Home on In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement

Korap na Gubyerno, Dusa sa Pilipino SINGILIN! PANAGUTIN!

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Limampu’t tatlong taon makalipas ang paghudyat ng isa sa pinakamadilim na yugto ng kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, patuloy tayong minumulto’t binabalot ng pamana ng Batas Militar at legasiya ng Rehimeng Marcos Sr. Hanggang ngayon, lubog ang bayan sa korapsyon, katiwalian, at kawalang pananagutan.

Sa kabila ng pangako ng kasalukuyang administrasyon noong panahon ng kampanya, hindi nasilayan ng mamamayang Pilipino ang ginhawang pinagmayabang ng UNITEAM. Malayong-malayo sa katotohanan ang pangakong bente pesos na bigas, hindi totoong mahihirap ang prayoridad sa programang pabahay, patuloy na tumataas na mga bilihin habang patuloy na pinagkakasya ng maraming manggagawa ang minimum wage, lalong lumalaki ang utang ng gubyerno, at nitong huli, unti-unting nang nasasapubliko ang matinding korapsyon at paglustay sa buwis ng mamamayan at isa rito ang mga flood control projects na sabwatan ng gubyerno at mga kontraktor.

Postponement of the Confirmation of Criminal Charges Hearing only serves Duterte, NOT THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0800

The ICC Pre-trial chamber 1 has just postponed the confirmation of charges hearing of former Philippine strongman Rodrigo Duterte. This is a blow to the thousands of victims of his brutal drug war and their families, who hoped for a swift confirmation that all evidence submitted truly warrant a full trial.

Duterte’s legal counsel tried every trick employed by corrupt politicians in the Philippines to escape accountability. The sick man playbook is the most popular among them. However, the confirmation of charges should have proceeded even while ascertaining Duterte’s health. We agree with Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera that his fitness should be more appropriately discussed at the trial stage, which has a different set of requirements from the pre-trial.

IGIIT ANG GOBYERNONG MAY PANANAGUTAN, LABANAN ANG KRISIS SA KABUHAYAN AT KARAPATAN

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0800

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) Analysis sa Tatlong Taon ng Gubyernong Marcos-Duterte

Nagsimula ang pamumunong Marcos-Duterte sa pangako ng UNITY at beinte pesos kada kilong bigas. Makalipas ang tatlong taon, mas matingkad na usapin ang bangayan ng panig ng dalawang dinastiya kaysa sa pagpapababa ng presyo ng bilihin, pagtaas ng sahod ng mga manggagawa, at pagtugon sa problema ng kawalang paninirahan at katiyakan sa pagkain. Sa gitna ng pagkawasak ng tambalang Marcos-Duterte nagtala ng pinakamataas na antas ng kagutuman mula noong pandemic (27.2% ayon sa SWS).

Human rights, justice, and accountability cannot wait! The Senate's sabotage of the Impeachment process must be condemned!

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 11:04:21 +0800

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"

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:50:12 +0800

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

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:46:47 +0800

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

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:42:42 +0800

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.

iDEFEND hails arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:52:17 +0800

The In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity (iDEFEND) network hails the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte (“Duterte”) by the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) through the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization (“INTERPOL”), as a defining moment in the history of international criminal justice in the Philippines. The arrest of Duterte is an enforcement of international law which acknowledged Duterte’s crimes against humanity, particularly his policy on the war on drugs, leading to the deaths of thousands of Filipinos.

Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan 2025

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 23:54:45 +0800

Sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan, nakikiisa ang iDEFEND sa lahat ng kababaihang lumalaban para sa dignidad, katarungan, at pagkakapantay-pantay. Sa mga pagawaan man, tahanan, at komunidad patuloy na nararanasan ng kababaihan ang diskriminasyon, karahasan, at pag-apak sa kanilang mga karapatan—ngunit sila rin ang nangunguna sa laban para sa pantay at makatarungang lipunan.

