Submission to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights 77th Session, 2025 Philippines
In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), a coalition of over 66 grassroots organizations and advocates from across the Philippines and abroad, welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (the Committee) as it reviews the Philippines’ Seventh Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
This submission draws upon the inputs from grassroots organizations advocating for the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, with a particular focus on marginalized populations. It critically analyzes the Philippine government’s performance in fulfilling its ICESCR obligations, including adherence to core principles such as ensuring Minimum Essential Levels of rights, preventing retrogressive measures, and addressing discrimination. The State’s obligation to prioritize those at greatest risk remains paramount, even in the context of resource constraints.
News
Human rights, justice, and accountability cannot wait! The Senate's sabotage of the Impeachment process must be condemned!
| Statement
The Senate chose to protect the powerful instead of the people by its decision to remand the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. We are deeply alarmed and collectively outraged by this move that has effectively paralyzed the impeachment process, subverted constitutional accountability, and insulted the sovereign will of the Filipino people.
The 18-5 decision showed that the majority of Senators chose to ignore the public clamor of Filipinos demanding this trial and the solid evidence of corruption in OVP/DepEd funds.
iDEFEND vehemently oppose Duterte's "Urgent Request for Interim Release"
| Statement
The In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) vehemently opposes the "Urgent Request for Interim Release" filed by Defence for former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ('Duterte') on June 12, 2025.
Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa unang buwan ng pagdakip kay dating pangulong Duterte
| Statement
Isang buwan mula nang arestuhin si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at dalhin sa ICC Detention Center sa The Hague upang simulan ang paglilitis sa kaso ng Crimes against Humanity of murder, ay kinukondena ng iDefend ang paglaganap ng mapanlilinlang at mapanlansingi mga impormasyon mula sa kampo ni Duterte at mga taga suporta nito.
A MONTH TO FOREVER: Duterte’s Accountability, JUSTICE TO VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES
| Statement
Manila, Philippines — One month after the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), families of victims, human rights advocates, and faith-based groups will come together in a powerful act of remembrance and collective action. The Solidarity Action for Victims of Extrajudicial Killings (EJKs) is both a tribute to those whose lives were violently taken and a renewed call for justice, truth, and institutional accountability.