harmony," she said.

A report from the interior department showed there were seven political killings last year, compared with 41 in 2006.

Arroyo’s reaction followed the downgrading by international democracy watchdog Freedom House of the Philippines’ democratic status to "slightly free." The report took into consideration the country’s record on the killings of political activists and media practitioners.

Human Rights commissioner Wilhelm Soriano said government should seriously look into the Freedom House report and improve the human rights situation.

But as far as the Commission of Human Rights is concerned, Soriano said, the Arroyo government has taken great strides in protecting human rights in the country, especially on the aspect of legislation.

"We have recognized the fact that in 2007, the President initiated concrete actions to protect and promote human rights situations and has taken initiatives to improve the country’s rights conditions," Soriano said. – With Job Realubit