More decisive action needed to guarantee ESCR and protect HRDs in the Philippines

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:15:57 +0800

iDEFEND’s Statement on the 7th periodic review of the Philippines at the 77th Session of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

Ang Ating Karapatan, Ang Ating Kinabukasan ay Ating Laban

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:57:17 +0800

Pahayag para sa ika-76 Anibersaryo ng Pandaigdigang Pahayag ng Karapatang Pantao (UDHR)

House hearings must lead to Accountability

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:36:49 +0800

The long overdue hearing by the House of Representatives ’ “ Quadcom ” revealed powerful evidences of corruption, heinous crimes and human rights violations linked to POGOs, international syndicates, and the war on drugs particularly during the past Duterte administration. Shocking revelations coming from personalities directly involved in these crimes have surfaced, finally shedding light on the truth.

Paggunita sa ika-52 anibersaryo ng deklarasyon ng martial law

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 22:41:44 +0800

Ika-21 ng Setyembre, 2024 “Pananagutan sa Panahon ng Bagong Lipunan… Kalayaan at Hustisya sa Panahon ng Bagong Pilipinas!” Masaklap na pamana ng martial law ang patuloy na nararanasan nating kabuktutan at korapsyon sa pamahalaan, mababang kalidad ng serbisyo publiko, at ang pagnakaw ng mga opisyal sa kaban ng bayan. Nanganganib itong magpatuloy sa mga susunod na salinlahi kung hindi tayo matuto sa aral ng ating kasaysayan.

Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa SONA 2024

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:14:52 +0800

Habang inaabangan ng sambayanang Pilipino ang ikatlong State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ngayong araw, Hulyo 22, binibigyang-diin ng In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDefend) ang pangangailangang tugunan ang mga kritikal na isyung pangkarapatang pantao sa gitna ng patuloy na krisis sa ekonomiya.

AO 22: more of the same cheap stunts seeking international favor

Mon, 13 May 2024 21:52:35 +0800

The recently announced Administrative Order 22 creating the Human Rights Coordinating Committee by President Marcos Jr. will replace the United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP) which is ending its term in June this year. The Joint Program on Human Rights was a result of the UN Human Rights Council resolution towards capacity building for the Philippines, in light of the devastating war on drugs and war on terror by the previous Duterte government.

“Red tagging threatens life, liberty and security of Filipinos”- Supreme Court

Thu, 09 May 2024 17:25:33 +0800

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND ) welcomes the Supreme Court ruling on red-tagging in the face of continuing threats to the life and safety of human rights and environmental defenders in the country. The Court affirmed the pernicious impact of such practice which was institutionalized by the previous Duterte government and allowed by the present Marcos Jr. government. The ruling proved that red tagging poses a threat to people’s life, liberty, and security.

To Protect Filipino Seafarers, the Philippine Government must call for stronger measures towards a Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza Now!

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 16:10:31 +0800

To this day since November 19, 2023, when the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader was seized by the Houthis, 17 Filipino member of the ship’s crew are still being held in Yemen. In their most recent attack, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile that struck another ship named True Confidence and killed three seafarers, two of whom are Filipinos, and injured four others.

Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa Pandaigdigang Buwan ng Kababaihan

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:55:43 +0800

Ginugunita ngayong taon ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Kababaihan kasabay ng mas tumitinding mga usapin at atake sa mga kababaihan at kanilang mga kinabibilangang komunidad at sektor.

Working justice system? - iDEFEND

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 09:47:46 +0800

A Navotas Regional Trial Court found Police SSgt. Gerry Maliban and four other policemen guilty of homicide and illegal discharge of weapons, resulting in the death of 17-year old Jemboy Baltazar. Another cop was acquitted. Maliban is sentenced to jail for up to six years while four of the convicted have been released for “time served”.

Ilaban ang karapatan para sa tagumpay ng mamamayan

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 01:06:53 +0800

Pahayag ng iDefend sa #UDHR75 Sa ika-75 anibersaryo ng Deklarasyon ng Karapatang Pantao, ginugunita sa buong mundo ang adhikain ng Dignidad, Kalayaan at Hustisya para sa lahat. Sinasariwa natin ang pagkakaroon ng isang deklarasyong ibinunga ng pinakamadilim na yugto ng kasaysayan, ang pangalawang pandaigdigang giyera. Isang deklarasyong nakatuon sa kinabukasan na wala nang nagugutom, inaapi, dinadahas, at ninanakawan ng pag asa.

