Responding to President Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation’s Address, Amnesty International Philippines Section Director Butch Olano said:
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address may have reflected the country’s clamor for action and clear-cut plans in addressing social insecurity that continues to trap Filipinos in an endless cycle of poverty and deprivation, but talk is cheap. These gut issues need to be addressed at a level that is felt by ordinary Filipinos. A recent SWS survey showing that Filipinos rated themselves ‘poor’ is said to be at its highest in the last 16 years, contrary to his speech where he said that there has been prosperity, social development, and some progress during the past year in terms of poverty alleviation, job security, climate justice, and even agrarian reform – issues that bring Filipinos to their knees when not effectively addressed.
“Amnesty International Philippines calls for realistic and transparent measures to mitigate the shortages, especially in food and other basic commodities and essential services that make it possible for Filipinos to live with dignity. Measures addressing inflation, for instance, should in particular be conscious of the lived experiences of the most vulnerable groups in society, with them at the center of the decision-making.
Amnesty International Philippines calls for realistic and transparent measures to mitigate the shortages, especially in food and other basic commodities and essential services that make it possible for Filipinos to live with dignity. Measures addressing inflation, for instance, should in particular be conscious of the lived experiences of the most vulnerable groups in society, with them at the center of the decision-making.
“Inequality soars due to the government’s neglect of people’s Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR), so people are driven to protest, with hopes of getting the government’s attention and action. Too often, protesters are either dismissed as nuisance and even prosecuted for alleged violations or are only paid lip service with promises of a better Philippines. The country does not need window dressing; what we need is universal social protection that addresses socio-economic issues that are at the root of these protests.
“Amnesty International Philippines will never look away; we are keeping watch. In fact, we are still anticipating the Palace’s promise of a dialogue through the Presidential Human Rights Committee, following the release of our State of the World Human Rights Report this year. We are all set. BBM, Sagot Mo Ba Ako?”
Background:
On 22 July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) tagged as the biggest one yet in the history of the country based on the confirmed attendees. The President wrapped up his second year in office addressing major issues but failing to recognize the Filipino peoples’ most pressing concerns.
Amnesty International Philippines also released its third “report card” showing President Marcos Jr.’s failure in addressing human rights priorities as presented to him during the 2022 Presidential elections, together with the organization’s Legislative Agenda for the 19th Congress.