TOKHANG MAY BE gone, but the human rights situation in the country continues to deteriorate, according to the Amnesty International Philippines (AIP).
In a press conference following AIP’s launch of “Report 2024/25: State of the World’s Human Rights,” Jepie Papa in her capacity as AIP acting director particularly cited what she aptly referred to as widespread impunity, shrinking civic space, and the persistent red-tagging of human rights defenders.
Among the affected sectors Papa identified included journalists, indigenous cultural community leaders, and environmental activists.
‘By rejoining the Rome Statute, fully cooperating with the ICC … the Philippine government … can show that it can carry out credible investigations and deliver its promises of ‘real justice in real time’.’
RED-TAGGING
“Laws like the Anti-Terrorism Act, the practice of surveillance and red-tagging of human rights defenders show that mechanisms of repression are deeply embedded in the system,” Papa said.
“The international community has already seen this, with human rights defenders, development workers, and journalists sharing their personal stories. Their voices must be heard, and their safety must be guaranteed,” she noted.
Red tagging is the act of labeling individuals or organizations as communists, subversives, or terrorists, as a way of harassment and intimidation. The usual suspects — government officials and law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In May 2024, the Supreme Court declared red-tagging, vilification, labelling, and guilt by association as threat to a person’s right to life, liberty, or security, which may justify the issuance of a writ of amparo.
PLAYING SAFE
While cops have been closely associated with extrajudicial killings during the previous administration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) insisted that red-tagging doesn’t form part of their mandate.
“Regarding the issue of repression of dissent, the PNP does not possess any legal mandate to engage in the practice commonly referred to as red-tagging whether against individuals or groups,” PNP-Human Rights Affairs Office representative Brigadier General Jerry Protacio said
“On the issue of enforced disappearance there are several individuals allegedly victims of forced disappearance. There are already temporary protection orders issued to the Supreme Court in favor of those missing activities,” he added.
Under the previous administration, human rights groups hinted at around 30,000 summary executions mostly perpetrated by PNP operatives.
POVERTY RELATED
According to the rights group, the lives of millions of Filipinos barely improved despite what the government claimed as a growing economy as reflected in government figures covering the latter part of 2024 and the first three months of the current year.
“What really drives poverty and insecurity? This is the human rights issue, we cannot talk about progress while millions go hungry, live in slums, or fear violence for standing up and speaking out,” Papa averred.
“Economic, social, and cultural rights are not optional—these are basic rights. Growth that excludes or disenfranchises marginalized sectors cannot be called progress,” the AIP country chief further said.
The group also hinted at a climate crisis that has been affecting indigenous cultural communities, farmers, fisherfolks, among others.
POLITICAL UNREST
Amnesty International Philippines also noted the “political chaos” in the 2025 midterm elections.
“Filipinos need institutions that withstand celebrity politics, institutions that uphold accountability no matter who is in the Senate and Congress,” Papa said.
Meanwhile, the organization considers the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a “brief respite” for the family of thousands slain in the guise of anti-drug operations.
“By rejoining the Rome Statute, fully cooperating with the ICC, and prosecuting perpetrators outside of Duterte’s case, the Philippine government through the Department of Justice (DOJ) can show that it can carry out credible investigations and deliver its promises of ‘real justice in real time’.”