PHILIPPINE GROUPS FORM ANTI-WAR NETWORK: Call for Permanent Ceasefire, End to Genocide in Gaza

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:30:14 +0800

We, the Philippine groups representing various interests and advocacies, including those on human rights, labor, women, youth, urban poor, Moro and IPs, environment, and political parties, form ourselves today into NO TO WAR network in solidarity with the world’s people who are suffering from the devastating impacts of ongoing conflicts and in preventing the slide of other conflicts into new wars, including those in Asia and possibly in the Philippines.

The vindication of Leila De Lima

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 21:41:57 +0800

Former Senator Leila de Lima has been granted bail and released by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court where she is facing her last drug related case. This vindicates her and the good fight she waged against the violent and criminal rule of former President Rodrigo Duterte. De Lima was ousted from the Senate leadership of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights in 2016 and slapped with trumped up charges by the Duterte government after initiating the only credible investigation into the war on drugs.

Hustisya para kay Juan Jumalon at sa iba pang mamamahayag na biktima ng karahasan at paglabag sa karapatang pantao!

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:25:29 +0800

Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa pagkakapaslang kay DJ Johnny Walker Mariing kinokondena ng In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDefend) ang pagpaslang sa brodkaster na si Ginoong Juan Jumalon, kilala bilang DJ Johnny Walker, sa loob mismo ng kanyang tahanan at studio, noong ika-5 ng Nobyembre. Binaril si Jumalon ng ilang salarin habang naka livestream sa Calamba, Misamis Occidental. Si Jumalon ang ika apat na mamamahayag na pinaslang sa ilalim ng gobyernong Marcos Jr.

iDefend Condemns Israel War Crimes

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:07:32 +0800

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) vehemently condemns the unabated bombings of Gaza and the attacks on its civilian population including the bombing of the Al-Ahli Hospital last week, and continued threats to target civilian establishments, especially hospitals. These acts including ongoing raids and killings in Ramallah, East Jerusalem and the West Bank amounts to crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by Israel on the Palestinian people.

JUSTICE CANNOT WAIT

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:13:05 +0800

Statement on the ICC decision rejecting the Philippine appeal on its investigation

One year of PBBM – “more of Dutertismo, but without the vulgarity”- iDefend

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:33:20 +0800

Statement on the President’s one year in office President Marcos Jr. reached his one year mark in office without substantially addressing the human rights crises he inherited from the Duterte government, nor has he taken meaningful steps to exact accountability for continuing human rights violations and corporate led human rights abuses against the Filipino people.

Sa Araw ng Kalayaan, gunitain ang laban ng sambayanan para sa karapatan

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:34:50 +0800

Sa ika-125 taong anibersaryo ng tagumpay ng rebolusyong Pilipino ipinagdiriwang natin ang Araw ng Kalayaan. Mahalagang alalahanin ang diwa ng kalayaang ito na nag ugat sa pangarap ng buong sambayanang lumaya sa pagka alipin at kolonyalismo. Bunsod ng hangaring mabuhay bilang nagsasariling bansa, inilunsad ang himagsikang bayan at ipinanalo ang kalayaan mula sa dayuhang mananakop, upang pamunuan at pandayin ang kinabukasang may dangal at pag asa.

FREE LEILA DE LIMA NOW! JUSTICE FOR ALL THE VICTIMS OF DUTERTE-MARCOS’ WAR ON DRUGS!

Fri, 12 May 2023 17:30:21 +0800

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) is elated, and congratulates former Senator Leila de Lima on beating the second case filed against her by the former Duterte administration. This is a vindication of her innocence of which she has never wavered in asserting throughout the past six years. De Lima, one of the country’s most prominent human rights defenders, is a staunch opponent of the bloody war on drugs.

