THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines has clarified that a necessary deed of transfer and possession has not yet been signed with the Human Rights Violation Victims’ Memorial Commission, therefore causing the delay in the start of construction of the planned martial law museum in the university’s Diliman campus.

HRVVMC had funded a new P80-million building where the UP Diliman Campus Maintenance Office will be transferred after it vacates the site where the museum will rise.

“The main cause of delay has been the absence of the deed of transfer document (for the building) that is still with HRVVMC for approval,” UP vice president for planning and development Dan Peckley said.

He explained that UP needs the deed of transfer signed by both parties to be able to fully implement the transfer of the building and clear the area where HRVVMC will construct the museum.

The university’s legal office approved a draft of the deed which was forwarded to HRVVMC last April 18, Peckley added.

UP followed up the document’s status in May, June, August and today, according to Peckley. “Previously, HRVVMC informed the university that the draft was still being reviewed by the Office of the Solicitor General and Commission on Human Rights.”

UP is committed to work with the museum stakeholders and provide assistance to ensure the establishment of the Martial Law Museum in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, he said.

Meanwhile, UP president Angelo Jimenez has called an emergency meeting this week to tackle the matter and reaffirm the university’s commitment in realizing the museum.

“We take criticisms, even harsh ones, positively as part of the difficult challenges we face but we know that at its core, it is an expression of our shared commitment to human rights,” Jimenez said. “This project is a go so let’s finish it.”