Sigaw ng kababaihan: LUPA, KALIKASAN, KABUHAYAN!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 07:19:31 +0800

Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan Sa pandaigdigang araw ng kababaihan ginugunita at binibigyang pugay ng iDEFEND ang makasaysayang pakikibaka ng kababaihan tungo sa kalayaan, kapayapaan at pagkakapantay-pantay. Nasaksihan natin kung paano ang bawat tagumpay sa laban ng kababaihan ay nag aangat sa lipunan sa mas mataas na antas ng kaunlaran at kagalingan, kung kaya’t ano mang pagbabagong ating hinahangad ay magiging makahulugan lamang kung nababago nito ang kalagayan ng kababaihan.

Statement on the HRD Protection Bill

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:28:34 +0800

iDEFEND welcomes the approval of the House Committee on Human Rights of the consolidated version of the proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Act (HRDPA) which would mandate the government to protect HRDs. This is an important milestone in efforts to secure protection for rights defenders (HRDs) from threats and harassment as a result of their related activities. It is likewise an important pushback against shrinking civic spaces as a result of the government’s continuing war against dissent.

TANGAN NATIN ANG EDSA HANGGANG NGAYON

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:19:36 +0800

Pahayag ng iDefend sa ika-37 anibersaryo ng 1986 EDSA People Power Uprising Hindi lang minsan nagisnan ng ating kasaysayan ang pagkabuklod buklod ng mamamayan upang ipaglaban ang kalayaan at katarungan. Aral natin ang himagsik ng bayan laban sa dayuhang mananakop, ang pagtindig laban sa tiranya, ang pagtatanggol alang alang sa kapakanan ng bawat isa.

Ipagpatuloy ang laban tungo sa matiwasay, pantay, ligtas at malayang buhay

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 09:11:56 +0800

Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa ika-74 anibersaryo ng Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Submission to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights 77th Session, 2025 Philippines

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

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.

The review takes place amidst significant political shifts following the election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022, succeeding the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, under which the OHCHR reported “widespread and systematic human rights violations,” particularly in the anti-drug campaign.

Persistent challenges include the exploitation of indigenous peoples and farmers, as laws protecting land rights and agrarian reform are undermined by influential political and corporate actors. Despite its significant mandate, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples continues to face concerns about its independence and effectiveness.

We do recognize some positive developments under the current administration, including constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process and the release of former Senator Leila de Lima. However, as noted by UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, following her visit to the Philippines in February 2024, “fundamental reforms and accountability” are indispensable to addressing the “grave and deep-seated human rights problems” in the country.

Regrettably, the Marcos administration has perpetuated the war on drugs, a policy previously linked to widespread extrajudicial killings. As of December 2024, 363 drug-related killings were documented, including 112 attributed to state agents. According to the Dahas Project, victims include individuals with no known drug ties, such as a police officer and the brother of a suspected drug pusher. This continued violence underscores the absence of meaningful reforms in the government’s anti-drug policy framework.

Economic policies under the Marcos administration further reflect a corporate-oriented approach. The establishment of a Private Sector Advisory Council, composed predominantly of CEOs, tasked with shaping policies in sectors critical to economic, social, and cultural rights—such as energy, housing, agriculture, and healthcare—raises concerns about the potential marginalization of vulnerable communities in decision-making processes.

We urge the Committee to consider these developments and recommend the adoption of decisive measures to uphold human rights in the Philippines. These should include concrete steps to address ongoing human rights violations, ensure accountability for past abuses, and align economic policies with the principles of equity and social justice as enshrined in the ICESCR.

Filename: 2025-IDEFEND-ESCR-REPORT-PHILIPPINES.pdf
File size: 11.4 mb

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Who we are

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDefend) is a grassroots movement of more than 70 individual and organizational members based in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as in Europe, Canada, United States, and Australia. It is a grassroots movement that defends the rights and upholds the dignity of all Filipinos. It engages with the government, educates and organizes the public and transforms collective voices into public action. iDEFEND works towards the realization of a rights-based governance that is anchored on respect for due process and rule of law. It works with local and international networks. iDefend members conduct monitoring and documentation of human rights violations, wellness and medical services, policy and legal advocacy, human rights education and training, and protection mechanisms for human rights defenders.